TL;DR
As an FCA-authorised expert with a history of advising on over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that moving abroad requires careful planning. This guide to private medical insurance in France is designed for UK nationals, providing clear, authoritative advice to ensure your health and peace of mind are fully protected. Tailored PMI for UK nationals living in France Making the move to France is an exciting chapter, filled with visions of charming villages, vibrant cities, and a renowned quality of life.
Key takeaways
- *To Cover the Co-payments (Ticket Modérateur)*: This is the most basic function of private cover. It pays the 20-30% of costs that the state system doesn't, protecting you from routine out-of-pocket expenses.
- To Access Private Specialists Without Financial Worry: If you want the freedom to choose any doctor or specialist, including those who charge above the state tariff, a robust private policy is essential. It will cover the dépassements d'honoraires, which can otherwise run into hundreds of euros.
- For Comfort and Convenience: The state system won't pay for a private room during a hospital stay. If you value your privacy and comfort during recovery, you'll need private insurance.
- Comprehensive Dental and Optical Cover: State reimbursements for dental crowns, bridges, and orthodontics, as well as for high-quality glasses and contact lenses, are notoriously low. A good private plan can save you thousands.
- English-Speaking Support: Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting. Leading international PMI providers offer 24/7 multilingual helplines, so you can get advice and authorise treatment in English.
As an FCA-authorised expert with a history of advising on over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands that moving abroad requires careful planning. This guide to private medical insurance in France is designed for UK nationals, providing clear, authoritative advice to ensure your health and peace of mind are fully protected.
Tailored PMI for UK nationals living in France
Making the move to France is an exciting chapter, filled with visions of charming villages, vibrant cities, and a renowned quality of life. Yet, amidst the excitement of finding a new home and embracing the culture, one of the most critical steps for any UK expat is navigating the French healthcare system. While France boasts one of the world's best state healthcare systems, understanding your options—and the potential gaps in coverage—is essential.
This is where specialist private medical insurance (PMI) for expats comes in. It’s not the same as the policy you might have held in the UK. This is a different type of cover, designed specifically for the needs of those living abroad, ensuring you have comprehensive protection, choice, and support when you need it most.
Understanding the French Healthcare System: PUMA
Before exploring private options, it’s vital to grasp the fundamentals of France's state healthcare. The system is known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA).
Since 2016, PUMA has granted a right to healthcare coverage for anyone who works or resides in France on a "stable and regular" basis. For most UK expats, this means you can apply to join the state system after three months of residency. Once your application is approved, you'll be issued a social security number and, eventually, the all-important Carte Vitale.
What is the Carte Vitale?
The Carte Vitale is a green plastic card with a chip that contains your healthcare information. You present it at every medical appointment—doctor, specialist, pharmacy, or hospital. The system automatically processes your reimbursement, with the state's portion of your costs typically paid directly into your bank account within a week.
What Does PUMA Cover (and What Does It Not)?
The French state system is generous, but it is not entirely free. It operates on a co-payment model. The state health insurance fund (Assurance Maladie) typically reimburses a percentage of a government-set tariff for medical procedures and consultations. The average reimbursement is around 70%.
The remaining portion, known as the ticket modérateur, is the patient's responsibility. This can be a significant out-of-pocket expense, especially for specialist care or hospital stays.
Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Service | Standard Government Tariff (Example) | State Reimbursement (approx. 70%) | Patient's Co-payment (approx. 30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GP Consultation | €26.50 | €17.55 | €8.95 |
| Specialist Visit | €31.50+ | Varies (e.g., 70% of tariff) | Varies, can be substantial |
| Prescription Medicines | Varies | 15% to 100% | The remainder |
| Hospital Stay | Varies | 80% of costs | 20% + a daily fee (€20) |
Important Note: The state only reimburses based on its official tariffs. Many specialists and private clinics in Sector 2 (secteur 2) charge fees above this tariff (dépassements d'honoraires). The patient is responsible for 100% of these excess charges, which are not covered by the state system.
Why UK Expats Need Private Health Insurance in France
The 30% co-payment and excess fees charged by many specialists are precisely why almost all French residents—and savvy UK expats—take out complementary private health insurance. There are two main types of private cover to consider: a local 'top-up' policy (mutuelle) or comprehensive International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI).
- To Cover the Co-payments (Ticket Modérateur): This is the most basic function of private cover. It pays the 20-30% of costs that the state system doesn't, protecting you from routine out-of-pocket expenses.
- To Access Private Specialists Without Financial Worry: If you want the freedom to choose any doctor or specialist, including those who charge above the state tariff, a robust private policy is essential. It will cover the dépassements d'honoraires, which can otherwise run into hundreds of euros.
- For Comfort and Convenience: The state system won't pay for a private room during a hospital stay. If you value your privacy and comfort during recovery, you'll need private insurance.
