Ready to sojourn on the dazzling Rock of Monaco overlooking the Mediterranean? A stone’s throw from France and Italy, Monaco is one of the most sought-after destinations due to the attractiveness of its tax system, its exceptional living environment and its professional opportunities in yachting, wealth management and private banking. And when it comes to healthcare, the principality is high-performing, accessible and modern.
Foyer Global Health provides you with an overview of Monaco’s healthcare system, accessible to expats from the Rock as well as to commuters who live in the French-speaking part of the country.
Monaco’s healthcare system: performance, efficiency, and accessibility
Monaco may be the smallest state in the world, but its healthcare system is accessible, modern and efficient. It is based on a compulsory public health insurance model for all residents, Monegasque and expatriate, which also extends to employees and self-employed commuters who live on the French side.
Membership in the Caisses sociales de Monaco, the Monégasque organisation responsible for social management and protection in Monaco (and in particular health insurance), is compulsory. It covers a large part of an expat’s medical expenses, in particular those related to medical consultations, prescriptions and hospital care.
Financing and contributions
Monaco is one of the few countries in the world that does not levy income tax on its residents. In reality, the Monegasque healthcare system is mainly funded by social security contributions from workers, the amount of which depends on income (on average 15% of an employees’ gross salary).
Healthcare costs and the health insurance coverage rate
Healthcare practitioners charge fees that vary according to the resources of the patient. Depending on their family size and age and thereafter calculated based on your income, you will be given a type of CCSS (Caisse de Compensation des Services Sociaux) health insurance card. The type of card determines the fees to be paid to the doctor or other health practitioner.
There are three types of cards: ‘green’ (the health practitioner applies the conventional rates); ‘pink’ (the health practitioner can charge 20% more than the conventional rates); and ‘bubble’ (free pricing by the health practitioner).
Generally, the reimbursement rate of medical expenses is 80% (20% co-payment payable by the insured person); it can rise to 100% if the insured person is eligible for an exemption from the co-payment.
For example, a consultation with a general practitioner costs €34.10 for an insured person with a green card and €40.92 for a holder of a pink card. A consultation with a specialist will cost €45.60 if you have a green card and €54.72 if you have a pink card. Click on the link to have more information on the fees charged by approved practitioners.
For healthcare provided in France outside the Alpes-Maritimes department, reimbursement rate is based on French social security rates.
The insured person is generally required to advance the costs of any prescriptions they need to purchase. On the other hand, in the event of hospitalisation in the Monegasque public sector or in French public hospitals for a period of less than 30 days, the patient does not have to advance the totality of the costs, he only has to pay the patient contribution and he is exempted from this if he is a green card holder.
If you choose, however, to go to a private medical establishment, you will have to pay the fees and accommodation costs in advance. You can then be reimbursed by your insurance upon presentation of the invoices that have been paid.
Quality healthcare in Monaco
Due to its small size, the principality does not have many healthcare facilities. Nonetheless, Monegasque healthcare centres and hospitals are recognised for their innovative medical practices, their ultra-modern equipment and their preventive and patient-centric approach to healthcare. And the highly qualified nursing staff are often multilingual, a characteristic that reflects the high concentration of expatriates on the Rock.
Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG)
Named in honour of the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, this innovative, cutting-edge hospital offers excellent care in various fields such as cardiology, obstetrics and oncology to Monegasque, cross-border and international patients. The qualified, multilingual medical staff provides personalised, patient-centred care.
Le Centre cardio-thoracique de Monaco
Created in 1987, this centre is a hospital dedicated to the treatment of thoracic and cardiovascular pathologies on a single platform. A pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, it offers excellent surgical care thanks to cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to heart and lung disease.
Other reputable and more specialised healthcare establishments include the Monaco Haemodialysis Centre, the Rainier III Centre for Clinical Gerontology and the Monegasque Institute of Sports Medicine and Surgery.
Some specific features of the Monegasque healthcare system
- The Monegasque healthcare system is linked to that of France, with specific agreements between French medical establishments and Monegasque health facilities.
- -The children of the insured person may be covered, whether they live in Monaco or in the Alpes-Maritimes, provided that the insured person is the ‘head of household’.
- -Monaco is one of the few countries in Europe, such as Malta and Poland, where abortion is prohibited. Since 2009, it has nevertheless been authorised in cases of rape, foetal malformation, illness or a very high risk of death for the mother.
Visit the website of the Monegasque health system for more information.
Why should you have complementary health insurance?
Although the Monegasque health insurance system covers a large part of medical expenses, most residents or cross-border workers opt for supplementary health insurance to cover the costs they are responsible for and reduce the final costs.
Foyer Global Health, your best ally in Monaco
If you plan to settle in Monaco for several months or years, Foyer Global Health will be your best bet to cover your expatriate healthcare needs.
We offer:
- A comprehensive and flexible international healthcare insurance that covers you in Monaco, in your country of origin and anywhere in the world.
- An insurance policy tailored to your profile and your plans.
- Coverage from the first payment for optimised coverage
- Multilingual assistance available online at any time
- Repatriation and evacuation insurance in case of emergency
Any questions? Contact our experts to find the most suitable international health insurance!