Health Plans for French Expats Living or Working Overseas
One of the most surprising things for French citizens living abroad is discovering that some countries have no co-pay or upfront costs at all. French citizens and residents enjoy an exceptionally high standard of universal public healthcare.
Their health care system is a fully integrated network. It consists of public and private hospitals, doctors, and other medical providers. The country places a strong emphasis on preventive care, operates first-class facilities, and welcomes alternative practitioners. Permanent residents living in France for a minimum of three months with the means to demonstrate intent to continue their residency are eligible for public healthcare.
Generally, the French government covers approximately 70% of all costs. Meanwhile, the patient is responsible for the remaining 30%.
This is usually a very modest amount. Yet in other countries, patients pay 100% of the cost and are later reimbursed. There are several adjustments for French expats to get accustomed to. Still, more than 82% of French expats report that they’re satisfied with life abroad.
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Does France’s Healthcare System Work Overseas?
Under the terms of France’s public healthcare system, if you are planning to spend more than half of the year out of the country, you aren’t eligible for continuous coverage.
Thus, short-term expatriates going abroad for a short work term will be happy to know that their coverage continues. But that only applies when they are home.
They aren’t covered for medical expenses that happen in another country. And if they are gone for more than six months, whether it’s continuous or not, they lose their eligibility. Furthermore, they will have to reapply for coverage once they return home.
French citizens who hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will receive public healthcare in their new country.
You are subject to the same terms and costs as residents. European Health Insurance Cards are free to obtain; however, you must apply for one before you move.
Understanding Healthcare Outside of France
According to the World Health Organization, France’s public healthcare system is ranked first globally. With such a spectacular standing, it’s reasonable to assume that French citizens notice a drop in care quality when they become expats.
However, this is not always the case. In certain circumstances, some countries rank higher than France in specific categories. This includes the number of nurses or surgical wait times. However, they were edged out in the standings because of other factors.
Some French citizens are pleasantly surprised to find that other countries have larger medical facilities in rural areas, shorter wait times, or more robust specialist services.
While there are many circumstances in which French expatriates will be pleasantly surprised, of course, there are also many where they will be disappointed and even dismayed.
For instance, in the nearby United Kingdom, France has a 10% higher number of general practitioners. It also has more than twice the number of hospital beds and 40% more nurses and midwives. In other countries, the contrasts are even more extreme.
Things that French citizens take for granted, such as having a registered family doctor who cares for them on an ongoing basis, are a premium service or even non-existent in other countries.
Other services typically included in France’s public healthcare system, such as hospital meal services and follow-up home care, are often paid-for services abroad. And while there is no significant gap between private and public care in the United States, in other countries, the difference is enormous.
In some cases, holding private healthcare insurance is the only way to receive care in French or English and access a private hospital bed.
International Private Medical Insurance For French Expats Abroad
Purchasing global health insurance while living abroad offers numerous benefits. And those benefits extend far beyond the comforts of private hospital beds and cushier facilities.
Such policies provide you with language and logistical support to ensure you have the necessary tools to communicate effectively with your doctors.
They can ensure continuity of care through facilities that are used to serving expats. An emphasis on preventive healthcare, which is prevalent in France, is essential to insurance providers.
Best Global Medical Plans for French Expats Living Abroad
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
Best Global Medical Plan for French Expats Living in the United States
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan offers coverage for foreigners and expatriates from France living in the U.S.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Cultural Adjustments for French Expats Living Abroad
The dialect and vocabulary of French-speaking nations around the world vary greatly. A Parisian moving to Algeria, Haiti, Cameroon, or Quebec, Canada, will likely find themselves struggling with communication.
As you adjust to your new home’s culture, bringing a local friend along to your first medical appointment or hospital visit is a great way to receive support.
French citizens moving abroad should also be aware that things considered part of French culture or a healthy lifestyle may be viewed as public health concerns in other countries.
This includes the consumption of alcohol and smoking. It may also extend to consuming unpasteurized dairy products and rare or raw meats.
Some things aren’t considered very serious in France, like a pregnant woman having a glass of wine in their third trimester.
However, they carry strong health and social stigmas in other countries. Even in other Francophone countries, there are social and cultural adjustments.
Returning Home
Just like foreign expats who move to France to start a new life, French nationals returning home from a period abroad must reapply for healthcare coverage.
Fortunately, this is typically a straightforward process. They can usually gather the necessary paperwork and prove their residency status and intent. However, there is typically a three-month gap before coverage is reinstated. It’s vital to have health insurance support during this time.
French nationals abroad, considering the pros and cons of moving back home, will want to explore any bonuses or other incentives being offered in certain industries to encourage workers to return to France.
Startup culture is now growing steadily after years of bureaucracy, which stunted the growth of small businesses. Tech companies want their top talent back home.
They aim to leverage their global experience, language skills, and insights into the business development culture worldwide. If a return home might be in your future, you’re in a strong position to negotiate and receive support with moving costs, as well as potentially secure prime healthcare insurance packages.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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