- Comprehensive Dental and Optical Cover: State reimbursements for dental crowns, bridges, and orthodontics, as well as for high-quality glasses and contact lenses, are notoriously low. A good private plan can save you thousands.
- English-Speaking Support: Navigating a foreign healthcare system can be daunting. Leading international PMI providers offer 24/7 multilingual helplines, so you can get advice and authorise treatment in English.
- Faster Access to Treatment: While France has excellent urgent care, waiting times for non-urgent specialist consultations and elective surgery can exist. Private insurance can help you get seen and treated faster.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can help you compare local mutuelles against comprehensive international plans to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
The Critical Difference: UK PMI vs. International Health Insurance
This is a point that cannot be stressed enough: a standard UK private medical insurance policy will not cover you once you become a resident of France.
UK PMI is designed for people living in the United Kingdom. Its network of hospitals, its pricing, and its terms are all based on the UK healthcare landscape. Once you move your primary residence to France, your UK policy is no longer valid for treatment in your new home country.
You need International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI). This is a specific category of private health cover designed for expats.
Here's a clear comparison:
| Feature | Standard UK PMI | International PMI (for Expats in France) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Cover | United Kingdom only. | France, often with options for UK & global cover. |
| Designed For | UK residents seeking private care in the UK. | Expats living and working abroad. |
| Currency | Premiums and claims paid in Pounds Sterling (£). | Flexible currency options (EUR, GBP, USD). |
| Network & Direct Billing | UK-based hospital and specialist network. | Global network of medical facilities with direct billing. |
| Support Services | UK-based, English-speaking customer service. | 24/7 multilingual emergency and support helplines. |
| Scope of Cover | Complements the NHS. | Complements or replaces local state healthcare (like PUMA). |
Essentially, you are moving from a domestic product to a global one. The best PMI providers in this space offer plans specifically tailored to the European market, with an understanding of how they work alongside systems like France's PUMA.
Choosing the Right Expat Health Insurance Policy in France
With so many options, choosing the right policy can feel overwhelming. A methodical approach is key. Here are the main factors to consider:
1. Area of Cover
Think about your lifestyle. Do you need:
- France Only? The most basic and affordable option.
- Europe-wide Cover? Ideal if you plan to travel frequently to neighbouring countries.
- Worldwide Cover Excluding USA? A popular choice, offering comprehensive global protection at a lower cost than a fully worldwide plan.
- Worldwide Cover Including USA? The most expensive option, necessary only if you plan to spend significant time in the United States, where healthcare costs are exceptionally high.
- Cover for Trips Home: Check if the policy includes cover for temporary trips back to the UK, allowing you to see family or even access private treatment there if you wish.
2. Level of Cover
Policies are typically structured in tiers:
- In-patient Only: This is the foundational level, covering costs associated with a hospital stay (surgery, accommodation, tests).
- In-patient + Out-patient: A more comprehensive and highly recommended option. This adds cover for services that don't require a hospital stay, such as GP visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic scans (MRI, CT), and physiotherapy.
- Comprehensive Cover: The top tier, which usually includes extensive in-patient and out-patient care, plus significant benefits for routine dental and optical treatment. Some plans may also include wellness benefits, health screenings, and maternity cover.
3. Deductibles and Excess
An excess (or deductible) is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim before the insurer contributes.
- Higher Excess = Lower Premium: If you are happy to cover smaller medical bills yourself, choosing a higher excess (e.g., €500 or €1,000) can significantly reduce your monthly or annual premium.
- Lower Excess = Higher Premium: If you want the insurer to cover almost everything from the start, you'll choose a low or zero excess, but your premium will be higher.
4. Underwriting Options
This is how the insurer assesses your medical history.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a detailed medical history questionnaire. The insurer assesses it and may place exclusions on specific pre-existing conditions. The advantage is clarity—you know exactly what is and isn’t covered from day one.
- Moratorium Underwriting: You do not need to declare your full history upfront. Instead, the policy will automatically exclude any condition you've had symptoms of, or received treatment for, in the past 5 years. These conditions may become eligible for cover later, but only after you complete a set period (usually 24 months) on the policy without any symptoms or treatment for that condition.
How an Expert PMI Broker Like WeCovr Can Help
Navigating the complexities of international health insurance alone can be a challenge. Using a specialist broker like WeCovr provides invaluable support at no extra cost to you. Our fee is paid by the insurer you choose, so you get impartial, expert advice for free.
Here’s how we help UK expats in France:
- Market Expertise: We live and breathe the expat insurance market. We know which insurers offer the best value, service, and network in France.
- Tailored Comparison: We listen to your specific needs—your budget, your family's health, your travel plans—and compare suitable policies from leading providers to find the perfect match.
- Plain English Advice: We demystify the jargon of underwriting, excesses, and benefit limits, ensuring you understand exactly what you are buying.
