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7 Best Health Insurance Plans for International Students in France

Lohanna Reis

If you’re going to be an international student in France, did you know that most schools will require you to have health insurance to enroll? So, what are your best options if you’re just doing a short course? Or what if you need a policy that’s longer than a year? Take a look at the article below for all the answers! 

Health insurance is one detail that students often forget about if they’re going to be studying abroad in France. But it’s very important to guarantee your stay overseas is smooth and safe. Plus, you’ll likely need to show proof of medical coverage to enroll in your course!

 

 


Thinking about it, I’ve separated out the best insurance options for students in France, alongside information about student visas, most common courses, and the french health system. 

Check it out! 

 

 

Why do international students in France need health insurance? 

 

The biggest reason to get health insurance is to make sure that you’re covered in case you need any medical care in your new country of residence. 

But in the case of France specifically, not all students can use the public health system. And without insurance, even basic healthcare can be really expensive. 

However, this is nothing new for anyone, right? In addition to this reason, there are others that I consider relevant that I will explain below.

 

To be eligible for France’s national health insurance plan, you must meet the following requirements:

If you do not meet these provisions, you must purchase private health insurance.

 

 

The right international student insurance plan for you is dictated by how long you will be studying in France, whether you will need a visa (and, if so, what insurance requirements you need to meet), whether you will be eligible for the system national health system in France, as well as your personal situation and choices.

And all this brings us to the next point…

 

 

What student health insurance is required for a student visa in France?

 

Health insurance is mandatory to study in France.

 

Non-European Union nationals (third country nationals)

Students from third countries are those whose nationality is not from the European Union or the European Economic Area.

Students under the age of 28 who study in France for at least 4 months can register for French social security. But for a stay of less than 4 months, private health insurance is required.

Students over the age of 28 studying in France for at least 4 months or more can apply (without the certainty of approval) to register with the French social security system. If your application is not approved, private health insurance will be required.

Medical and private assistance coverage during your stay in France is also highly recommended if you are enrolled in French social security for the following reasons:

1. to obtain a travel visa for France

2. to cover medical costs until you are enrolled in social security in France

3. for being covered under all assistance benefits required during your stay in France

 

European Union citizens

Students with nationality from EU countries can apply for the European Health Insurance Card (CESD) in their home country. Thanks to this card, EU/EEA citizens can benefit from the same coverage as the French health fund.

However, CESD is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any travel protection, search and rescue, repatriation to the country of origin, emergency dental treatment, assistance… Private insurance is highly recommended in France also for EU citizens throughout their stay in France.

To learn more about the types of courses you can study in France and the visas required, continue reading the article after the list of the best international health insurance for international students in France.

As always, I recommend you to get a quick online quote with all the companies I suggest here. It might take a bit of time, but you can ended up saving quite a bit of money at the end of the day!  

 

 

The 5 Best and Cheapest Health Insurance for International Students in France

 

   1. International Student Health Insurance by IMG

IMGlobal offers a variety of insurance plans for students (as well as insurance plans for expats more generally).

They offer three different insurance plans specifically made for students. But since one of them is just for students studying abroad in the United States (The Patriot Exchange Program), we’ll just talk about two of them here.  

 

 

Plan #1: Student Health Advantage 

This program should be enough to meet any requirements your school has for health coverage (though do make sure you check the minimum coverage required by your school first!). 

This particular plan covers a lot of things that many others don’t – including mental health disorders, maternity care, and pre-existing conditions. IMG also covers COVID-19 like any other illness and injury that are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

 

Plan #2: Student Health Advantage Platinum

This plan is the same as the one above but offers double the maximum coverage: $1,000,000

 

What I like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:

 

What I don’t like about IMG’s International Student Insurance:

 

 

   2. International Health Insurance for Cigna Global Students

Cigna Global, one of the largest health insurance companies in the world, offers plans for travelers, expats, and (of course!) international students.

They offer 3 main plans: Silver, Gold and Platinum. These plans will cover you not just in France, but in the entire world! And if you have plans to visit the United States during your stay in France, you can choose to be covered there as well (though this will make your policy a bit more expensive, so it may be better to just get a short travel insurance policy for your visit to the U.S.).  

Here’s a table comparing your plan options:  

 

 

Cigna plans are really flexible and let you add on whatever you need (including things like dental and eye treatments or International evacuation and crisis assistance).  

The company also has a flexible payment policy and offers several options such as annual, monthly and quarterly payments.

 

What I like about International Health Insurance for Cigna Global Students:

 

What I don’t like about the International Health Insurance for Cigna Global Students:

 

 

   3. Now Health International

Now Health International is at the forefront of the international insurance market, with a primary focus on providing efficient and affordable plans to satisfy its clients.

