Health Care in Marseille

Summary: Learn about the health system in Marseille: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Marseille.

Marseille has a public and private healthcare system. The public healthcare system is called the French Social Security System and is used by both French citizens and foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Marseille for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Marseille are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in France. However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Marseille are modern and offer a wide range of services.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Marseille

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Timone: This public hospital is located in the 13th arrondissement and specializes in pediatrics, neurology, and oncology.
Hôpital de la Conception: This public hospital is located in the 5th arrondissement and specializes in cardiology, gynecology, and urology.
Hôpital Nord: This public hospital is located in the 15th arrondissement and specializes in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and dermatology.
Clinique du Parc: This private hospital is located in the 8th arrondissement and specializes in general medicine, surgery, and obstetrics.
Clinique du Pharo: This private hospital is located in the 7th arrondissement and specializes in general medicine, surgery, and obstetrics.

Emergency Services in Marseille

Marseille has an ambulance service that can be called by dialing 15. Ambulances usually arrive quickly, but there can be delays depending on the situation.

Health Insurance Companies in Marseille

The most popular private health insurers in Marseille are Allianz, AXA, and April. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.