- Application Support: We guide you through the application process, making it smooth and stress-free.
- Ongoing Assistance: Our relationship doesn't end once you've bought the policy. We're here to help if you have questions or need assistance with a claim.
- Exclusive Benefits: When you arrange your PMI with us, you get complimentary access to our AI-powered nutrition tracker, CalorieHero, to support your wellness goals. Furthermore, customers who purchase PMI or life insurance often qualify for discounts on other insurance products, such as home or travel cover.
With high customer satisfaction ratings, our focus is on finding you the right protection, not just selling a policy.
Estimated Costs of Private Health Insurance for Expats in France
Premiums for international PMI vary widely based on several factors:
- Age: Premiums increase with age.
- Level of Cover: A comprehensive plan costs more than an in-patient only plan.
- Area of Cover: Worldwide cover is more expensive than Europe-only.
- Excess: A higher excess lowers the premium.
To give you a general idea, here are some illustrative estimates for 2025.
| Profile | Level of Cover | Estimated Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person, age 35 | Mid-range (In & Out-patient, Europe-wide) | €120 - €220 |
| Couple, age 55 | Comprehensive (incl. Dental, Worldwide ex-USA) | €450 - €700 |
| Family of 4 (Parents 42, Kids 8 & 10) | Mid-range (In & Out-patient, Europe-wide) | €500 - €800 |
Disclaimer: These figures are for illustrative purposes only. They are not a quote. The actual premium will depend on your personal circumstances and the specific insurer. The most accurate way to find out the cost is to request a personalised quote.
Pre-existing and Chronic Conditions: A Critical Consideration
This is one of the most important aspects of private medical insurance to understand. It is a fundamental principle of how insurance works in the UK and internationally.
Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you have taken out the policy.
- An Acute Condition is a disease, illness, or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a broken bone, appendicitis, infections). PMI is excellent for these unforeseen events.
- A Chronic Condition is an illness that is long-lasting or recurring, cannot be fully cured, and requires ongoing management (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension, arthritis, Crohn's disease).
- A Pre-existing Condition is any ailment or injury for which you have experienced symptoms, received medication, advice, or treatment before the start of your policy.
Standard private medical insurance—both in the UK and internationally—does NOT cover the treatment of chronic or pre-existing conditions.
For ongoing management of a chronic condition in France, you will need to rely on the state system (PUMA). Your approved chronic illness (Affection de Longue Durée or ALD) may even be covered at 100% of the state tariff by Assurance Maladie. A private mutuelle can then be useful to cover any associated costs that the state doesn't, but a full international PMI plan will typically exclude the condition itself.
Being transparent about your medical history during application is vital to ensure there are no surprises when you need to make a claim.
Navigating the French System: Practical Health Tips for UK Expats
Embracing life in France also means embracing its approach to health and wellness. Here are a few practical tips to help you settle in.
-
Register with a Médecin Traitant: This is your chosen GP. Registering is a crucial step. Not only does it establish a relationship with a doctor who knows your history, but it is also key to maximising your reimbursement from the state system. Visits to specialists are reimbursed at a much lower rate if you haven't been referred by your médecin traitant.
-
Use Your Carte Vitale Everywhere: Always present your Carte Vitale at the GP, pharmacy, lab, or hospital. This ensures the electronic reimbursement process works smoothly.
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Lean on the Pharmacist: French pharmacists are highly trained and respected health professionals. For minor ailments, they are an excellent first port of call and can provide effective over-the-counter advice and remedies, often saving you a trip to the doctor.
-
Embrace the French Diet and Lifestyle:
- Diet: The famous paradox of the French diet is its richness combined with good health outcomes. Focus on fresh, high-quality, seasonal ingredients from your local marché. Enjoy whole foods, healthy fats, and smaller portion sizes.
- Activity: France's diverse geography is an invitation to be active. From hiking in the Alps and Pyrenees to cycling through Provence or walking along the Normandy coast, there are endless opportunities to stay fit.
- Wellness: Adopt the concept of joie de vivre. The French culture places a high value on leisure, social connection, and work-life balance. Slowing down and savouring moments can have a profound impact on your mental wellbeing.
Do I still need a Carte Vitale if I have comprehensive private health insurance?
Can I keep my UK NHS rights as an expat in France?
What is the difference between a French 'mutuelle' and international PMI?
Will my private health insurance cover me for holidays outside France?
Ready to find the right health protection for your new life in France?
The WeCovr team is ready to help. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and let our experts compare the best private medical insurance UK expat plans for you. Secure your peace of mind and start your French adventure with confidence.
Sources
- Office for National Statistics (ONS): Mortality, earnings, and household statistics.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance and consumer protection guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Life insurance and protection market publications.
- HMRC: Tax treatment guidance for relevant protection and benefits products.











