International Health Insurance in France
France is a celebrated destination known for romantic breaks, cultural charm and revered artistry. Protect you and your family with health insurance in France, whether you’re here for a few weeks, or a few years.
France boasts high safety standards and a world-class healthcare system. However, private at-the-point-of-service treatment can be costly, so health insurance is highly recommended.
With us, you can arrange health insurance plans with ease to give you peace of mind where the wellbeing of your family is concerned.
How does the healthcare system work in France?
Spending a higher GDP percentage on healthcare than any other country in the European Union, France is often hailed for its universal healthcare.
The system comprises a fully interconnected network of hospitals, private facilities, doctors and third-party medical service providers that, together, cover all citizens. State healthcare is not free, however, and health insurance is required for medical care.
Top tips for prioritising your mental health while living in France
Pros and cons of using France’s health system
Pros
- Efficiency – appointments can be set up quickly, and waiting times are generally in the range of low to none.
- Alternatives – French healthcare offers a variety of alternative medicine options, such as acupuncture, ayurvedic and holistic medication.
- Quality – French healthcare is known for its overall quality, with doctors taking their time to thoroughly investigate medical issues.
Cons
- Sales – several fixed rates are priced very low in the French healthcare system (dental procedures), and doctors may sometimes recommend unnecessary procedures, detrimental to unaware patients.
- Costs – a lack of insurance or skipping GP recommendations can be result in you being charged 100% of the overall treatment costs.
- Treatment – some doctors may focus on treatment, rather than prevention of recurrent issues.
How can international health insurance help you in France?
Getting health insurance in France has several benefits.
These include:
- A cross-border medical insurance package can safeguard you wherever you are in the world.
- As an expat, you might also experience serious cases that require emergency evacuation and, in unique cases, repatriation, for which international insurance is a must.
- The extra documentation needed for a national health insurance card can take time to approve. Proof of six-month residency, legal entry, addresses and income can make it a difficult and lengthy process for which you’ll need the safety net of private cover.
- A lack of health insurance during an emergency may lead you to forcibly use private healthcare at the full price, potentially racking up huge medical bills.
Choosing your international health insurance
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Cigna Global Health Options Plans
Overview
The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.
Available additional modules:Core hospitalisation cover overview:
- Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000
- Inpatient and daypatient treatment
- Private room
- Full cancer care
- Newborn care cover
Overview
Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.
Available additional modules:Core hospitalisation cover overview:
- Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000
- Inpatient and daypatient treatment
- Private room
- Full cancer care
- Inpatient Maternity
Overview
Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.
Available additional modules:Core hospitalisation cover overview:
- Annual benefit limit: Paid in full
- Inpatient and daypatient treatment
- Private room
- Full cancer care
- Inpatient Maternity
- Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full
Cigna Close Care℠ Plan
Overview
An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.
Available additional modules:Core hospitalisation cover overview:
- Annual benefit limit: $500,000
- Condition limit: $250,000
- Inpatient and daypatient treatment
- Semi-private room
- Full cancer care
Why choose Cigna for health insurance in France?
- World-leading solution for international health insurance and medical support in over 192 countries, with a huge network of interconnected healthcare professionals throughout France.
- We offer 24/7 multilingual service, an excellent solution for expats relatively new to France and those unfamiliar with the culture or language.
- With priority support and treatment from our in-house doctors, Cigna provides a range of tools and solutions to perfectly fit the health insurance plans for expats and their families.
- Our plans are flexible and can fit your budget, with adjustable coverage for specific issues that you may have.
FAQs
You’ll need to provide proof of access to care before you can get treatment at a French hospital. This will be your EHIC card (for EU-residents) or proof of insurance coverage (for anyone without a valid EHIC).
You can choose to have your claim reimbursed in your preferred currency, whether that’s EUR, USD or otherwise. We offer reimbursement in over 135 currencies.
Most of our standard cover plans include inpatient treatment. You’ll be reimbursed for costs accrued while undergoing treatment overnight or as a day case.
Most emergency dental treatments will be covered by our International Health Insurance core package. Additional services, like regular check-ups can be added as a separate component during the sign-up phase, or by calling our Customer Care Team.