Dreaming of studying in France? Its top universities, vibrant culture, and high quality of life attract many. But before you go, there’s a crucial requirement: health insurance. Whether your stay is short or long, having the right health coverage is essential. It’s not just for your health; it’s also necessary for getting your visa or residence permit.
This blog outlines the health insurance needs for international students in France and lists the top 10 student-friendly, visa-compliant insurance providers.
Health Insurance Requirements for International Students in France
Health insurance regulations in France depend on several factors: your age, duration of your course, and country of origin.
1. Students Under 28 Years Old (Staying for More Than 3 Months)
You are eligible and required to register with the French public health insurance system:
Sécurité Sociale Étudiante
- Cost: Free
- Coverage: Reimburses up to 70% of medical expenses, including general consultations, hospitalization, and prescriptions
- Recommendation: You should also take out a mutuelle (complementary insurance) to cover the remaining 30% and other services like dental and optical.
2. Students Over 28, Staying Less Than 3 Months, or Ineligible for Social Security
Buy private health insurance that meets French visa rules and covers your whole stay.
3. EU/EEA/Swiss Students
Use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for healthcare in France at local rates. Although it provides basic coverage, it’s wise to get private or mutuelle insurance for complete protection, including dental, liability, hospital stays, and repatriation.).
🩺 What Does Health Insurance Cover?
| Type | What’s Covered | Limitations |
| French Social Security | General practitioner visits, hospitalization, prescriptions | Only reimburses ~70%, doesn’t include full dental or optical |
| Mutuelle / Complementary Insurance | Remainder of hospitalization, dental, optical, specialist care, repatriation | Additional monthly cost |
| Private Insurance | Full coverage for non-eligible students, including emergency, hospitalization, liability | Must meet visa criteria |
🏆 Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in France
Here’s a curated list of reliable, student-focused health insurance providers, whether you’re required to buy private insurance or are simply supplementing public coverage.
1. Swisscare
Website: https://www.swisscare.com
View this post on Instagram
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 💡 Offers affordable insurance plans designed for foreign students
- 📄 Instant policy delivery—perfect for visa applications
- 🔁 Covers both short- and long-term students, including pre-enrollment period
2. International Student Insurance (ISI)
Website: https://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
View this post on Instagram
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🛠 Multiple plan levels with flexible coverage limits
- 💬 Easy online signup and documentation
- 📃 Immediate visa letters and proof of insurance
3. ACS Globe Partner
View this post on Instagram
Website: https://www.acs-ami.com
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🎯 Tailored for students under 40, staying less than 12 months
- 🌍 Global coverage including repatriation and emergency services
- ⚙️ Flexible, budget-friendly plans
4. Aon Student Insurance
Website: https://www.aon.com
View this post on Instagram
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🔒 Covers a wide range of risks: medical, travel-related, and personal liability
- 📑 Comprehensive plans, including belongings protection
- 🖥 Easy claim process and multilingual support
5. ADH Assurances Étudiants
Website: https://www.adh.com
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🎓 Designed specifically for international students in France
- 🔁 Offers plans starting from 1 month
- 🛒 User-friendly online application and payment process
6. Cigna Global
Website: https://www.cignaglobal.com
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🌐 Worldwide medical network with customizable coverage
- 👓 Includes options for dental, optical, evacuation, and wellness
- 🧰 Ideal for students wanting premium and broad-spectrum protection
7. IMG Global (International Medical Group)
Website: https://www.imglobal.com
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🏥 Provides comprehensive student insurance with emergency, hospitalization, and evacuation services
- 🔧 Plans include flexible deductible options
- 💼 Trusted by universities around the world
8. WorldTrips (Atlas & Student Secure Plans)
Website: https://www.worldtrips.com
- ✅ Visa-Compliant
- 🔄 Global coverage with tiers suitable for budget or full-service needs
- 🤝 Includes mental health support, maternity, and repatriation
- 📃 Fast issuance of visa-friendly certificates
9. LMDE (La Mutuelle Des Étudiants)
Website: https://www.lmde.fr
- ✅ French Mutuelle
- 💼 Works in conjunction with Sécurité Sociale
- 🏥 Offers enhanced dental, vision, hospitalization support
- 🧾 Recommended for students registered in the French public system
10. MGEN / SMERRA / SMENO
Websites:
- MGEN
- SMERRA
- SMENO
- ✅ French Mutuelle Networks
- 🌐 Widely recognized across France
- 🧩 Provide complementary insurance and civil liability coverage
- 👨⚕️ Strong partnerships with healthcare providers, universities
📝 Enrollment Process: How to Get Insured in France
🔷 Public Health Insurance (Sécurité Sociale)
- Register at: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
- Documents Needed:
- Passport
- Student visa or residence permit
- Enrollment certificate from French institution
- Bank account details (for reimbursements)
- Passport
🔷 Private Insurance
- Visit the provider’s website
- Choose a plan that meets French visa requirements
- Pay online and download insurance certificate immediately for visa/residence application
💡 Pro Tips for International Students
- ✅ Register for French Social Security immediately upon arrival to avoid delays in reimbursements.
- ✅ Always carry proof of insurance, especially when applying for residence permits or renewing visas.
- ✅ Complementary insurance is essential even with EHIC or Sécurité Sociale, especially for dental, optical, and liability.
- 🔁 Renew your insurance on time to ensure uninterrupted coverage throughout your study program.
- 🔍 Read the fine print: Check if repatriation, emergency evacuation, and liability coverage are included.
📘 Final Thoughts
Health insurance isn’t just a checklist item; it’s crucial for your well-being and legal stay in France. Understanding the system and selecting from the top providers ensures peace of mind, safeguarding you against illness, accidents, or emergencies.
Ensure you have the right health insurance when studying in France, whether for a language course, semester abroad, or full degree. This allows you to focus on education and experiences while complying with French regulations.
