Should you take out specific health insurance when moving abroad?

Yes, it is important to take out international health insurance when you move abroad. Healthcare systems and medical costs vary from country to country. Your national health coverage will not be sufficient or suitable to cover medical expenses abroad. By subscribing to expatriate health insurance, you receive comprehensive protection for routine care, emergencies, and hospitalizations in your destination country. This prevents you from having to bear often very high costs and ensures you have quick access to medical care.

How can you maintain French social security coverage while living abroad?

The Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) is an organization that allows French expatriates to continue benefiting from French social security. By joining the CFE, you maintain coverage similar to the general French system, with reimbursements for medical expenses, hospitalizations, and care in case of illness or accident abroad. Even with the CFE or under bilateral agreements, it is often necessary to take out a complementary expatriate health insurance plan to cover costs not reimbursed by social security or the local healthcare system.

Long-term expatriate:
choosing the best health insurance

Living abroad is a wonderful adventure, but expatriates have
to think about many aspects, and one of the most important
is health insurance. When you settle abroad for a long
period of time, it is essential to take out expatriate health
insurance that matches your needs.

Whether you are a student, a retiree, or traveling with your
family, health insurance will be your ally during your stay abroad.
Expatriate insurance protects you against unexpected medical
events while allowing you to benefit from coverage tailored
to your country of expatriation.

The importance of expatriate health insurance

Regardless of your destination country, the healthcare system in your host country can differ significantly from that of your home country. Taking out expatriate health insurance ensures that you and your family members are protected in case of illness, accident, or hospitalization. In some countries, such as the United States, medical costs are very high, making expatriate health insurance essential to avoid unexpected healthcare expenses. Additionally, many expatriates no longer have access to the benefits of their home country’s national healthcare system, such as the French social security system. A comprehensive expatriate insurance plan can therefore include coverage for medical expenses, repatriation insurance, and even daily allowances in case of work stoppage.

What are the types of insurance for expatriates?

There are several types of expatriate health insurance plans, depending on your profile and needs:

International expatriate health insurance : This type of plan offers worldwide coverage, making it ideal for those who travel frequently or live in multiple countries during their expatriation.
Student expatriate health insurance : If you are going to study abroad, some insurance plans are specifically designed to cover healthcare costs, including medical consultations and accidents.
Retiree expatriate health insurance : International medical coverage tailored to the needs of retirees, providing coverage for healthcare costs, which typically increase with age.
Family expatriate health insurance : This plan protects all members of your family, covering both routine care and emergencies.

Comparison of expatriate insurance: what is the best option?

There is a wide range of health insurance options for French citizens abroad, and choosing the best expatriate insurance can seem complex. Here are a few points to consider when selecting suitable coverage:

Mandatory expatriate health insurance: In some countries, expatriate insurance is required by law. Make sure your coverage complies with local regulations.
Long-term expatriate health insurance: If you plan to live abroad for several years, choose long-stay expatriate health insurance, also known as automatic renewal. It ensures comprehensive coverage throughout the duration of your expatriation.

What does expatriate health insurance cover?

The best expatriate health insurance is one that offers comprehensive protection and, above all, matches your needs and budget. Here are some key coverages to pay attention to when subscribing to an international health insurance plan.

Medical expenses: consultations, hospitalizations, surgery, and specialized care.
Coverage of healthcare expenses in the country of expatriation and/or abroad.
Medical repatriation: In case of necessity, the insurance must include the possibility of repatriation to your home country.
Preventive care: Some insurance plans also cover preventive care such as routine check-ups, general medicine, and vaccinations.

Assurance maladie à l’étranger : carte européenne et responsabilité civile

Health insurance abroad: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and civil liability.

When moving abroad, it is important to clearly understand the difference between local health insurance and the additional coverage you might need. For example, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access healthcare in European Union countries. However, it does not cover all types of care and is not valid outside of Europe. That is why it is recommended to take out a more comprehensive expatriate insurance plan, including, for instance, personal liability coverage, which protects you in case of damage caused to third parties in your daily life, as well as repatriation assistance.

Differences between expatriate insurance and local insurance

In many countries, French citizens can choose between subscribing to local health insurance or an international expatriate insurance plan. While local insurance is often cheaper, it offers limited coverage, particularly regarding care abroad or repatriation. International health insurance allows you to receive the same quality of care anywhere in the world, without being restricted to local services. Depending on your situation, it may be more advantageous to opt for an affordable expatriate insurance plan by comparing the different options available. Online insurance comparison tools make it easy to quickly compare international health insurance plans based on your destination, age, and family situation.

How does first-euro insurance work?

One of the features of expatriate insurance is the concept of “first-euro” health coverage. Unlike standard insurance, which acts as a supplement to social security or another system, “first-euro” insurance covers medical expenses from the very first euro spent. This provides comprehensive health coverage.

Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): an alternative solution

For French citizens living abroad, another option is to join the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE). This system allows expatriates to continue benefiting from social protection similar to that of the French general social security scheme, particularly regarding medical expenses and hospital care. However, it is often necessary to take out supplementary health insurance to cover costs not covered by the CFE.

Why take out long-term expatriate insurance?

If you plan to live abroad for an extended period, taking out long-term expatriate insurance is essential to protect your health and that of your family. Unlike temporary coverage, long-term insurance is tailored to the needs of expatriates over the long term. It covers both medical emergencies and routine care. You can also opt for additional coverage, such as dental care or maternity. Healthcare systems in some countries may not provide the same quality of care as those in your home country. For example, medical costs can be very high in certain countries, such as the United States! International health insurance protects you against these expenses while giving you access to quality care.

Living abroad: taking out expatriate health insurance is essential

Taking out expatriate insurance is an important step for anyone living abroad, whether for a few months or several years. Whether you are a student, a retiree, or with your family, good expatriate health insurance provides peace of mind in the face of unexpected medical issues. It is important to assess your needs based on your country of residence, the local healthcare system, and your personal situation. To make this search easier, you can use a health insurance comparison tool such as Santexpat.fr. An informed comparison will help you find the health coverage that offers the best insurance at the best price. Living abroad is a wonderful experience, and with the right expatriate insurance, you can enjoy it without worrying about unexpected medical costs.