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Monaco

Monaco is an independent principality on the Côte d'Azur, next to the town of Menton and less than 15km from the Italian border. The city-state is not landlocked as it has direct access to international waters. Monaco's total surface area is around 2.02 square kilometers, making it the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican. Monaco comprises two main areas: the town of Monaco, also known as Monaco-City, located on a steep hill overlooking the sea, and the Monte-Carlo area, known for its casino and luxury hotels.
  • Population: 36,686 in 2021
  • Area: 2.02 km2
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Official languages: French and Monegasque

Healthcare system

Discover how Monaco's healthcare system works

Monaco's healthcare system is generally considered to be excellent. Anyone working in Monaco is automatically covered by the Monegasque Social Security system, unless they are on secondment from their employer.

The majority of healthcare services in Monaco are for the most part publicly funded. This means they are free or available at very affordable rates to residents. However, the statutory Social Security schemes do not cover occupational accidents or diseases, which will only be covered by private international health insurance.

Monaco has a number of hospitals and clinics, including the Princess Grace Hospital, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility. The principality also has many highly qualified doctors and healthcare professionals who are trained at the best medical schools in France and other European countries. Patients have access to specialized medical care in fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology and surgery.

In addition, Monaco has set up preventive programs to encourage residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, such as nutrition and exercise awareness campaigns. All of this contributes to making Monaco one of the healthiest and safest places to live and work in Europe.

Healthcare formalities for expatriates

If you're planning to move to Monaco, here's how to prepare:

Maximum stay of 3 months: foreign visitors must present an identification document such as an identity card or travel passport.

Stay of more than 3 months (as a European citizen): European citizens are not required to apply for a visa to live in Monaco. However, you will need to provide:
  • Proof of accommodation in Monaco (rented or owned)
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (employment contract, bank certificate, proof of sufficient savings or proof of assistance from a third party)
  • A certificate of good character (criminal record extract or certificate of good repute showing no previous convictions).

Stay of more than 3 months (as a non-European citizen): Citizens of countries outside the European Economic Area must apply for a visa to reside in Monaco. They must also be able to provide the following documents:
  • Proof of accommodation in Monaco (rented or owned).
  • Proof of sufficient financial resources (employment contract, bank certificate, proof of sufficient savings or proof of assistance from a third party)
  • A certificate of good character (criminal record extract or certificate of good repute showing no previous convictions)
  • Identity documents
  • Long-stay visa application form

Visiting a doctor

As an expatriate living in Monaco, you can consult:

General practitioners: To make an appointment with a general practitioner, you can either go to the hospital or see a primary care doctor.

In Monaco, rates vary according to the general practitioner, and the reimbursement rate for healthcare services is determined according to the family quotient calculated beforehand. Once in the principality, each beneficiary of the system and their dependents will be issued with a card that determines the reimbursement rate to which they are entitled. There are three types of card:
  • The “carte verte” (green card) which requires doctors to comply with the state-approved rates set by Monaco's Social Security system.
  • The “carte rose” (pink card) authorizes doctors to exceed state-approved rates by up to 20%.
  • The “carte bulle” (bubble card) which allows doctors to set their own rates, subject to prior agreement with the patient.

The cost of a consultation with a general practitioner is: €32 for green card holders and €38.40 for pink card holders.
For a consultation with a specialist, the rate is: €42.80 for green card holders and €51.36 for pink card holders.

The amount reimbursed is based on the standard Social Security rate, regardless of the amount paid by the patient. The reimbursement rate is 80%, or 100% if the patient is exempt from the co-payment (“ticket modérateur”).

There is also an on-call system in Monaco, the aim being to meet the needs of Monegasques at night and at weekends, while also taking the pressure off the emergency services.
In case of extreme emergency, the government advises patients to go directly to the hospital emergency department.

Specialists: You will find all kinds of specialists in Monaco.
Appointments can be made directly at the Princess Grace Hospital, or at one of the various primary care medical practices. Fees vary depending on the specialty. Given the large number of practitioners, waiting times can be very short.

