What is Universal Health Protection (UHC)?

Verified 27 April 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

What is Universal Health Protection (UDHP)? This principle allows health care costs to be covered without any breach of entitlement. This care is provided even in the event of a change of professional situation (loss of employment...), family situation (separation...) or residence.

The Puma guarantees to any person working or resident in France on a stable and regular basis a right to be paid for his health costs on a personal basis and on a continuous basis throughout life.

Puma also allows to remain in the same health insurance plan, even in case of loss of activity or change of personal situation. This avoids possible periods of disruption in your rights.

The evidence necessary to prove the lawfulness of the stay is not the same for nationals of the European Economic Area and Switzerland and for the others.

European

Nationals of the European Economic Area and of Switzerland are not required to present a residence permit to prove their regularity of residence.

However, they must provide a copy of their ID or passport.

FYI  

The stability condition of the residence (3 months) is met without delay for some people. For example: refugees, people returning to France after a international volunteering abroad, the beneficiaries of the RSA: titleContent or the Disabled Adult Allowance (DAA).

Other nationalities

The person claiming to be covered by his or her health costs must have proof showing that she has been residing in France continuously for more than 3 months (example: rental contract).

FYI  

The stability condition of the residence (3 months) is met without delay for some people. For example: refugees, people returning to France after a international volunteering abroad, the beneficiaries of the RSA: titleContent or the Disabled Adult Allowance (DAA).

Anyone who works or resides in France on a stable and regular basis and is covered by the Health Insurance.

Major

A person who has reached the age of majority without a professional activity is entitled to be reimbursed for his health costs in his personal capacity. There is no need to be attached to a qualifying insured.

Every adult shall be insured individually as soon as he or she reaches the age of majority.

It may choose to:

  • Collect your refunds from your own bank account
  • Receive your own refund statement
  • Have your own Ameli account.
Minor

Minors continue to have the status of rights holder. In practice, they are attached to one of their parents.

However, it is possible to apply for Puma as an individual from the age of 16.

In order to apply for rights, you must first complete this form.

Claiming entitlement to health insurance

Then, you have to send it to the cash register of your place of residence with the supporting documents.

Who shall I contact

Yes, the Puma can be withdrawn from a person who no longer meets the conditions of stability of residence or regularity of stay.

FYI  

If that person subsequently applies to reclaim his or her rights to health care expenses, he or she must pay the outstanding amounts or have signed a reimbursement plan.

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