Covid-19: What care rules?

Verified 02 October 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Several medical procedures, created during the COVID-19 health crisis, continue to apply.

An annual dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is highly recommended for the most vulnerable.

If you have any early signs of respiratory infections (fever or feeling of fever, cough) stay home and call your doctor.

If the signs get worse, with difficulty breathing and signs of choking, you should contact the Samu.

By telephone

In case of emergency, when prompt intervention is required, you should call the Samu.

Who shall I contact

  • Samu - 15

    For medical emergencies

    By telephone

     15

    Free call from landline and mobile in Metropolitan France and Overseas

    Works 24/7

  • European emergency number - 112

     112

    Emergency number to be used for a call from a European country or from a mobile phone

    24/7

    Free call

By SMS

If you have trouble hearing or speaking, you can also send a text message to the 114. You will then contact your correspondent in writing.

Who shall I contact

  • Deaf and hard of hearing emergency number - 114

    By SMS at 114

    Free 24/7 access

    Via the emergency mobile application 114 or the website www.urgence114.fr

    Free 24/7 access

    Contact possible via:

    • Video telephony: I communicate in sign language
    • Chat: I communicate in writing
    • Voice / Return text: I speak and 114 responds to me in writing (or vice versa)

The AllAntiCovid app is available at:

  • Google Play Store https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.gouv.android.stopcovid
  • and Apple Store https://apps.apple.com/app/id1511279125

FYI  

The AllAntiCovid application includes a service called "certificate converter" which allows its users with a test or vaccination certificate to convert it into a format that meets certain international standards.

The AllAntiCovid app allows you to store on your mobile phone the necessary proof to travel or related to the obligation to be vaccinated, if you practice certain professions.

For example, you can store vaccination, test, and recovery certificates.

In addition, you will be informed of the validity of these supporting documents and the health recommendations that concern you.

The same shall apply to any measures to be taken in order to obtain valid proof.

FYI  

Since 1er July 2023, this AllAntiCovid app is no longer updated. Thus, for example, the evolution of the epidemic situation no longer appears. However, this application is still downloadable and accessible.

Support at 100% during the health crisis ended. Teleconsultation is reimbursed by the Health Insurance at 70% of the conventional tariff.

FYI  

In some cases, the refund is 100% (examples: teleconsultation in connection with a long-term disorder, maternity).

If you are positive for COVID-19, you must do several steps.

Warning  

Since 1er February 2023, the derogating arrangements which made it possible to benefit from a work stoppage waiting period has been deleted.

Get tested

General case

For an RT-PCR test, carried out on nasopharyngeal sampling by medical biology laboratories, the reference rate is €41.19. The RT-PCR test is reserved as a priority to test people with symptoms, contact cases, and caregivers.

For an antigen test, the price varies. Example: it is €20 in pharmacy.

Any insured person may request a screening test or a test without a prior prescription.

The coverage by the Health Insurance is done with a user fee. There's a co-payment for the insured.

FYI  

In the vast majority of cases, the user fee for COVID-19 tests is in full reimbursed by mutual or health insurance companies.

It is also supported at 100% for beneficiaries of the complementary health solidarity.

However, management is 100% for the following:

  • Insured persons aged 65 or over
  • Minors
  • Insured in ALD
  • Healthcare professionals or their employees
  • Staff of a health, social or medico-social institution or service
  • Individuals involved in group screening campaigns organized by the ARS: titleContent or a prefecture or within national educational institutions

FYI  

Testing for persons temporarily staying in France and covered by a foreigners social security scheme is covered by the health insurance scheme. For that to happen, it has to be medical.

In an EU or EEA State or in Switzerland

Only tests of a medical nature (presence of symptoms), on medical prescription, are covered by the Health Insurance when a necessary test is to be carried out immediately.

You need to present your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at the time of testing.

If you do not have your EHIC, the screening test will be taken care of by the Caisse d'Assurance Maladie upon your return to French territory. You must complete and send Form S 3125 Care received abroad to your CPAM: titleContent.

You choose on this one in the part entitled “Care received in the EU/EEA/Switzerland” (to be completed mandatory) either to be reimbursed according to the French tariff or according to the tariff of the country of stay.

The invoice for the test carried out and the medical prescription or medical certificate must be attached to this form as proof.

Care received abroad - Declaration to be completed by the insured

Who shall I contact

In case of choice for reimbursement according to French pricing, these tests are supported at 100% by the Health Insurance on the basis of a €35 (sampling and analysis costs).

In another country

Only medical, urgent and unexpected tests will be supported at 27% of the amount of the expenditure up to a maximum of €35.

To receive this support, you must complete the form S 3125 “care received abroad” and send it to your CPAM: titleContent. You must attach a medical prescription or medical certificate.