Hospitalization

Being admitted to hospital

Although Monaco is a principality, it has several high-quality healthcare facilities. In all, there are three healthcare facilities in Monaco:
  • The Princess Grace Hospital (Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace or CHPG): This is Monaco's only public hospital. It provides a wide range of medical services (845 beds), from general medical consultations to complex surgical procedures.
  • La Clinique du Parc: This private clinic is located in Monaco-City and provides a full range of medical services including surgery, internal medicine, gynecology, dermatology and cardiology.
  • CHP Monaco: This is a private healthcare facility located in Fontvieille, providing comprehensive healthcare services including surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, gastroenterology and oncology.
In addition to these institutions, there are several clinics and medical practices in Monaco providing general medical consultations and specialized care such as dermatology, ophthalmology, dentistry and many others.

In case of hospitalization in the public sector, at the Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG), the insured does not have to pay in advance; they only have to pay any co-payment that may be due, as well as the private room supplement.

For green or pink card holders who do not benefit from free medical aid, a company medical plan or private health insurance, Social Security covers the hospitalization co-payment.

In case of hospitalization in the private sector, the insured has to pay for the room and board and the medical fees upfront. Expenses are reimbursed on presentation of receipted medical bills, up to the rate set by the Princess Grace Hospital or the Nice University Hospital.

Buying medication

As an expatriate in Monaco, you can buy medicines in local pharmacies. Pharmacies can be found in most parts of the city and are generally open from Monday to Saturday. Prescription drugs can only be purchased with a valid prescription issued by a doctor.

It's important to note that medicines can be expensive in Monaco, so it's advisable to check prices before you buy. You can also ask your health insurance provider if the cost of medication is covered in Monaco.

Lastly, if you have any questions about medication or are unsure about purchasing certain drugs, it's always best to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Vaccinations to be carried out

There are no mandatory vaccinations. However, we recommend updating your basic vaccinations, such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps and rubella, based on the vaccination schedule in your home country.

Health risks

Monaco is considered a safe place from a health point of view. However, it’s always important to take basic precautions to protect your health and well-being, such as:
  • washing your hands regularly to prevent the spread of viruses
  • getting vaccinated against common European diseases such as influenza, measles, mumps and rubella
  • taking preventive measures against insect bites

Good to know

Emergency services and useful numbers:
  • Police: 17
  • Fire department: 18
  • Medical emergencies: 15
  • English-speaking call center for medical emergencies: 112
Official name: Principality of Monaco
Main cities: Monaco
Type of state: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Monaco
Languages: French, Italian and English

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QUICK FACTS

OFFICIAL NAME

Principality of Monaco

MAIN CITIES

Monte-Carlo

CAPITAL

Monaco

GOVERNMENT

Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy

COMMON LANGUAGE

Monegasque, Italian, Occitan

FIND OUT MORE

Monaco on Wikipedia

CLIENT STORIES

Client story: I woke up to MSH

Rachel lives in Togo and has been with MSH since 2002. After routine surgery, she fell into a coma that lasted 2 months. Her hospitalization cost more than 200,000 euros - but it was all covered by MSH, without her having to get involved. Thanks to the reactivity of the team and their smooth handling of the situation, Rachel's family were able to avoid any extra stress - as was Rachel when she woke up.  
Client story: MSH was a lifesaver

Matthieu was hiking in a canyon in Peru when he accidently fell down several meters and fractured his kneecap and elbow: "After 12 days in a local hospital, I was sent back to  France where I spent 2 more weeks in hospital and months in physiotherapy" he remembers. Matthieu's hospitalization, repatriation and rehabilitation expenses were all covered by MSH: "Without my private health insurance, it would have been a nightmare: €16,000 for the hospital and €50,000 for my repatriation with two air ambulances - can you imagine?"
Client story: my second opinion

Petra was very worried about the surgery she'd been prescribed following an accident at home. Before making her decision, she wanted a second opinion. Thanks to her private health insurance, which included the Second Medical Opinion guarantee, she quickly saw another doctor and got all the answers to her questions. The second doctor agreed that surgery was necessary and Petra went to hospital feeling reassured and confident.
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