THE LOCAL SYSTEM
The CPS: French Polynesia's Social Security
The Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale (CPS) is French Polynesia's independent social protection body. It manages healthcare, maternity, workplace accidents, pensions and family benefits — entirely separately from mainland France's Sécurité sociale.
There is no single universal regime, but several schemes depending on your status: private sector employee (RGS — General Employee Scheme), territorial civil servant, self-employed worker (TNS), or non-active resident. In all cases, the base coverage is similar: around 70% reimbursement of medical acts and reimbursable medicines.
💡 Key differences from mainland France
The CPS covers routine care well, but certain specialists (ophthalmology, dermatology) have very long waiting times. GPs and specialists can charge above the standard rate with fewer restrictions than in mainland France. A complementary insurance policy is strongly recommended from day one.
Registering your family with the CPS
Your non-working spouse and dependent children can be registered as dependants on your CPS account. Bring your family record book (livret de famille) and proof of non-activity for your spouse. Coverage is identical to that of the main policy holder.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
Hospitals, Clinics and Doctors
Medical care is concentrated in Papeete. Outer islands have district hospitals or nursing stations, and complex cases are transferred to Tahiti by medical evacuation.
CHPF — Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie française
Avenue du Prince Hinoi, Mamao, Papeete
The main public hospital. Full A&E 24/7, maternity, surgery, cardiology, oncology, dialysis. The only facility with a complete technical platform in Polynesia. CPS third-party payment accepted.
Clinique Cardella
Rue Anne-Marie Javouhey, Papeete
The main private clinic. Surgery, cardiology, medical imaging (MRI, CT scan). Staff often more available than the CHPF, shorter appointment times for non-urgent care. Specialist surcharges are common.
Polyclinique de Paofai
Boulevard Pomare, Papeete
Well-equipped clinic with a respected maternity ward. Outpatient surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics. Above-tariff billing; most costs covered with a good complementary policy.
District Hospitals
Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Nuku Hiva…
Main islands have district hospitals or medical centres with resident doctors. Serious cases are evacuated to Papeete. In isolated atolls (Tuamotu), a nurse may be the only medical professional present.
⚠️ Waiting times and specialists
Some specialists have very long waiting times (2–4 months for a rheumatologist or dermatologist). Visiting specialists from mainland France rotate through certain islands periodically. For non-urgent specialist care, book well in advance or plan consultations during a trip to mainland France.
ADMINISTRATION
How to Register with the CPS
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Get your CPS number through your employer (employees)
If you are hired by a Polynesian company, your employer files your CPS registration and provides your insured number. Allow 2 to 4 weeks. Keep all medical receipts during this period — reimbursement will be backdated once your number is confirmed.
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Register directly at the CPS (self-employed / freelancers)
Visit the CPS head office on Avenue Bruat, Papeete, with: photo ID, proof of address in French Polynesia, K-bis company extract or CCI self-employment certificate. Processing time: 3 to 6 weeks.
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Add your dependants
Non-working spouse and dependent children can be covered under your CPS account. Bring your family record book and proof of non-activity for your spouse.
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Take out complementary insurance
The CPS alone leaves a 30% co-payment. Compare local plans (MGEN Polynésie, Prévifrance) or international ones (April, Henner, Cigna, AXA International) depending on your budget and healthcare needs.
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Create your CPS online account
At mon-compte.cps.pf, manage your reimbursements, download statements and check your entitlements. The CPS Mon Compte mobile app also lets you track reimbursed medical claims.
COSTS AND COVERAGE
What the CPS Covers
Reimbursement rates are set by agreement between the CPS and healthcare providers. The base rate is 70%. Here are the main benefit categories.
| Type of care | Standard tariff | CPS reimbursement | Co-payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP consultation (standard rate) | 3,500 XPF | 2,450 XPF (70%) | 1,050 XPF |
| Specialist consultation (standard rate) | 5,000–8,000 XPF | 3,500–5,600 XPF | 1,500–2,400 XPF |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | Daily tariff | 80% (chronic illness: 100%) | Daily bed fee + surcharges |
| Prescription drugs (positive list) | Reimbursable price | 65–100% | Varies by medication |
| Routine dental care | Standard tariff | 70% of base tariff | High if surcharges apply |
| Eyewear and optics | Very low base | Very partial reimbursement | High without top-up insurance |
| Maternity and childbirth | Maternity allowance | 100% (full coverage) | 0 (subject to conditions) |
Chronic illness (ALD): If you have a recognised long-term condition (diabetes, cancer, kidney failure…), the CPS may cover 100% of related treatment costs. The request is made through your registered GP.
POLYNESIA SPECIFICS
Medical Evacuation (Évasan)
Medical evacuation is a daily reality in French Polynesia. With 118 islands spread across an ocean zone the size of Europe, medically supervised transport is often the only way to access specialist care.
When a patient on a remote island requires care not available locally, a medical flight (évasan) is organised to the CHPF in Papeete. The CPS covers these intra-Polynesian transfers on medical decision. For cases requiring care unavailable in Polynesia entirely, a repatriation to mainland France (called "métévasan") can be arranged.
⚠️ Repatriation to mainland France
Medical repatriation to France is slow, expensive and subject to strict medical approval. The CPS can cover it under specific conditions. International complementary insurers (April, Cigna, AXA International) typically offer faster and more flexible repatriation coverage. If you live in a remote archipelago, a dedicated repatriation insurance policy is strongly recommended.
TOP-UP COVERAGE
Complementary Insurance Options
🏝 Local complementary plans
- MGEN Polynésie (teachers & civil servants)
- Mutuelle du Personnel Territorial
- Prévifrance Polynésie
- Tariffs calibrated to local costs
- Network of partner practitioners in Tahiti
🌍 International expat insurance
- April International (popular with French expats)
- Henner — broad international coverage
- Cigna Global — modular plans
- AXA International — repatriation included
- Cover in both France & Polynesia
✈️ Travel insurance (short stay)
- For visitors and nomads under 3 months
- Visa Gold/Infinite card: partial coverage
- AXA Travel, Chapka, Mondial Assistance
- Check remote island coverage terms
- Repatriation usually included from departure
💼 Posted/seconded workers
- Secondment agreement France-PF possible
- Temporary maintenance of French coverage
- Duration limited (depending on employer)
- Check with your local CPAM before leaving
- Recommended for short assignments (<2 years)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is European health insurance (EHIC) valid in French Polynesia?
How much does a doctor's visit cost in French Polynesia?
What is medical evacuation and who pays for it?
Do I really need complementary health insurance on top of the CPS?
Which hospital should I go to in an emergency in Tahiti?
How do I register with the CPS as a freelancer or self-employed expat?
Ready to make the move?
Explore our complete guides on relocating and working in French Polynesia.
Relocation guide Working in Polynesia