As a result, one of the major advantages of this company lies in its advanced customer service, which offers rapid and practical information delivery.

All the insurance plans offered by Now Health are specifically designed to cater to and resolve the challenges faced by expatriates residing in foreign countries, including international and exchange students worldwide.

Additionally, these plans are completely customizable, ensuring a perfect fit for all your individual needs.

 

 

What I like about Now Health International Student Plans:

 

What I don’t like about Now Health International Student Plans:

 

  4. WorldTrips

WorldTrips is another provider that offers insurance for full-time students and scholars studying away from home (alongside the usual travel insurance offerings). 

These are the 4 levels of student health insurance coverage they offer (all of which work great for France!):

 

 

StudentSecure Elite

 

StudentSecure Select

 

StudentSecure Budget

 

StudentSecure Smart

 

Here is a comparison of the 4 HCC StudentSecure plans (click to see full chart):

 

What I like about HCCMIS’ StudentSecure plans:

 

What I don’t like about the HCCMIS’ StudentSecure plans:

 

 

   5. Visitor Coverage

Visitor Coverage, founded in 2006 in the United States, aims to simplify the choice of travel insurance, providing affordable and personalized options for tourists, students, expats and immigrants.

Through a practical and easy-to-navigate platform, travelers can compare different insurance options by providing some basic information about their trip. Although the company does not offer its own insurance, it works as an intermediary, connecting customers with renowned insurers, ensuring security in emergencies.

For international students, for example, simply enter the destination country, age and nationality. Based on this information, the platform suggests the best options, indicating values, items covered, possibility of cancellation, extension of coverage and additional benefits. In addition, it is possible to consult the ratings and complete details about each partner insurer.

What I like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:

What I don’t like about Visitor Coverage student insurance:

 

   6. Foyer Global Health

Basic or Premium? Short- or long-term stay in France? Alone or with the family? Regardless of what you need, you can find a plan with Foyer Global Health that works for you. 

The company has 3 different plans. Here’s a quick snapshot at what each of these plans includes: 

 

 

ESSENCIAL

 

SPECIAL 

   
EXCLUSIVE

 

What I like about Foyer Global Health plans:

 

What I don’t like about the Foyer Global Health plans:

 

 

   7. Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International from Global Underwriters

 

Global Underwriters offers international health insurance plans for a wide range of travelers, including exchange students and study abroad students. 

When it comes to GU’s plans, I recommend Diplomat Long Term and Diplomat International for international students in France.  

 

 

What I like about Global Underwriters plans:

 

What I don’t like about the Global Underwriters plans:

 

 

2 International Health Insurance Companies That Can Also Be Used by International Students in France

The two final companies I’ll list below don’t offer health insurance specifically for students abroad. That said, they do offer international health insurance that will (most likely) be accepted by your school or university as proof of coverage. 

So here’s my advice to you: get a quote for these two companies below and compare it to the quote you get from the companies listed above. If you find that either of these two companies offers good coverage at a lower price than the other options, check in with your Canadian school or university if they accept this type of policy. 

If so, this is a great chance to save money before venturing to your new home! 

 

   – Geoblue

Geoblue is another great option if you’re looking for a health insurance policy to cover you while you study overseas in France. 

 

 

What I like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:

 

What I don’t like about Geoblue’s international health insurance:

 

 

 

   – Aetna (acquired by Allianz)

Aetna is a well-known company in the field of health insurance. 

One nice advantage of Aetna is that their plans are really flexible (you can customize based on whatever you need covered), and they have quite good customer service (as far as insurance companies goes, that is). 

 

What I like about Aetna’s international health insurance:

 

What I don’t like about Aetna’s international health insurance:

 

 

 

Table comparison of the 7 best health insurance plans for international/exchange students in France

 

IMG

 Cigna Global  

Foyer Global Health 

WorldTrips

Global Underwriters
Medical Maximum Unlimited (for the Platinum plan) $5,000,000 There are no limits independent of the plan  US$1,000,000 per year $1,000,000
Mental Health Benefit Unspecified Unlimited for up to 90 days  Included in all plans with a 10-month waiting period   Outpatient: $50 per day max up to $500 in total  Yes
Inpatient Prescription Drugs 80% coverage out-of-network, 100% in the USA and internationally Unspecified  Coverage available  Name-brand drugs: 50% coinsurance 

Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance

Special drugs: no coverage 

 Yes
Outpatient Prescription Drugs  50% of actual costs, 90 days maximum per dispensation Unspecified Unspecified coinsurance 

