French Work Visas
Learn how expats can obtain work visas in France, including through working holiday programs, seasonal worker programs, and the Blue Card.
Health Insurance for Foreigners in France
Foreigners in France can get health coverage through the French public healthcare system, a complementary mutuelle, or private international health insurance. A global medical plan may be a good option if you are not yet eligible for public coverage, want private medical coverage, or need coverage in France and other countries.
What Are the Health Insurance Options for Foreigners in France?
Foreigners in France generally have three main options for long-term health coverage: the French public healthcare system, a complementary mutuelle, and international health insurance.
Foreigners who meet the relevant employment or residency requirements may qualify for France’s public healthcare system through Protection universelle maladie (PUMa). Once enrolled, they can use a Carte Vitale to process eligible healthcare costs and reimbursements. However, public health insurance does not necessarily reimburse every healthcare expense in full. For this reason, many residents use a mutuelle, which is designed to complement public coverage by helping cover eligible costs that are not fully reimbursed.
Global health plans work differently. They are standalone private medical policies rather than supplements to the French public system. Depending on the policy, they can provide access to private healthcare in France and other countries within your selected area. This can be a helpful option if you are not yet eligible for the French public healthcare system or want broader private benefits.
For more information about PUMa, eligibility, registration, reimbursements, and the Carte Vitale, see our Healthcare System in France guide.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
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What Health Insurance Do You Need in France?
The right type of coverage depends on your residency, employment, eligibility for French public healthcare, and whether you need medical care outside France.
| Your situation | Coverage option | Key feature |
| Not yet eligible for the French public system | A private or international health plan | Can provide protection while you establish longer-term coverage |
| Eligible for the French public system | French public health insurance | Helps cover eligible healthcare costs in France |
| Want additional coverage alongside the public system | Mutuelle | Helps cover eligible costs not fully reimbursed by the public system |
| Need protection in multiple countries | An international health plan | Can provide broader medical coverage in France and other countries |
| Visiting France temporarily | Travel medical insurance | Designed primarily for unexpected illness or injury during a trip |
If you plan to rely primarily on the French healthcare system, public coverage combined with a mutuelle may meet your needs. If you are not yet eligible for public healthcare or need private medical care in France and other countries, a global medical plan may be more appropriate.
Visiting France for a Short Stay?
Short-term visitors have different coverage needs. Depending on your nationality and visa requirements, you may need travel insurance for France rather than a long-term health plan. You can also consider a travel medical plan for unexpected illness or injury while abroad.
Eligible visitors from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland may be able to use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay in France. Eligible UK visitors may be able to use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards do not replace travel coverage, so travelers should consider whether they need additional protection for their trip.
Best Expat Health Insurance in France
The right expat health plan depends on your nationality, healthcare needs, budget, and where you need coverage. We recommend the following plans based on their flexibility and global benefits.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
Cigna Global is a leading health insurer with excellent service and benefits for expats living abroad. Its modular plan design lets you select a coverage level and add optional benefits based on your healthcare needs and budget.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
For U.S. citizens moving to France, BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier is another option to consider.
The plan provides international medical benefits and access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the United States, as well as healthcare providers worldwide. This can be particularly useful for American expats who want access to a familiar U.S. provider network when they return home.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Not sure which plan is right for you? Compare Cigna Global and BCBS Global Solutions to review their coverage and benefits side by side.
Benefits of International Health Insurance in France
One of the main advantages of international health insurance is flexibility. Unlike a mutuelle, which is designed to complement the French public system, a global medical plan provides separate private medical coverage.
Depending on the policy, benefits can include inpatient and outpatient treatment, specialist care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and mental health services, with access to doctors, private medical facilities, and hospitals in France and abroad.
Global plans can also provide greater continuity for individuals and families who spend time abroad. This can be useful for people retiring in France who may continue to travel or spend time in other countries. Depending on the policy and selected geographic area, you may be able to maintain coverage while traveling, returning to your home country, or relocating abroad.
How Much Is International Health Insurance in France?
The cost of a global health plan in France varies based on your age, insurer, deductible, coverage level, and geographic area. Adding benefits such as outpatient care, dental, vision, or maternity can also increase the premium.
Plans that include medical treatment in the United States may cost more than policies that exclude U.S. coverage. Choosing a higher deductible can generally lower your premium, although you will pay more toward eligible treatment yourself.
When comparing plans, consider the coverage and benefits you receive for the premium rather than price alone. The most accurate way to determine your cost is to request a personalized quote based on your circumstances.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in France
How you apply for health coverage in France depends on whether you are joining the French public system, purchasing a mutuelle, or choosing a global medical plan.
Apply for French Public Health Insurance
If you are eligible for the French public healthcare system, you can apply through Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa). See our French Healthcare System guide for information about eligibility, registration, CPAM, and the Carte Vitale.
Arrange a Mutuelle
If you are enrolled in the French public system, you can also purchase a mutuelle to help cover eligible healthcare costs that are not fully reimbursed. Compare policies based on the additional benefits, reimbursement levels, and premiums you need.
Apply for a Global Health Plan
If you need private or international coverage, compare global medical plans based on benefits, limits, deductibles, geographic area, provider access, and cost.
Consider whether you need outpatient care, dental or vision benefits, maternity coverage, or treatment in the United States. You can then request personalized quotes and apply for the plan that meets your needs.
Application requirements vary by insurer and plan, but you may need to provide information about your age, country of residence, coverage area, and health history. Before enrolling, review the policy’s benefits, exclusions, waiting periods, deductible, geographic limits, and effective date.
Why Work With an International Insurance Broker?
Working with a broker can simplify the process by helping you compare plans, benefits, and costs from multiple insurers rather than being limited to one provider.
International Citizens Insurance’s licensed advisors can help you understand your options and find coverage that fits your needs and budget at no additional cost.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Health Insurance in France FAQs
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Yes. People living or working in France generally need health coverage, but how you obtain it depends on your residence, employment, nationality, and immigration status. You may qualify for the French public healthcare system or need private coverage, depending on your circumstances.
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It depends on the type of visa and your circumstances. For stays of up to 90 days, unless exempt, France requires travel insurance covering medical repatriation and emergency medical or hospital treatment, with at least €30,000 in coverage. Check the official France-Visas requirements for your specific visa before applying.
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Yes. You can arrange a private or global health plan before moving to France, with coverage starting as soon as you need it. French public healthcare generally requires you to meet eligibility requirements after you begin working or residing in the country, so private coverage may be useful when you first arrive.
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Not necessarily. If you qualify for the French public system, you may rely on it and add a mutuelle to help cover eligible costs not fully reimbursed by the public system. An international health plan may be useful if you want additional private medical benefits or coverage across multiple countries.
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No. A mutuelle is complementary insurance designed to help cover eligible healthcare costs not fully reimbursed by the French public healthcare system. A global medical plan is standalone private coverage that may cover you in France and other countries, depending on the policy and coverage area.
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Yes, but they serve different purposes. A mutuelle complements French public health insurance, while international health plans provide separate private medical coverage. Which approach is appropriate depends on your eligibility for the French public system, the benefits you need, your budget, and whether you need coverage outside France.