Health Insurance Requirements for Visa Applications When Moving to France from Overseas
- A New Life
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Moving to France is an exciting step — whether you’re retiring in Provence, starting a new life in Paris, or buying a countryside home in the Dordogne. But before you pack your bags, one key requirement must be in place for your visa application: proof of comprehensive health insurance.
French authorities take healthcare coverage seriously. As part of your visa or residence permit application, you must demonstrate that you have adequate health insurance from the moment you arrive. This requirement applies to all non-EU/EEA nationals — including citizens from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory
France operates one of the world’s most respected public healthcare systems — the Protection Maladie Universelle(PUMA). However, access to this system is not automatic for newcomers. The French government requires foreign residents to have private health insurance to ensure they are protected during the initial period before joining the state system.
The rationale is simple:
To prevent uninsured medical costs falling on the French state.
To guarantee that newcomers have access to quality medical care immediately upon arrival.
To align with EU and Schengen regulations on sufficient means of support and insurance coverage.
When You Need Health Insurance in the Visa Process
Health insurance proof is required at several key stages:
1. Visa Application (Before Arrival)
When applying for a long-stay visa (visa de long séjour) — for example:
Visa for retirees (visa de long séjour visiteur),
Work visa,
Entrepreneur or self-employed visa, or
Family reunion visa,
you must include documentation showing that you have comprehensive health coverage valid in France for the full duration of the visa (usually 12 months).
2. During Your Stay – Residency Renewal
Once you’re in France and apply for your first residency permit (carte de séjour), you’ll again need to prove that you have either:
Ongoing private coverage, or
Official enrolment in the French state healthcare system (if eligible).
What Type of Insurance Do You Need?
The French consulates and the OFII (French Immigration Office) are clear: the insurance must be “comprehensive” and valid in France and across the Schengen Area.
Here’s what that means in practice:
✅ Minimum Requirements
Coverage amount:
At least €30,000 of medical cover per person — this is the Schengen minimum, though for long-term visas, higher coverage is recommended.
Validity period:
Must cover your entire stay, from your arrival date until you are eligible to join the French system (often up to 12 months).
Repatriation and emergency evacuation:
Policies should include repatriation to your home country in case of serious illness or death.
No excessive exclusions:
Insurance should cover hospitalisation, surgery, prescriptions, and emergency care without unreasonable exclusions (for example, not excluding pre-existing conditions that could cause large medical costs).
Certificate in French or English:
You’ll need an official insurance certificate or attestation showing your name, coverage amount, and duration — translated if not originally in English or French.
Options for Meeting the Requirement
You have several routes to satisfy this condition, depending on your situation:
1. Private International Health Insurance
Ideal for retirees, remote workers, or entrepreneurs moving to France without employer coverage.
Advantages:
Comprehensive worldwide coverage.
Valid immediately upon arrival.
Meets consulate requirements.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than local options.
Premiums can rise with age or medical history.
2. Travel Insurance (Short-Term Stays)
If you are applying for a short-stay (Schengen) visa — valid for up to 90 days — travel medical insurance with €30,000 coverage may be sufficient.
However, for long-term stays or residency visas, travel insurance is not enough — you’ll need full private medical coverage.
3. Employer or EU Coverage
If you’re moving to France for work and your employer provides health insurance, this often satisfies visa requirements.Similarly, if you are covered under an EU reciprocal healthcare agreement (such as the European Health Insurance Card for EU/EEA citizens), this may be accepted for short stays but not for long-term residency.
4. Private French Health Insurance (“Mutuelle”)
Some insurers based in France offer policies designed specifically for newcomers who have not yet joined l’Assurance Maladie.These short-term “welcome plans” cover hospitalisation, GP visits, and prescriptions and are often accepted by prefectures when renewing residence permits.
Transitioning to the French Healthcare System (PUMA)
Once you’ve lived in France for at least three months and can show stable residence, you may apply for state healthcare under PUMA (Protection Maladie Universelle) through your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).
To register, you’ll need:
Proof of legal residence (visa or residence permit),
Proof of address,
Proof of income or employment, and
Birth certificate and passport.
After joining, you’ll receive your Carte Vitale, which allows direct reimbursement for healthcare expenses.
Many residents then choose a “mutuelle” (top-up insurance) to cover the portion of medical costs not reimbursed by the state (typically 20–30%).
Typical Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Submitting travel insurance instead of comprehensive long-term health coverage.
❌ Providing a policy that expires after 6 months when your visa is for 12 months.
❌ Forgetting to include repatriation cover.
❌ Submitting a policy that only covers your home country or excludes France.
❌ Not translating your insurance certificate into French or English.
Each of these can lead to visa delays or refusals.
How to Present Your Health Insurance Evidence
When submitting your visa application through your local French consulate or TLS/ VFS Global, include:
The insurance certificate (attestation d’assurance) showing your name and dates of coverage.
The policy summary detailing benefits and exclusions.
If available, a letter from the insurer confirming it meets French visa requirements.
It’s wise to carry a printed copy when you arrive in France and present it if requested by border officers or the OFII during your residency validation appointment.
Costs to Expect
Premiums vary widely depending on age, coverage, and insurer, but as a guide:
Type of Coverage | Typical Annual Cost (Per Adult) |
Basic travel insurance (90 days) | €50–€150 |
Private expat health plan (comprehensive) | €800–€2,500 |
Family plan (comprehensive, mid-range) | €2,000–€4,000 |
French “mutuelle” after joining PUMA | €50–€150/month |
Final Thoughts
Securing the right health insurance is a vital step in your move to France — both legally and practically. It ensures that you meet visa requirements, avoid costly medical bills, and can access France’s excellent healthcare system from day one.
If you plan to stay long-term, start with a comprehensive international plan, then transition smoothly into PUMA once eligible. For retirees and self-employed expats, this approach offers both peace of mind and compliance with French law.