Complementary health insurance
French state health insurance (‘Assurance Maladie’), also known as social security, does not cover all medical costs, and the reimbursement rate varies depending on the type of care.
To supplement the reimbursements paid by social security, it is highly recommended to take out complementary health insurance, known as a “mutuelle”.
Even though it is not compulsory, it provides you with better cover, in particular if you are hospitalized.
To supplement the reimbursements paid by social security, it is highly recommended to take out complementary health insurance, known as a “mutuelle”.
Even though it is not compulsory, it provides you with better cover, in particular if you are hospitalized.
Taking out complementary health insurance
To take out this complementary health insurance, you must:- be registered for French state health insurance (‘Assurance Maladie’, CPAM or MGEN),
- or have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC),
- or have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC, students from the UK),
- or have a RAMQ form (students from Quebec).
Therefore, do not hesitate to request estimates and take the time to compare the various offers according to your needs.
If you stay in France for one year or less and do not have specific health needs (glasses, dental care, etc.), the minimum cover may be sufficient for you.
If you are a student, some insurance companies are specialized for students and have low-cost offers.
If you are an employee of the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, there are special offers that apply; find out more from your human resources department.
And visit the website of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research for more information.
If you have limited resources, and are registered for French health insurance (‘Assurance Maladie’), you can apply to the health insurance organization (“CPAM”) in your place of residence for the complementary health coverage called ‘Complémentaire santé solidaire’.
> More information about the ‘Complémentaire santé solidaire’
Cost of complementary health insurance
The cost depends on your contract and the level of cover you choose.As an indication, student insurance providers have offers ranging from around €6 to €40 per month, whereas for a researcher, offers start at around €40, and can exceed €100 per month depending on your family situation.
If you have a limited budget or are an employee with an employment contract (student job, doctoral contract, etc.), you may be eligible for assistance with complementary health insurance.
> To find out how to benefit from a low-cost complementary health insurance, visit the Healthcare costs page
Rate of reimbursement from complementary health insurance
Complementary health insurance reimburses a varying proportion of the outstanding amount that you are required to pay after being reimbursed by the state health insurance provider (social security).Reimbursements vary depending on the contract you choose and the type of care involved.
Good to know
Once you have taken out your health insurance policy, you may be subject to a waiting period (called a “délai de carence”), during which certain services are not reimbursed.
Once you have taken out your health insurance policy, you may be subject to a waiting period (called a “délai de carence”), during which certain services are not reimbursed.
Published on January 7, 2021
Updated on May 31, 2024
Updated on May 31, 2024
