The Social Security System

France's Social Security system (Sécurité Sociale) provides comprehensive coverage through several branches:

Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie)

The French healthcare system consistently ranks among the world's best, providing universal coverage that includes: - Doctor visits and specialist consultations - Hospital care - Prescription medications - Dental and vision care (partially covered) - Long-term illness coverage at 100%

Workers and employers share the cost through social contributions, with the state covering deficits. Complementary insurance (mutuelle), often provided by employers, covers additional expenses.

Retirement (Assurance Vieillesse)

The French retirement system combines a pay-as-you-go public system with mandatory supplementary schemes. Key features include: - Full retirement age currently at 62 (with ongoing reforms) - Benefits calculated based on the best 25 years of earnings - Minimum pension guarantees - Survivor benefits for spouses - Special regimes for certain professions

Family Benefits (Allocations Familiales)

France's pro-natalist policies provide extensive support for families: - Child allowances starting with the second child - Income-tested benefits for young children - Back-to-school allowances - Housing assistance for families - Subsidized childcare and free preschool from age 3

Workplace Accident and Occupational Disease Coverage

This branch provides comprehensive protection for work-related injuries and illnesses: - Full medical coverage for treatment - Daily allowances during recovery - Disability pensions for permanent impairment - Survivor benefits in case of death - Employer-funded prevention programs