Foreign travel health cover and the French health system
When traveling abroad, your health cover depends on your destination (inside or outside the European Union) and the length of your stay. If you’re going on vacation to an EU country, you can obtain your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This will enable you to have your medical expenses covered in accordance with the laws and formalities of your destination country. In other words, under the same conditions as residents of the country in which you are staying. However, the EHIC does not cover medical repatriation or non-emergency treatment. Medical expenses not covered by the European Health Insurance Card are your responsibility. For trips outside the EU lasting less than 90 days, the CPAM (Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie) may, on an exceptional basis, reimburse certain urgent and unforeseen medical expenses on your return to France. This means that treatment considered non-urgent and unforeseen will not be reimbursed. It also means that you will have to pay in advance any medical expenses incurred abroad. For reimbursement, you’ll need to send in your invoices and supporting documents, which will then be examined by a medical advisor from your insurance company. If you’re leaving France for more than 90 days (3 months), either for a trip or for an internship or PVT outside the EU, you won’t be covered. CPAM coverage no longer applies. In this case, we recommend that you take out international health insurance. There are travel insurance plans available for periods of over 90 days, tailored to your needs (internship, PVT, travel or digital nomad).
Please note: for the Working Holiday Permit (PVT), you may be required to take out an international health insurance policy in order to obtain your visa.
Why take out international health insurance for your trip abroad?
Whether you’re traveling for more or less than 90 days, inside or outside the EU, we recommend that you take out international health insurance for a number of reasons.
1. To be covered in the event of illness abroad
When traveling, the risk of falling ill or suffering an accident can never be ruled out. Taking out travel health insurance means that you’ll be covered and reimbursed in the event of illness or hospitalization, wherever you travel. If you’re staying in an EU (European Union) country, taking out supplementary health insurance means that you’ll benefit from more comprehensive compensation in the event of high medical costs.
2. Benefit from repatriation assistance
Medical repatriation is often an indispensable option, especially in the event of serious health problems. Check that your travel insurance covers medical expenses and repatriation. Repatriation is sometimes an optional extra. Unlike the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which does not cover repatriation, travel health insurance generally covers these costs. Even if you’re traveling within the EU, and your expenses are covered, medical repatriation will not be covered if you haven’t taken out supplementary insurance. Supplementary insurance is recommended to guarantee this assistance.
3. Access to the best care at affordable prices
In France, we’re used to having access to top-quality care, without having to pay or advance large sums. This is not necessarily the case everywhere in the world. In some countries, such as the USA, Canada and Australia, healthcare costs can quickly become expensive. In other countries, such as those in Asia, it’s quality health care, in private clinics or more closely supervised ones, that can be expensive. And in the event of a medical emergency, you rarely have the time or inclination to think about where to go. With travel health insurance abroad, you’re covered whatever the establishment. By taking out specific travel health insurance, you can benefit from the best health care and support as if you were in France… on a trip abroad.
Benefits to keep in mind
The extent of coverage depends on the travel health insurance you choose and the plan you select. To leave with a clear head, we recommend that you check that the insurance in question offers you this type of cover (adapted to travel):
- coverage of your health and hospitalization expenses for the duration of your stay abroad,
- coverage in the event of medical consultation, examination or treatment,
- assistance in the event of repatriation to your country of origin (medical transport, accommodation costs),
- civil liability coverage,
Please note: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries still impose specific requirements for entry into their territory, sometimes including proof of insurance covering quarantine-related care or medical repatriation. It is advisable to consult the conditions of entry before traveling, as these requirements often change.
Focus on travel health insurance
In addition to international health insurance to cover your medical needs, other types of insurance can offer complementary services. Some bank cards offer insurance cover for certain medical expenses and several aspects of your trip. Please note, however, that coverage levels are often very low, and should be checked with your bank. It is essential to check with your bank the duration and amounts covered. Long-stay travellers should look for specialist insurance to avoid unpleasant surprises. Some specialist travel insurance companies also offer comprehensive packages, including health cover, flight cancellation, baggage loss, etc. Taking out travel health insurance or international health insurance is useful whatever the length of your stay abroad, whatever the country, whatever the duration, whether to reimburse you for your care, prevent you from damage, or make you feel better looked after. Visit our international health insurance comparator Santexpat.fr to discover the different offers available on the market. Our team of international health experts will help you find the most suitable insurance package for your country, situation and age.