Care received abroad - Declaration to be completed by the insured

Who shall I contact

Self-test

Self-testing is self-testing using a swab inserted into the nose.

It is reserved for people without symptoms for their personal use only.

For children aged 3 to 15 years, there are specific recommendations.

You can get a self-test in a pharmacy.

Its sale is banned on the internet.

He is free upon presentation of proof for the following persons:

  • Professionals who work with seniors and persons with disabilities
  • Registered pupils contact person at school, college or high school
  • National Education staff working in nursery, primary, middle and secondary schools (primary and secondary schools) and in accommodation, reception and related extracurricular services

The same is true for contacts who are fully vaccinated or under 12 years of age and do not wish to have a COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen). A document or declaration on the honor of the patient or his legal representative attesting to this status is required.

This person or contact student is entitled to a free self-test.

In other cases (for example, professionals with the elderly or staff of National Education), the pharmacy issues 10 self-tests per person per month.

The negative result of a self-test performed under the supervision of the pharmacist allows the dispensing of the health pass.

FYI  

The selling price of a self-test may not exceed €3.25. The maximum selling price of a self-test intended and designed for children is €5.20.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You are already vaccinated

Who is affected by the annual COVID vaccine dose?

To find out if you are affected by the annual dose and where to do it, you can consult the ministry of health page on this issue.

This reminder campaign is highly recommended people who are most at risk of severe illness to receive a booster dose of autumn, including:

  • People aged 65 and over 
  • Immunocompromised people (people whose immune system is not functioning well and who are therefore more susceptible to infections)
  • Pregnant women 
  • Residents in residential care facilities for dependent older people (Ehpad) and long-term care units (LTUs) 
  • People at very high risk of severe illness based on each individual medical situation and in a decision shared with health care teams 
  • Persons living in close contacts or in regular contact with immunocompromised or vulnerable persons, including health and medical-social professionals
  • People (from 6 months of age) who have comorbidities that are at higher risk of severe disease

Example :

Complicated high blood pressure, heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, lung problems, diabetes, obesity, cancers, transplant recipients, people with trisomy 21 or psychiatric disorders or dementia

If you are not concerned by the target audience of this campaign, you can receive a free reminder if you wish.

Vaccination is indeed managed at 100% for all.

FYI  

From October 15, 2024, the 2 Covid and influenza vaccination campaigns are carried out at the same time.

Who is impacted by spring vaccine renewal?

An additional dose of vaccine is recommended in the spring for some people.

Example :

Renewal in spring 2024 was aimed at protecting those most at risk of developing severe disease.

These were:

  • People aged 80 and over 
  • Immunocompromised patients of all ages 
  • Residents of residential care facilities for dependent older people (EHPAD) and long-term care units (LTUs), regardless of age 
  • Any person identified as at very high risk of developing a serious form of the disease by the health care team in view of his medical situation.

This vaccination renewal was held from April 15 to June 16, 2024.

Where to get vaccinated?

A simulator is used to find a vaccination site:

Find a COVID-19 vaccination site

How soon after the last injection or infection should I recall?

The time between 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine or between a COVID-19 infection and one dose of vaccine is 6 months.

This period is reduced to 3 months since the last injection or infection, regardless of age, for people who are at risk (people 80 and over, people Immunocompromised).

You never received the vaccine

Vaccination is free.

Vaccination is open to all adults without conditions and unless contraindicated.

Minors aged 12 to 17 inclusive may be vaccinated with the authorization of persons having parental authority:

  • The 2 parents if they exercise it jointly unless it is impossible for one of the two parents to obtain the agreement of the other parent
  • Or the guardian.

Depending on your age and health, different health professionals (vaccination center, nursing practice, attending doctor, pharmacy, medical biology laboratories...) may vaccinate you.

A simulator allows you to find a vaccination site:

Find a COVID-19 vaccination site

You need to recover a certified vaccination certificate and one vaccination synthesis.

Certified vaccination certificate serves as official proof of vaccination. She is now certified at European level to enable travel within the European Union.

The vaccination synthesis contains the batch number of the injected vaccine. It may be useful in case of a reportable adverse reaction.

FYI  

For people aged 5 years and older, the posology consists of a single dose of vaccine, regardless of vaccination history.

To find out if you are affected by the annual dose and where to get vaccinated, you can consult the ministry of health page on this issue.

However, if you are not in the target and wish to receive a vaccination, you can benefit from it free of charge.

FYI  

From October 15, 2024, the 2 Covid and influenza vaccination campaigns are carried out at the same time.

You have a child aged 5 to 11 years

Your child aged 5 to 11 years may be vaccinated except those with contraindications (e.g. pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome).

Permission is required from persons with parental authority:

  • The two parents if they exercise it jointly unless it is impossible for one of the two parents to obtain the agreement of the other parent
  • Or the guardian.

