Social Security

The social security scheme reimburses foreign students for their healthcare expenses. When EEA students study in France, they are covered by the social security of their own country; students from other countries must enrol in the French social security scheme to benefit from the same protection as French students.

What is the student social security scheme?

The student social security scheme covers student healthcare: it reimburses part of the expenses paid for medical care and medicine. The reimbursements are managed and paid by a student social security centre: SMENO centre 617 is a student Social Security centre for the Nord-Pas de Calais départements, and Picardy and Normandy regions.

Is enrolment in a student social security scheme mandatory for foreign students?

It depends on the student’s nationality.

• If you live in one of the countries in the European Economic Area* or Switzerland: if you have a European health insurance card or private insurance, you do not need to enrol in the student social security scheme.
  * list of EEA countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus (Greek part), Denmark, Spain, Estonia, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden,  Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
• If you live in another country: you must enrol in the student social security scheme and pay the contribution (192 € for university year 2007-2008) before the end of your visa insurance

How do I enrol in the student Social security scheme

It is very easy: on the day you enrol administratively in the university, you must choose a Student social security centre which will reimburse your healthcare expenses and pay the annual fee. On the day of your enrolment, you will pay:

• the university enrolment fees;
• the enrolment fee for the student Social security scheme

SMENO centre 617 is the student Social Security centre that insures the greatest number of students in the Nord-Pas de Calais départements, and in the Picardy and Normandy regions. If you come and study in one of these regions, choose the SMENO!
Discover all the advantages of the SMENO

Find out more about the student social security scheme

What are the Social Security reimbursement levels?
What do I have to do to be reimbursed by the Social security scheme?

Information updated: 31st AUgust 2010