According to an article about France's healthcare system, "France is the second highest spender on healthcare within the EU, in terms of GDP percentage. It currently spends 12.2% of its GDP on healthcare, surpassed only by Germany with 12.8% (Expatica, 2023). In France, healthcare coverage is mandatory for all citizens whether it be state or private health insurance. "If your household income falls below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for free health insurance coverage (complémentaire santé solidaire). If your application for legal residence has not been finalized, you may be eligible for State Medical Assistance (Aide Médicale d’Etat – AME)" (Expatica, 2023). Free health insurance is made available through social security contributions from all taxpayers. France also offers free coverage to temporary visitors from the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Although health care is free in France there are some barriers to care. For example, there is a threshold in place in order to receive free health coverage from the government. If a person makes more than the threshold then they must apply for private health care coverage. Since healthcare coverage is mandatory in France this rule places stress on those who are not eligible for free coverage, but may not be able to afford private coverage even though they are slightly over the threshold. Another barrier to care is that France partially pays for medical treatments and hospital visits. Depending on the person and their health status, the government will pay between 70-100% of costs.