FYI  

For people aged 5 years and older, the posology consists of a single dose of vaccine, regardless of vaccination history.

To find out if your child is affected by the annual dose and where to get the vaccine, you can consult the ministry of health page on this issue.

However, if your child is not on target, they can still receive a free vaccination.

FYI  

From October 15, 2024, the 2 Covid and influenza vaccination campaigns are carried out at the same time.

Your child may be vaccinated at one of the following sites:

  • Its usual place of care (university hospital, hospital, pediatric hospitals, specialized establishments, medium and long-term care centers, medical and social services and establishments for children with disabilities, etc.)
  • Maternal and child protection services (MCH)
  • Vaccination centers that offer pediatric vaccination
  • To their primary care doctor or pediatrician
Who shall I contact

FYI  

midwives can prescribe and administer this vaccine is for children who do not have problems. The same is true for pharmacists, especially pharmacists and nurses. Some dental surgeons and medical and pharmacy students may administer this vaccine and some firefighters and health students are injecting it for the same audience.

Find a COVID-19 vaccination site

You have a child aged 6 months to 4 years

Which children can be vaccinated?

To know if your child is affected by the annual dose and where to do it, you can consult the ministry of health page on this issue.

Example :

People (from 6 months of age) with comorbidities who are at higher risk of severe disease have priority.

For children under 5 years of age, for those who have already been vaccinated or who have been infected, a single dose is sufficient from 6 months after the last injection or infection. For the others, a 3-dose schedule is maintained.

FYI  

Since October 15, 2024, the 2 Covid and influenza vaccination campaigns are carried out at the same time.

What parental authorization?

Your child may be vaccinated with:

  • Of the 2 parents if they exercise it jointly (unless it is impossible for one of the two parents to obtain the agreement of the other parent)
  • Or the guardian.
Who can vaccinate?

Midwives and nurses can vaccinate the child.

Minors, even if they have a Vitale card in their name, must present the Vitale card of one of their parents or a certificate of entitlement mentioning the social security number of one of their parents.

The following people can benefit from masks free of charge:

  • Persons born before 2017 and beneficiaries as at 30 December 2021 of the health support scheme (CSS), the health support scheme (ACS) or the medical aid scheme of the State (AME). They receive the masks by post. No steps are required.
  • Vulnerable people who may develop severe COVID-19. They can obtain masks from pharmacies on medical prescription.
  • People with Covid-19 virus on presentation of the e-mail or sms of the Health Insurance or the positive result of the RT-PCR test
  • Persons identified as contact case by Health Insurance in treatment Covid contact

You are considered vulnerable if you are in any of the following situations:

  • Be 65 years of age or older
  • Have a history of cardiovascular disease (CTEA): complicated hypertension (with cardiac, renal, and cerebrovascular complications), CTEA, stroke or coronary artery disease, cardiac surgery, heart failure stage NYHA III or IV
  • Have diabetes that is uncontrolled or has complications
  • Have a chronic respiratory condition that may decompensate during a viral infection (obstructive pulmonary disease, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea syndrome, cystic fibrosis in particular)
  • Have severe chronic kidney disease
  • Have active cancer while on treatment (excluding hormone therapy)
  • Have obesity (body mass index > 30 kgm2)
  • Have cirrhosis with at least Child Pugh B
  • Have a major sickle cell syndrome or a history of splenectomy
  • Be on 3e trimester of pregnancy
  • Have motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia or hemiplegia, a primary cerebral malignant tumor, progressive cerebellar disease, or a rare disorder
  • Having trisomy 21

This is also the case if you have a congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, which is not severe:

  • Medicinal products (anti-cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy, biotherapy and/or immunosuppressive dose corticosteroids)
  • Uncontrolled HIV infection or CD4 counts < 200/mm3
  • Following solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
  • Related to hematological malignancy during treatment.

This is also the case if you are severely immunocompromised because you are in one of the following situations:

  • Have received an organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant
  • Under lymphopenic chemotherapy
  • Be treated with strong immunosuppressive drugs, such as antimetabolites (cellcept, myfortic, mycophenolate mofetil, imurel, azathioprine) and AntiCD20 (rituximab: Mabthera, Rixathon, Truxima)
  • On a case-by-case basis, if you are on immunosuppressants of another category or have primary acquired immunodeficiency
  • Be on chronic dialysis

FYI  

as part of the work, masks are distributed to professionals in the health and medico-social sectors. For example, a family caregiver or a home worker working with an elderly or disabled person may have free masks in a pharmacy.

Free supply of FFP2 masks

The pharmacies of dispensing for free, on presentation of a medical prescription, masks of type FFP2 to persons at risk of severe forms of covid-19 and immunocompromised.

An immunocompromised person is a person whose immune system is not functioning well and thus is more vulnerable to infection.