Preventative health is a major priority of the French health system, which is why free health and dental checks are available.

The following is a list of the free check-ups that are available, depending on your age and gender.

Five Year Check Up

Every five years anyone who is registered with the French health system through the régime général is entitled to a free health check-up.

The check-up is also generally offered to those self-employed and obtaining health insurance through the Régime Social des Indépendants (RSI).

Family members aged 16+ are covered by the offer.

It is called un bilan de santé.

The check-up covers a series of biomedical tests, as well as an eye test, hearing, respiration and a cardiogram if it is felt necessary.

The test normally takes around 2½ hours to complete.

A full medical report is sent to you and your doctor within several weeks of the examination and in the event of problems being found, the first consultation with your doctor is free of charge.

In order to obtain such a check-up, you need to contact you local caisse d'assurance maladie (CPAM)/RSI who will send you a form to complete.

One Year Check Up

A recent law now grants persons aged between 16-25 years the right to a free annual medical examination, although the operational arrangements have yet to be published.

Breast Screening

All women aged between 50 and 74 years are entitled to a screening for breast cancer every two years.

The mammogram test is entirely free of charge, with no advance payment necessary.

You should normally receive a letter from your caisse, advising you about your entitlement.

Bowel Cancer

All men and women aged between 50 and 74 years are entitled to a free examination for bowel cancer every two years.

As with breast screening, you should receive a letter from your caisse advising you about your right to the examination, and the procedures to adopt.

Child Dental Check-Up

All children aged between 6 and 18 years are entitled to a free dental check every three years.

The service is called le bilan bucco-dentaire (BBD)

If any treatment is needed as a result of the check then most of this work is free of charge, although there are some exceptions, e.g. prostheses and orthodontics.

You will be advised by letter from your caisse before your child’s birthday of their entitlement to a free dental check. The check must be carried out within six months following their birthday.