What is the 31-day waiting period?
Our expat health insurance includes a 31-day waiting period, but it may not apply to you.
Does my expat health insurance have a waiting period?
You don't need to start your insurance before entering your country of insurance. As long as your insurance starts within 31 days of arriving in France, the waiting period is automatically waived. It's also waived if you're switching from a policy of equal or greater coverage with no gap. Even if neither condition applies, life-threatening accidents and illnesses are always covered from day one.
When is the waiting period waived?
The waiting period is waived in 2 situations:
You sign up within 31 days of arriving: If your expat health insurance policy starts within 31 days of your arrival date in France, the waiting period doesn't apply. If you make a claim within the first 31 days of your policy, you'll need to provide proof of your arrival date (such as an airline, train, or bus ticket).
You had continuous prior coverage: If you're switching from a previous policy of equal or greater coverage, and your new policy starts on or before the day your previous policy expires, the waiting period is also waived. If you make a claim within the first 31 days, you'll need to provide proof of your previous insurance showing there was no gap in coverage.
Why does the waiting period exist?
The waiting period protects all policyholders from insurance abuse. Without it, someone could sign up after an accident or illness and immediately make a claim, which would drive up monthly premiums for everyone. Waiting periods are a common feature of health insurance policies across Europe. We also rely on the honor system when issuing policies: we don't require a medical report or doctor's exam before you can get covered, which is why we can get you insured in minutes.
What is covered during the 31-day waiting period?
If you are not in a scenario where your waiting period can be waived and you experience a life-threatening accident or sudden serious illness during that time, the waiting period is waived and we'll cover the necessary treatment.
Can I claim an event that happened during the waiting period once it ends?
No. If the waiting period applies to you, only conditions or incidents that first occur after the waiting period has ended are eligible for a claim, with the exception of life-threatening accidents or injuries.
What can I claim for once the 31-day waiting period is over?
Once the waiting period ends, you have full access to all the benefits of your policy.