Foreign student insurance in France is mandatory for anybody wanting to continue their education in this country. Besides this, it’s important to have coverage for any expenses related to health issues and unforeseen events that might require medical assistance.
In most cases, affiliation to the public health system is mandatory. However, in many situations, it’s interesting to get private international student insurance in France.
Read more to find all the keys that will help you with the type of policy that better suits your needs. It will be a guarantee of spending your school year without unpleasant surprises.
Is There Any Public Student Health Insurance in France?
Health Insurance for Foreign Students in France With the National Medical System
Getting student health insurance in France with the National Health Insurance is free.
It is done online through a dedicated website (etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr). And is conditional upon enrollment in a French educational institution.
The conditions of affiliation for a foreign student may vary according to his/her situation.
Some aspects that are taken into account:
- Age
- Length of stay
- Marital and professional status
- Children of international civil servants
- Etc.
In general, since 2019, all non-European foreign students are affiliated with the general Social Security system.
This affiliation allows them to benefit from the same reimbursements as the French insured, in terms of:
- Consultations
- Hospitalization
- Medication
- Examinations.
International Student Insurance in France With the EHIC
Foreign students from the European Economic Area (European Union, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland) are not obliged to join the French public health system.
They can get their foreign student health insurance for France through a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
This card is nominative and must normally be requested in the country of origin before departure.
It is a kind of European equivalent to the French “Carte Vitale”. And allows them to benefit from access to health care and reimbursements similar to those of the French insured in the public health system.
International Student Health Insurance for France With Private Companies
Foreign Student Health Insurance in France With Extensive Coverage
If someone can not be affiliated with the public system, he/she will have to get health insurance for foreign students in France with a private company.
However, this option is also interesting for any student that might have specific needs. For example:
- Consultations, examinations, or care performed by a private practitioner
- Reimbursement of certain services not covered by the health insurance (alternative medicine, osteopathy, etc.)
- Reimbursement of poorly covered drugs (e.g. certain contraceptives)
- Improved coverage of dental care or optical equipment.
A private policy can reinforce the coverage provided by the public system. And add extended guarantees like:
- Repatriation assistance (in case of illness or accident requiring long-term care in their country of origin)
- Civil liability coverage (in case of an accident causing damage to a third party)
- Reimbursement of transportation costs in case of death or hospitalization of a loved one in their country of origin
- Legal assistance.
Private Student Health Insurance for France Covers You Around the World
In addition to the extended coverage, a private policy has the advantage of covering the student outside of France. For example, during vacations in another European country, or temporary stay in their home country.
And these insurances are very convenient. The contract subscription, as well as its management, can be done online from a computer or an app from anywhere in the world.
Advisors are also easily reachable. They will answer any question related to the follow-up of one’s file. Or about the functioning of the French health system.
If you take international student health insurance for France with a private company, you will be completely independent of the French Social Security system. Unless you have obligations with it.
For example, if you are working. The required contributions will be deducted from your income.
How to Choose the Best Foreign Student Insurance for France?
Many companies are offering foreign student insurance in France. But not all of them are the same. It’s recommended to look for insurers with experience in this field. It’s the only way to be sure of getting an efficient service with good coverage and interesting reimbursements
They offer a wide range of services, including packages designed specifically to meet the main needs of students and to be easy to manage.
The contract taken out must cover common health expenses. As well as hospitalization. Repatriation assistance is a highly recommended additional coverage and is included in most serious offers.
It is not always easy to know which coverage to choose. But it is advisable to find out before leaving your home country.
International students can make their choice of health insurance before arriving in France, for example, by using an online insurance comparison tool.
This free and practical tool will allow them to quickly obtain several detailed offers with quotes, adapted to their budget and needs. They can then compare and find the best contract at the best price.
