You may have heard that Expat Health is a private insurance — and that’s correct! But did you know there are actually two different types of private health insurance in France, and they’re quite different from one another? This can get confusing because they’re both called “private insurance,” so let’s break down the key differences.
Two Types of Private Health Insurance in France
1. Incoming Private Insurance (like Expat Health)
This type of insurance is basic and temporary, designed mainly for newcomers. It's often used as a short-term solution while you're getting settled in France and preparing to join the public health system.
Ideal for new arrivals in France.
Easy to switch from once you’re eligible for public or more comprehensive insurance.
Valid for up to 5 years.
Usually only accepted for your first visa, and renewals.
In short, incoming insurance helps bridge the gap while you transition into the French healthcare system — but it’s not meant for long-term use.
2. Full Private Insurance (Mutuelle or Complémentaire Santé)
Once you’re enrolled in the French public health system (l’Assurance Maladie), this type of private insurance acts as a top-up. It covers the remaining medical costs not reimbursed by the public system, which typically reimburses around 70% of healthcare expenses.
Covers the remaining 30% (and sometimes more).
Commonly used for dental, vision, and specialist care.
Used alongside the public health system, not instead of it.
Taken by 96% of the population in France.
Now let's break down some further details about the coverage differences below:
| Incoming Private Insurance (Expat) | Full Private Insurance |
Coverage overview | Basic cover
New conditions only, no cover for pre-existing conditions or routine check ups without symptoms | Comprehensive cover
New conditions and pre-existing conditions are covered |
Coverage add ons | X | ✅
Can tailor your plan to add extra coverage Eg private room, supplementary dental and travel cover |
Ability to add dependents | ✅ | ✅ |
Length of policy | 5 years | Unlimited |
Visa requirements | Suitable for all visas and all visa renewals | Suitable for all visas and all visa renewals |
Salary minimum for eligibility | X | X |
Health screening for eligibility | X | X |
Cost | Set price based on age and policy.
| Set price based on age and policy, but private health is often cheaper than incoming health insurance |
Travel cover | EU & schengen zone, as well as 6 weeks in home country after 1 year on the policy | France & Europe with the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) |
Option to switch to public health | ✅ | Requirements: need to be part on the public health system to have access to private health insurance. |
Age limit | Up to 75 years | No limit |
If you would like to learn more about expat health, get a quote or sign up, you can do so here.
If you would like to learn more about private health (mutuelle), and get a quote please reach out directly to us.