What is the difference between expat health insurance and long-term health insurance?
We offer 2 private health insurance plans for people living in France. Expat health insurance (Newcomer plan) is a shorter-term option covering new conditions only, with policies lasting up to 5 years. Long-term health insurance (Extended plan) offers broader coverage with no time limit, and is designed for people who are no longer eligible for expat health insurance but are not yet enrolled in public health coverage in France, or for those who need continuous worldwide travel coverage.
Which plan is right for me?
For most people, expat health insurance is the right choice. It's the more affordable option, fully visa compliant, and a great fit for anyone living in France for under 5 years. While pre-existing conditions are not covered under the expat plan, people with pre-existing conditions can still enroll and receive coverage for all other conditions.
We recommend considering long-term health insurance in 2 specific situations: if you have been living in France for more than 5 years and have not yet joined the Sécurité Sociale (since expat health insurance is limited to 5 years), or if you need continuous worldwide travel coverage.
What travel coverage does each plan include?
Expat health insurance covers you within the EU and Schengen zone from day one, plus up to 6 weeks in your home country per year (but only after you have been on the policy for 12 months).
Long-term health insurance includes continuous worldwide coverage with no time restrictions, available in 2 options: worldwide coverage including or excluding the USA and Caribbean. If you travel frequently outside Europe, the long-term plan may be worth the higher cost.
| Incoming Private Insurance (Expat) | Long-term health insurance |
Coverage overview | New conditions only. Pre-existing conditions and routine checkups without symptoms are not included. | New conditions, some pre-existing conditions (if no treatment has been completed in the last 3 years), and routine checkups after a waiting period. |
Ability to add dependents | ✅ | ✅ |
Length of policy | Up to 5 years | Unlimited |
Visa requirements | Suitable for visas and visa renewals | Suitable for visas and visa renewals |
Salary minimum for eligibility | X | X |
Health screening for eligibility | X | X However there is a health screening for those aged between 65-70 years |
Cost | Set price based on age and policy; plans start from €72 per month.
Generally the more affordable option. | Based on age and whether a voluntary deductible is chosen.
Higher cost than expat health insurance. |
Travel cover | -EU and Schengen zone -6 weeks in your home country after 12 months on the policy. | Two options: |
Option to switch to enroll in public in France | ✅ | ✅ |
Age limit for signup | Sign-up until age 75; policy expires at 75. | Sign-up until age 70; policy continues indefinitely if enrolled before 70. Health screening required for ages 65–70. |
Sick pay | X | X |
Cancellation policy | Monthly | Monthly |