[blakblakarak]

In France you get 'top up' insurance called a mutuelle (the state pays the first 70% - 80% of most healthcare costs - chronic conditions are paied 100% by the state). A basic mutuelle is obligatory at all jobs, but many will provide a decent one (that includes glasses, advanced dental work, hearing aids etc) as a benefit.

[Reventlov]

Basic mutuelle is not mandatory e.g. in the public sector in France.

[vladvasiliu]

It's mandatory in the private sector:

https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/mutuelle-entreprise...

[blakblakarak]

I didn't realise that was the case for the public sector - my wife's a nurse and hers is provided.