Expat health insurance for France: A complete guide

If you're moving to France as a UK expat, it's important to understand how the healthcare system works and have the right insurance. Taking care of this early can help you avoid unexpected medical bills and extra costs later on.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything about expat health insurance for France. We’ll explain how to get coverage, what options are available and the costs you can expect.

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Healthcare system in France - An overview

France is known for its high-quality healthcare system, which is often ranked among the best in the world. The system includes both public and private providers and many residents choose to take out private insurance to supplement what’s covered by the state.¹

Public vs private healthcare

The public healthcare system is called Protection Universelle maladie or PUMA, which replaced the previous scheme known as ​​Couverture Maladie Universelle.

It’s largely funded through social contributions and taxes, which helps keep healthcare affordable for residents. On average, around 70 to 80% of healthcare costs are covered, including consultations, medication and even dental care.¹

Most residents use a Carte Vitale, a health insurance card that allows healthcare providers to bill the state directly. With the card, reimbursements for consultations or treatments are usually paid directly to you within a week.¹

Those who’d like to top up their coverage can register for complementary insurance known as mutuelle. A mutuelle is a private health insurance policy held by around 95% of French residents. It helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses and gives you access to high-quality healthcare services.²

You can also get a standalone private health insurance plan, which can operate independently from the public system.²

Health insurance requirements for expats

All French residents are required to have some form of health insurance, so it’s something you’ll need to arrange within your first few months. After living in France for at least three months, you can apply to register with L’Assurance Maladie, the public health insurance scheme.³

In some cases, you may need to show proof of health insurance when applying for your visa. Until you’re fully registered in France, you can stay covered temporarily with your GHIC or an international health insurance policy. If you don’t have a GHIC, you can contact the Centre des liaisons européennes et internationales de sécurité sociale (Cleiss) to explore your options for expat health insurance for France.²

Accessing public healthcare in France

Once you’ve lived in France for three consecutive months, you can access the French public healthcare system. The application process and the required documents depend on your situation.³

If you’re applying as a resident, you can apply through your local Caisse Primaire Assurance Maladie (CPAM) office. You’ll need the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Proof of your address in France (such as a utility bill)
• Proof of residency (your visa or titre de séjour)³

If you’re working in France, you’ll be enrolled in PUMA through the French social security system, L’Assurance Maladie. Your employer will take care of your application once you start your job and contributions will be deducted from your salary.³

Freelancers and business owners will first need to register as self-employed with the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) and arrange their social security contributions. Once you’re registered, you can apply for healthcare through your local CPAM, without the need to wait three months.³

Retirees, on the other hand, must wait three months to register for public healthcare and get private insurance in the meantime. When you’re ready to register, you’ll need to fill out the demande d’ouverture des droits form and send it to your local CPAM office.³

Finally, children under 18 can access free healthcare through their parent’s or guardian’s coverage.³

Private health insurance providers for expats in France

Many expats opt for private health insurance to supplement their coverage or as their main insurance if they don’t qualify for the public system. Private providers sometimes offer plans made specifically for expats, giving access to private hospitals, shorter waiting times and coverage for services that the state may not fully reimburse.

Some of the well-known private health insurance companies operating in France include:

• Cigna Global
• Allianz Care
• Bupa Global
• AXA
• GeoBlue Xplorer
• APRIL International

These and other providers offer a range of plans, from basic coverage to policies that include dental and optical care and repatriation. It’s important to compare plans based on coverage, premiums and customer service to find the best fit for your needs.²

How much does private health insurance cost in France?

The cost of private expat health insurance for France varies widely depending on factors such as the type of coverage and your age. For example, basic plans for students can start from around €15 a month, while more comprehensive policies may cost significantly more.²

Senior and family plans, as well as policies that include dental and optical cover, tend to be more expensive. On average, a basic policy costs between €30 and €50 a month. Mid-level coverage typically ranges from €60 to €90 per month, while high-tier plans can exceed €150.⁴

Choosing the right expat health insurance

When selecting a health insurance plan as an expat in France, it's crucial to consider your residency status, health needs and budget. Ensure that the plan covers essential treatments and services, like care for chronic conditions, maternity and mental health.

If you’re in one of the categories which qualify for the French public healthcare system, a complementary mutuelle plan may be enough. For those who do not qualify or want faster access to private care, a private plan like this is recommended.

Additionally, it’s important to verify the policy's network of hospitals and clinics, as well as confirm the availability of customer support in English.

Wise - A smart way to manage your money in France

Sorting out expat health insurance for France is a key part of planning your move. Understanding how the healthcare system works early on can save you time, stress, and unexpected costs down the line.

If you’re looking for a way to pay for health insurance or cover living costs in France, Wise can be a great option. Open a Wise account and you can send money between the UK and France for low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate.

You can also spend in euros using your Wise card. It works in more than 150+ countries and automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny currency conversion fee. Or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 20-Oct-2025