Health Insurance for International Students in France

Student health insurance in France is mandatory for every international student enrolled in a program lasting more than 90 days. Read to learn everything about student health insurance in France - eligibility, what benefits you will get, the process involved, coverage, and why you may need private health insurance as well.

There are three options to consider – public health insurance, private health insurance, or a combination of both. France offers universal health coverage, which is the most affordable option and partially covers medical expenses. Students can also opt for private health insurance based on their needs and duration of stay to receive maximum coverage and security. Read on to learn details about the student health insurance in France, which is required to apply for a French student visa. 

Also Read: Benefits of Studying in France 

Free France Health Insurance for International Students

The free health insurance for international students in France has certain eligibility criteria as listed below –

• The age of the applicant must be 28 years or below.
• Candidate should be enrolled in a valid study program in a French institute.
• The program’s duration must exceed three months.
• Applicant must hold a valid France study visa.
• The candidate should not hold any European health insurance card.

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, apply for the free student health insurance in France. Just visit the official website https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/#/ and register yourself to avail your social security number and Carte Vitale (health insurance card).

Process to Apply for Student Health Insurance in France

Given below is the step-by-step process to get your free student health insurance to study in France –

1. Land in France and complete your initial registration process with your institution.
2. Log on to the official website (ameli.fr) for France health insurance for international students.
3. Fill in your details as prompted by the page – including your situation on the day, student employment status, date of birth, nationality and other details.
4. Upload the required documents such as your identity proof/passport, birth certificate, France Student Visa, offer letter from the institution and bank identity statement (RIB).
5. Once done, you will have an account and a social security number will be assigned to you within three weeks.
6. Next, you can download the provisional certificate to seek official certification of affiliation and order your Carte Vitale from your Ameli account.

Note: The health insurance registration process is absolutely free of cost.

After registering yourself successfully, your details will be sent to CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) or the Primary Health Insurance Fund in France. Operating at the local level, it facilitates the functioning of the healthcare system in France.

Check Health and Wellness Guide for Indian Students Abroad

Coverage Offered by France Health Insurance for International Students

While French Social Security ensures free health coverage, it does not cover 100% of the costs. The beneficiary may end up paying 40% of the charges, which can be too high at times. Hence, it is strongly recommended to have a complementary (top-up) health insurance plan in France.

Through your designated Social Security number, you can avail of several services like –

• Accident & Emergency (A&E) services – emergency ambulance service is an integral part of the public healthcare system.
• Doctor Visits – there is a cost attached to visiting doctors in France (EUR 25), but it can be reimbursed by using your health insurance.
• Supplies – if you have to purchase prescribed medicines, then you only need to pay the costs that are not covered by the state, and hence, no need to apply for reimbursements.
• Special Care – specialist doctors charge more than general practitioners; to get the reimbursement, it is necessary that your general practitioner refers you to the specialist.
• Dental Service – French universal health coverage covers basic dental services (consultations, cavities, tooth extractions); general dental services will have a similar reimbursement process.

Related Read: Cost of Living in France for Indian Students 2025

What is not covered?

Here's the list of what's not covered in your student health insurance for studying in France:

• Expenses related to chiropractors, osteopaths, and psychologists' consultations.
• While basic dental services are covered, the patients need to bear the cost of complex dental procedures.
• Only covers a percentage of what qualifies as ‘essential’ medicines as per the state. You may need to pay for certain medications that can cost you as much as EUR 100.

Also Read: Top 10 Reasons for Rejection of France Student Visa

Private Student Health Insurance in France

Students who are not eligible for free student health insurance in France (due to age or duration of the course) or those who do not wish to opt for it must have private health insurance. While it may come at a cost, there are certain reasons you should apply for private health insurance –

• Having student health insurance in France is not optional – you must be insured, whether through public or private health insurance.
• The public health insurance does not cover 100% of the expenses; hence, a private insurance plan will provide additional safety so that you do not have to worry about your medical bills.
• France’s universal health coverage does not cover everything.
• You will find a lot of options to choose from as per your convenience, based on the premium, duration, and other factors – the process will also be simpler and seamless.

Also Read: Post Study Work Permits for Indian Students in France 2025

Cost of Private Health Insurance in France for International Students

To avail yourself of health insurance from a private entity, you can approach banks and insurance firms. Usually, they have multiple plans to offer, depending on your specific requirements. The cost of private student health insurance in France starts from EUR 200, while a top-up plan can be as cheap as EUR 50. For a premium of EUR 200, you may get coverage of up to USD 5 million.

Some companies that offer the cheapest health insurance for international students in France are –

• IMG International Student Health Insurance
• WorldTrips
• Cigna Global
• Now Health International
• ISO

Also Read: Cost of Studying in France 2025

All the private insurers offer flexible and affordable plans to international students. You can easily get the details from them and identify the best one for you.