The French Social Security system is based on the following general principle : to provide protection by all available means and against all social contingencies to everyone living in France. The Social Security system covers health and maternity insurance, as well as work-related injuries and diseases, old-age and disability. It is composed of a number of schemes (general, for the self-employed, for farmers, and other specialized ones) all administered through the state. All these schemes provide coverage against "social risks" and are at the core of the principle of "social protection", a principle that is strongly anchored in French minds.    

More than half the people living in France are covered by the general social security scheme, which by itself represents over 80% of all French health expenses. Most researchers are affiliated to the general scheme. It is managed locally by the Caisses Primaires d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) and the Caisses d’Allocations Familiales (CAF).

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