Moving to France can be an exciting opportunity, but securing the necessary documentation, such as the French long-stay visa (visa de long séjour), requires careful planning. One essential part of your visa application process is ensuring you have the right health insurance. Without adequate coverage, your visa application could be denied. Let’s explore the health insurance options available and the steps to ensure your visa approval.
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Do I need health insurance to get the French long-stay visa?
Yes, having health insurance is a mandatory requirement when applying for the French long-stay visa. The French government requires that expats entering France for an extended stay have comprehensive health coverage. This ensures that you won’t burden the French healthcare system upon arrival and that you can handle any medical emergencies during your stay.
Why is health insurance required for the French long-stay visa?
Health insurance is not only a safeguard for you but also a requirement by the French authorities. Without it, you will not be able to secure a long-stay visa, and this applies to all non-EU citizens, including Americans. The insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay and ensure access to medical care in France without placing any strain on the public healthcare system.
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What are the health insurance requirements for the French long-stay visa?
When applying for your visa, the French consulate will check if your health insurance meets specific criteria:
- Comprehensive coverage: Your policy must cover medical expenses of at least 30,000 €
- Repatriation coverage: This covers the cost of sending you back to your home country in case of a serious illness or accident
- Valid for the entire stay: The policy must remain active throughout your time in France
- No gaps in coverage: Make sure there are no periods where you are without health insurance
Can not having enough coverage get my visa denied?
Yes, insufficient coverage is one of the most common reasons for visa denial. Without a policy that meets the French government’s requirements, your application may be rejected. In fact, 82% of failed visa applications are due to incomplete or inadequate health insurance documentation. Ensuring your policy complies with all criteria before applying is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
What are my health insurance options?
When applying for a French long-stay visa, having the right health insurance is crucial. Here are some options to consider:
International health insurance providers
International health insurance companies like Allianz Care, Cigna Global, and AXA are popular choices for expats. These providers specialise in offering comprehensive coverage plans that meet the French government’s visa requirements. Their policies typically include medical coverage for at least 30,000 €, repatriation, and other essential features such as hospitalisation, general medical care and specialist visits. The plans are widely accepted by French consulates, making them a secure choice for long-stay visa applicants.
Opting for an international plan has the added benefit of continuity, as these policies can cover you in multiple countries, not just in France. This flexibility is useful if you travel frequently or relocate to another country in the future.
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Travel insurance
While travel insurance is usually recommended for short trips, some plans are designed to meet the needs of long-term stays and comply with the French visa requirements. These policies must provide comprehensive medical coverage, including hospitalisation and repatriation to quality. However, travel insurance may not be the most robust option for those planning to settle long-term in France, as they often lack the extensive medical coverage or flexibility found in international or local private health insurance plans.
If you choose this option, verify that the policy remains valid for the entire duration of your stay and covers medical expenses that meet the required threshold.
French private insurance
Once you are settled in France, you may want to switch to a French private health insurance providers. These insurers known as mutuelles, offer coverage for costs not reimburses by the public healthcare system (sécurité sociale), such as specialist fees, dental care and vision treatment. While public healthcare covers around 70% of expenses, a mutuelle can ensure you don’t face large out-of-pocket costs for treatments and services beyond basic care.
To access the French healthcare system and take out a mutuelle, you typically need to be a legal resident of France. This is because mutuelles work alongside the public healthcare system, which is available to residents.
If you are on a long-stay visa, you will need to complete your residency registration process and enrol in sécurité sociale before you can benefit from a mutuelle. Once you are officially a resident and enrolled in the public healthcare system, you can supplement your coverage with private insurance.
Eligibility for French private health insurance
- Residency requirement: You must have legal residency status and be registered with Sécurité Sociale to qualify for a mutuelle. Without being enrolled in the public system, you won’t be able to take out this additional coverage.
- Expats on long-stay visas: After living in France for three months, expats can typically apply for Sécurité Sociale under the PUMA system (Protection Universelle Maladie). Once you’re registered, you can consider getting a mutuelle to cover costs not reimbursed by the public healthcare system, such as dental care, vision, and certain specialist fees.
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In the meantime, while waiting for your residency for your residency status, expats should maintain international or travel health insurance to meet visa requirements and cover medical expenses.
Useful resources
- France Visas – Official Visa Application Information – Visit website here.