Come Studying in France is an exciting adventure, but it also requires good preparation, especially in terms of health and insurance.
Between Social Security, mutual insurance, and supplementary insurance, it is sometimes difficult to know what is mandatory and what is simply recommended.
If you are Foreign student, this guide clearly explains which health insurance to choose before and after your arrival in France to study peacefully.
1. Compulsory enrollment in student social security
Since 2018, all foreign students must register for French Social Security as soon as they arrive in France, unless they come from a country in the European Union.
This registration is free of charge on the official website student-foreigner.ameli.fr.
You will need to provide:
- Your passport,
- Your visa or residence permit,
- A certificate of enrollment in your establishment,
- A proof of residence in France.
Once registered, you get a Social Security number that allows you to be reimbursed for part of your medical expenses (consultations, pharmacy, exams...).
Important: these refunds only cover approximately 70% fees. To be well protected, you must subscribe to a complementary health insurance.
2. Subscribe to a complementary health insurance (mutual)
Mutual insurance, also called complementary health, allows you to complete Social Security reimbursements. It takes care of:- The rest to be paid for the consultations,
- Medications that are not reimbursed,
- Hospital expenses,
- Dental or optical care.
You can compare offers from organizations like
.Some even offer special packages for international students, with support in several languages.
Tip: check if your institution offers a partner health insurance with advantageous student rates.
3. Civil liability insurance
It is mandatory for all students enrolled in a French institution.This insurance covers damage that you may cause to others during your studies or in your daily life (accident during an internship, breakage of university equipment, etc.) .You can take out it:- At the same time as your university enrollment,
- Or through a private insurance company.
4. Housing insurance
If you rent student accommodation (studio, shared apartment or residence), you must have home insurance. It covers:- The fires,
- Water damage,
- Thefts or glass breakage.
Some housing platforms like
offer you reliable partners for your home insurance as soon as you arrive.
5. Travel insurance before you leave
Before leaving, consider taking out temporary travel insurance to be covered between your country and France. It protects in case of:- Delayed or lost luggage,
- Medical emergencies,
- Medical repatriation.
Some companies offer combined “visa + health” packages recognized by French consulates.
6. Specific insurances for foreign students
Some insurances are specially designed for international students. They cover a wide range of needs:- 24/7 support,
- Reimbursement of medical expenses abroad,
- Coverage during internships or trips in Europe.
Partners like Studely offer packages adapted to your student profile: for example, health insurance, civil liability and housing can be combined in a single pack.
7. Compare offers before subscribing
Before choosing your insurance, compare:- Reimbursement levels,
- The waiting periods,
- The administrative fees,
- Support options.
Don't limit yourself to the price: good coverage will save you a lot in case of the unexpected.
Conclusion
Choosing the right health insurance in France means guaranteeing peace of mind throughout the duration of your studies.
Between Social Security, mutual insurance, civil liability and housing insurance, each coverage plays an essential role in your daily life.
With complete solutions like those offered by Studely, you can manage all these procedures simply, before you even arrive.
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