I. Do you need an international health insurance in France?
I. Do you need an international health insurance in France?
Do you need an International Health insurance in France?
While France offers a high-performing public health system, access is often reserved for residents contributing to the national social security scheme.
Expats who are self-employed, on short-term assignments, or still awaiting affiliation may find themselves ineligible for public benefits.
France remains one of the most attractive destinations for expatriates due to its refined lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and cultural richness. Whether relocating for professional opportunities, family reasons, or retirement, many expats discover that private international health insurance is essential for navigating the country’s dual healthcare model, especially for newcomers or non-residents.
International health insurance in France offers:
Seamless access to private specialists and clinics
Bilingual support and fast reimbursements
Global coverage for frequent travelers
Eligibility regardless of your employment or visa status
Our France-based advantages
Partnerships with top-tier private hospitals in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and the Côte d’Azur
Plans designed to complement or fully replace French Sécurité Sociale coverage
What our expat clients in France value most?
No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
Guaranteed lifetime coverage, even beyond retirement
Access to private maternity units and English-speaking doctors
Administrative simplicity, with no reliance on local health systems
Full protection when traveling outside France
Destinations covered for France residents
Our international plans are ideal for expats living in France and frequently traveling to or residing in:
What is the average cost of medical care in France?
Below are typical private-sector rates for individuals without public healthcare coverage:
Routine medical care
France offers reliable routine healthcare with a strong network of general practitioners and private clinics. Expats outside the French Sécurité Sociale system should expect to pay directly for consultations.
€40 to €90
€150 to €400
€40 to €100
Dental care
Dental services in France are often private and require complementary insurance for full coverage. International expats frequently opt for private dentists for comfort and speed.
€80 to €150
€100 to €200
€600 to €1,200
€1,500 to €3,000
Optical care
Optical care is available through both independent and chain providers. Without supplementary insurance, glasses and lenses represent a significant cost
€200 to €500
€30 to €90
€70 to €150
Medical imaging
France offers advanced medical imaging services with quick access in the private sector. Prices vary by facility and region.
€350 to €700
€80 to €180
€100 to €250
€250 to €600
Specialist consultations
Specialist care is widely available and efficient. Many private practitioners speak English and welcome international clients.
€90 to €180
€80 to €160
€80 to €150
€100 to €200
€70 to €130
Hospitalization in France
Hospitalization costs vary significantly between public and private clinics. Without access to the Sécurité Sociale, full private coverage is strongly recommended.
€300 to €600
€500 to €900
€1,500 to €3,000
€3,000 to €15,000
(Non-emergency)
Maternity (natural birth, 3 nights):
€3,500 to €6,500
€900 to €2,000
II. What every expat should know before moving to France
II. What every expat should know before moving to France
France is known for its cultural depth, quality of life, and well-established public services. From Paris to Provence, it attracts expats seeking stability, healthcare access, and lifestyle diversity.
Living in France involves adjusting to a clear but sometimes complex system, with specific procedures for residency, healthcare, housing, and taxation. Each step requires preparation, especially for those unfamiliar with French administration.
With proper support and clear information, settling in France becomes a smooth transition into a safe, enriching, and internationally connected environment.
Visa and France residence permit
EU/EEA nationals can settle freely.
Non-EU nationals must apply for a long-stay visa, followed by a residence permit (“titre de séjour”). The process includes proof of address, financial means, and often private health insurance.
Accommodation and housing
From Parisian apartments to countryside villas, housing costs and quality vary widely.
Proof of income, rental guarantees, and multilingual real estate agents are often needed.
High-demand cities like Paris and Nice see rental costs between €1,200 and €3,000/month for small units.
| Education and schools
France has public, private, and international schools.
Public education is free and follows the national curriculum.
For expat families, bilingual and international schools (British, American, IB) are concentrated in urban centers.
| Transport and mobility
France’s transport network is efficient and extensive.
High-speed trains (TGV), local buses, metros, and flights connect all major cities.
A car is only necessary in rural areas.
| Employment and business
Job opportunities exist in tech, hospitality, academia, and consulting. Fluency in French is often mandatory.
Entrepreneurs and freelancers can register via micro-entreprise or société frameworks.
| Language and integration
French is the national language, and while English is spoken in larger cities, learning French is essential for integration and navigating healthcare or administration.
| Cost of living and housing
France offers moderate living costs compared to other Western European countries, but varies by region.
Paris is significantly more expensive than provincial towns.
Healthcare, transport, and food remain affordable with the right budget strategy.
| Healthcare and insurance
The public system (PUMa) is accessible only after residency.
Many expats rely on private health insurance for full access to care, especially in private clinics or when facing long delays in public facilities.
III. Living in France with peace of mind
III. Living in France with peace of mind
France combines lifestyle, culture, and access to care. But navigating healthcare as an expat can be complex.
With OnlyHealth, you gain access to global coverage that bridges any local gaps.
Whether you’re here for a few years or settling for good, we help ensure your health is protected, wherever life takes you.