Aide Médical de l'Etat (State Medical Aid) is free of charge. It is intended for foreigners who meet the conditions of income, and has a stable residence in France. It has a validity of one (1) year and must be renewed every year provided that you have uninterrupted stay in France for more than three (3) months, and have resources which do not exceed a certain limit. If you have dependents, they can also benefit from AME through your application. These can be your spouse, and children under twenty (20) years old if they are studying; but not members of your family living abroad. They can however apply for AME under humanitarian basis.
Requirements:
1. Identity
This can be your passport indicating your arrival in France, national identity card, birth certificate, old residence permit, or documents attesting your identity such as driver's license or student ID.
2. Residence
This can be visa or stamp in your passport; rental contract or receipt; electricity, gas, water, or landline; income, property, or housing tax; or certificate from the house owner if you are accommodated.
3. Resources
This can be your wages, allowances, pensions, or savings within the ceiling below:
AME can grant up to 100% coverage of medical and hospital care under social security rates. Once all conditions are met, complete the AME form together with your identity card, your proof of residence more than three (3) months, your proof of income for the last 12 months, and visa-sized photo of you and your dependents. You can access the form at ameli.fr or at www.ameli.fr/sites/default/files/formulaires/formulaire-ame-s3720h.pdf .
The form must then be submitted in the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) to your place of residence. You can send it via mail or their drop boxes. Your CPAM will then inform you of the decision of your application within two (2) months upon sending. If you are accepted you will then be invited to receive your card; however, if you do not receive a response after two (2) months, then it is refused. You can then re-appeal.
After a year, you will need to renew your card two (2) months before its expiration. You will use the same form as your first request.
I hope this article can help you in your application! Bienvenue en France !