France Student Health Insurance: A Guide to Coverage

France has a comprehensive public healthcare system, but as a student, you may still need to purchase additional health insurance to cover some expenses.

The French government requires all international students to have health insurance that covers them for the duration of their stay in France.

You can purchase a health insurance plan through the French government's website, or you can opt for a private insurance plan that meets the government's requirements.

Some private insurance plans may offer additional benefits, such as coverage for dental care or vision care, which may not be included in the government's plan.

The cost of health insurance can vary depending on your age, health status, and the type of plan you choose.

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The French healthcare system is managed by the national social security system, which includes a network of local branches called the Caisses Primaires d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM).

You can register with the general French social security system for free as a student, and once registered, you can request reimbursements of your medical costs and obtain a social security number.

On average, the social security system will reimburse 70% of your doctor’s bills, and between 15 to 100% of the costs of medication.

Complementary or top-up insurance, known as mutuelles, can be purchased to complete the reimbursement up to a full coverage of all costs.

To be eligible for health insurance in France, you'll need to meet certain criteria. All international students must have health insurance, either public or private, as part of their eligibility requirements.

To qualify for France's national health insurance, you must be under 28 by October 1st of the current academic year, enrolled in a degree programme lasting 4 months or more, and have non-European Union or non-Swiss nationality.

The specific eligibility requirements are outlined below:

It's also worth noting that non-EU students require insurance that covers stays under 90 days, with coverage valid in France being at least €37,500 for Schengen visas.

To qualify for France's national health insurance, you'll need to meet some specific criteria. You must be under 28 years old by October 1st of the current academic year.

Enrollment in a degree program lasting at least four months is also a requirement. This means you'll need to have a long-term commitment to your studies in France.

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Non-European Union or non-Swiss nationality is another factor that comes into play. If you're from outside of these regions, you'll need to meet additional insurance requirements.

Here are the specific eligibility requirements:

To ensure a smooth process of obtaining health insurance coverage as a student in France, you'll need to gather and organize the necessary documents.

A valid passport or ID card is the first document required for verification purposes.

You'll also need to provide proof of your legal status in France as a student, which is typically done through a residence permit or student visa.

If you plan to stay in France for over one year, you'll need to obtain additional documents, which include a birth certificate.

A complete copy of your birth certificate or an extract containing your parents' information is required, and if unavailable, a document issued by a consulate may be accepted.

You'll also need to furnish your RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) details for the reimbursement of your healthcare expenses.

Opening a French bank account is recommended to facilitate healthcare expense reimbursements.

Here's a list of the documents required for student health insurance in France:

To obtain social security for student health insurance in France, you'll need to visit the dedicated website for international students and initiate the registration process. This will involve providing your personal details and the commencement date of your eligibility for French health insurance, which should correspond to your arrival in France.

You'll need to upload supporting documents, including a copy of your passport or ID card, student visa, school certificate, and RIB/IBAN details. Make sure to store your provisional social security number for future reference.

Once you've completed and verified the information on the form, you'll receive a provisional social security number. This will allow you to proceed with further documentation and use the temporary health insurance certificate during the waiting period.

Upon receiving your definitive medical coverage number, you'll be eligible to apply for your personal Carte Vitale, which functions as your social security card. Be sure to carry this card with you at all times.

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French social security may not cover all healthcare expenses, so consider obtaining complementary health insurance that includes civil liability coverage. Several insurance providers cater to students in France, such as MGEN, LMDE, SMERRA, and SMENO.

Here's a summary of the documents required for social security registration:

Remember to also declare your chosen general practitioner during your initial medical consultation in France to ensure effective coordination of your healthcare needs within the French system.

Obtaining student health insurance in France is a relatively straightforward process. You can initiate the registration process by visiting the dedicated website for international students and providing the required information and personal details in the provided form.

To complete the registration process, you'll need to upload supporting documents, including a copy of your passport or ID card, student visa, school certificate, and RIB/IBAN details. You'll then receive a provisional social security number, which will allow you to proceed with further documentation.

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Once you've received your provisional social security number, you can use the temporary health insurance certificate to access medical care during the waiting period. This certificate provides you with medical coverage until your definitive medical coverage number is issued.

Here are the required documents for registration:

After receiving your definitive medical coverage number, you'll be eligible to apply for your personal Carte Vitale, which serves as your social security card. Make sure to declare your chosen general practitioner during your initial medical consultation in France, as this will help with the coordination of your healthcare needs within the French system.

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Choosing the right health insurance for students can be overwhelming, but let's break it down. You'll want to consider the level of cover you need, based on your healthcare habits. This will help you choose a policy that suits your needs.

The premium fees are also an important factor to consider. You'll want to find a policy that offers great value for your money.

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When looking at conditions of reimbursement, think about how easy it is to process claims, how quickly they're paid out, and the quality of customer follow-up. You want to be able to get help when you need it.

Some policies may have restrictions, such as a deductible or exclusions. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what's covered and what's not.

Here are some key details to consider when choosing a policy:

Remember, choosing the right health insurance is an important decision, and taking the time to research and understand your options will pay off in the long run.

You can subscribe to student health insurance in just a few minutes online. This convenience allows you to sign up before or during your stay in France.

The contract can be subscribed by the person themselves or by a third party. This flexibility is helpful if you're unable to sign up personally.

You can subscribe online in just a few minutes. The process is quick and straightforward, making it easy to get the coverage you need.

The insurance can be subscribed before your departure or during your stay in France. This flexibility gives you peace of mind, knowing you're covered from the start.

Health covers also apply in all of the European Union (except for stays of more than 4 weeks in your country of origin if you come from a country within the European Union). This means you're protected not just in France, but also across the EU.

For stays of 90 days or less, we recommend our Schengen insurance Europax. This is a convenient option for short-term stays.

We secure your payments, making the process even easier and more hassle-free.

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