Generic drugs: 100% coinsurance

Special drugs: no coverage 

 Yes
Mental Health Benefit Inpatient and Outpatient: $5,000 lifetime maximum to paid in full depending on the plan Inpatient and Outpatient: $50,000 lifetime maximum None  Inpatient and Outpatient: limit not specified  Inpatient, outpatient, and therapy: limit not specific
Outpatient Prescription Drugs None, unless you buy the International Outpatient Option Up to $8,000,000 Full reimbursement Yes Yes
Repatriation of Remains $25,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation  Optional Optional  $50,000 maximum or $5,000 for cremation  $13,500 maximum
Emergency Evacuation $50,000 Optional Optional $10,000 Yes
Hospital room coverage Offered up to the average semi-private room rate  Private room Private Room Usual Usual
Terrorism $50,000 Unspecified Unspecified $100,000 N/A
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD & D)  Principal sum of $25,000 that is not subject to deduction  $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan

Total limit of $250,000

 Optional $25,000 for main policy holder, $10,000 for spouse on the plan, $5,000 for child on the plan

Total limit of $250,000

 There is coverage
Emergency Dental  $500 per injury for the coverage period  Optional Optional $2,500 Yes
Maternity Care Only covered in Platinum plan  $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan  Only available in the Special and Exclusive plans Within the US: up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit within the PPO network/Outside PPO: up to 50% coverage with a $25,000 limit 

Outside the United States: 

Up to 80% coverage with a $25,000 limit. Benefits reduced by 25% if pregnancy is not reported within the first 90 days.  

 Not specified
Pre-existing condition exclusion period Maximum limit of $1,500 with a 12-month waiting period  $14,000/€11,000/£9,000 in the Platinum plan  Coverage available Limited of $250,000 per plan  Unspecified 
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)  100% coverage after the deductible has been met Full coverage with the Platinum plan Coverage available  Up to $50,000 Not specified
Vaccines  Unspecified Optional Only in the Special and Exclusive plans $200 Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan
Routine care for newborns Unspecified Optional Only in the Special and Exclusive plans Up to $750 Yes, but must be paid as a separate plan
Pre-existing annual maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Depends on the plan
Pre-existing lifetime maximum once covered Unlimited depending on the plan Up to $8,000,000 Full reimbursement Unlimited depending on the plan Depends on the plan

Worldwide Medical Insurance / Comparison Chart*

Part of the table courtesy of Tokio Marine HCC

*Note: this table is just for informational purposes and subject to change. It was accurate as of the time we wrote it here, but please check each company’s individual website for updated info.

 

 

Types of courses that foreign students can take in France

Now that you know all about the best health insurance companies for students in France, you probably also have an idea in mind of what type of course you plan to do in the country. 

But if not, here’s a list of the 3 most common courses that international students do in France. 

 

As with the United States, Ireland, and Australia, France is also a popular destination for anyone looking to do a language course. 

The length of a language course in France can range anywhere from 1 month to 1 year. 

 

For anyone who’d like to do a college degree overseas, France is a great option. Your time studying can vary anywhere from 1 to 5 years. And in some cases, it’s even possible to work at the same time.

If you are interested in this option, you can find university courses in just about anything – Gastronomy, Engineering, History, etc.

 

If you’re looking for professional development, these 3 types of programs are good options. 

Naturally, the duration of these programs can vary. In some cases, it’s possible to work while you’re studying. 

 

What are the types of visas to study in France?

 

For non-EU students studying in France, the main visa categories are:

   1. Schengen visa

Covering stays of less than 90 days, Schengen visas require insurance coverage valid in France of at least €37,500. If you would like more information about this Schengen Visa and its insurance requirements, please visit our Schengen Visa Insurance page for more information and advice.

   2. Long-Term Student Visa over 28 years old

For students over 28 years of age and planning to stay longer than 90 days. You will be required to present proof of valid private health insurance in France as part of the visa application.

   3. Long-Term Student Visa under the age of 28

For students under the age of 28 who plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, you may be eligible for the social health system in France depending on which school they attend and, if eligible, 70% of most healthcare costs will be covered. In this case, it is recommended that you purchase a supplemental insurance plan that can cover any remaining costs that are not covered by the healthcare system when you are residing in France.

 

In sum…

Once again, here are the 5 best and cheapest health insurance policies for international students in France: 

  1. Student Health Advantage from IMG
  2. International student health insurance from Cigna Global 
  3. Now Health International
  4. StudentSecure from HCCMIS 
  5. Foyer Global Health

 

In conclusion…

Altogether…as you prepare for your time as an international student in France, make sure health insurance isn’t one detail you forget about. 

After all, you may not be able to enroll in school without it…and you don’t want to get stuck paying out-of-pocket for medical expenses! 

If you still have any doubts about these travel insurance options for students in France (or about moving abroad in general), let me know in the comments area below and I’ll be happy to help!   

 

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