A pre-existing condition is any health issue that was known, treated, or diagnosed before your insurance policy starts, including conditions you were aware of but hadn't yet sought treatment for. Most private insurers, including our expat health insurance, don't cover pre-existing conditions because doing so would raise costs for everyone in the risk pool. If you have a pre-existing condition, you can still use our expat health insurance for all other covered needs while you wait to enroll in France's public health system (Sécurité Sociale). Medication is generally much cheaper in France than in other countries, so even with pre-existing condition treatments paid out of pocket, our Expat Insurance might still be your best (and most affordable) option.
What is a pre-existing condition?
A pre-existing condition is any health issue that was already known, treated, or diagnosed before your insurance policy start date. This includes conditions you were aware of but had not yet sought treatment for. If you knew about a health issue before your policy started and intended to get it treated afterward, it still counts as pre-existing. A condition is considered pre-existing if any of the following apply before your policy start date:
The condition had undiagnosed symptoms, whether or not you recognized them as significant.
The condition had been formally diagnosed by a medical professional.
The condition required medical treatment, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, special diets, injections, or other procedures or investigations.
You sought medical advice about the condition, including during routine examinations or check-ups.
Examples of what counts as a pre-existing condition:
Here are 2 examples to illustrate how pre-existing conditions are assessed.
First: if you've had a chronic back issue for 2 years that required medical treatment and physical therapy before your policy start date, that condition is pre-existing.
Second: if you've had abdominal pain for 6 months but haven't seen a doctor yet, and you intend to seek treatment after taking out a policy, that condition is still pre-existing, because the issue was known before the policy started and treatment was planned.
Why don't most private insurers cover pre-existing conditions?
Insurance works like a shared pool: everyone pays premiums, and those funds are used to cover the people who need care. Pre-existing conditions increase the likelihood that a person will need medical treatment, which puts more pressure on the pool. Without limits on pre-existing condition coverage, people might only purchase insurance when they already have a known need for care, leaving fewer people contributing to the pool than drawing from it. To keep the pool sustainable and premiums affordable for everyone, most private insurers exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage.
Can I still get expat health insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?
Yes! having a pre-existing condition doesn't prevent you from taking out our expat health insurance. Pre-existing conditions won't be covered, but the policy covers all other eligible health needs while you're waiting to enroll in France's public health system. Our expat health insurance starts at €72 per month, and because it keeps the risk pool focused on lower-risk coverage, it remains one of the most affordable private health insurance options available in France.
How should I manage my pre-existing condition when moving to France?
Moving to France with a pre-existing condition requires some planning, but access to care is generally straightforward once you're in the public system. Here's what we recommend:
For conditions requiring ongoing treatment or medication: Bring as much of your medication or supplies from your home country as possible, up to six months worth if your home country allows it.
Apply for France's public health system (Sécurité Sociale) as soon as you're eligible (after 3 months of registering as a resident). Once enrolled, you'll have access to reimbursed care for pre-existing conditions.
If you need a prescription refill before that, a visit to the GP will cost you 30 €. You can also check the cost of your treatment at a local French pharmacy or at vidal.fr; prices in France are often significantly lower than in other countries.
For more complex conditions: If possible, keep your home-country insurance active during the transition period. Otherwise, prioritize enrolling in Sécurité Sociale as soon as you reach eligibility (after 3 months of residence in France). Coverage through Sécurité Sociale can often be retroactive to the date you submitted your application, which means any gap in coverage is usually short. In the meantime, our expat health insurance covers most other health needs while you wait.
Which insurance options cover pre-existing conditions in France?
France's public health system (Sécurité Sociale) covers all pre-existing conditions, as does the complementary top-up private health insurance (mutuelle) that most residents add on.
To enroll in Sécurité Sociale, you generally need to have been a resident in France for at least 3 months. Some private insurers also offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but this typically involves a medical assessment, and premiums are adjusted based on the specific conditions declared.
You can reach out to us for more assistance or additional resources.
If you would like to learn more about expat health insurance or would like to sign up, you can do so here.