For any expatriate, choosing the right health insurance is essential. Moving abroad is an exciting adventure, but it also raises a number of practical questions, particularly when it comes to health coverage. Proper insurance coverage is essential if you are to enjoy your expatriation with peace of mind. Fortunately, Santexpat, the health insurance comparison service dedicated to expatriates, recently shed some light on the subject in a highly instructive live session. For those who missed it, the replay is available to catch up on all this valuable information.
Health insurance waiting periods for expatriates
Yes, the waiting period is a reality in the world of health insurance. This is the period following the signing of your contract during which certain benefits are not yet active.
| Key points | Details |
| Variable duration | Waiting periods can range from a few days to several months, depending on the insurer and the nature of the policy. |
| Warranties concerned | Please note that these time limits may apply to major expenses such as hospitalization, maternity, dental care or certain major medical treatments. |
| A concrete example | CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger), for example, can apply a 3-month waiting period on certain products for new policyholders over 45. |
Practical tips:
- Check the terms and conditions: Before taking out a policy, read it carefully to find out about any waiting periods. Don’t just read the summary.
- Plan your departure: Anticipate your health cover well in advance of your move abroad to minimize, if not avoid, any latency period without adequate protection.
Do I have to pay medical expenses in advance abroad?
The need to advance medical expenses abroad varies according to the type of treatment received and your insurer’s agreements.
| Important details | General case and exception |
| Common medicine | It is generally necessary to advance the costs (consultation, pharmacy), then put together a file to claim reimbursement from your insurer. |
| Hospitalization | This is the most common exception. In many cases, especially for planned or emergency stays, the healthcare establishment can be in direct contact with your insurer. In this case, the costs can be settled without any advance payment on your part (direct assumption of responsibility). |
Tips for avoiding expense advances :
- Opt for third-party payment: Some international health insurers offer third-party payment. This means you don’t have to pay in advance for the medical expenses covered.
- Ask your insurer about the specific procedures to be followed in your country of residence to maximize the chances of direct coverage.
Can I have a teleconsultation in French from abroad, even at night?
Teleconsultation is a modern and particularly practical solution for expatriates. It allows you to consult a doctor online in French, wherever you are, at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services offer video consultations with French-speaking doctors, which is ideal for compensating for time differences and avoiding complications linked to the language of the host country. Some health insurers, such as CFE, may even cover these teleconsultations when they are carried out with licensed doctors based in France, but it’s important to check the conditions of your contract.
For expatriates, the benefits are considerable. Teleconsultation guarantees language-barrier-free access to medical care and advice, while offering unrivalled convenience: you can avoid travel, crowded waiting rooms and benefit from fast, reliable medical advice, all from a distance.
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And if I return to France temporarily, am I still covered?
Your health cover during a temporary stay in France is a complex issue that depends above all on your affiliation status with a social security organization. Points to consider:
- Affiliation with CFE: If you are affiliated with the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), your rights are maintained for up to three months from your first day of residence in France.
- Absence of affiliation: If you are not affiliated to the CFE or French Social Security (via a local activity), a three-month waiting period may apply before you can benefit from the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) on your final return.
Recommendations:
- Take out temporary health insurance: If you’re not sure you’ll be covered, or if the duration of your stay exceeds the period during which you can maintain your rights (for CFE), we strongly advise you to consider taking out temporary health insurance for the duration of your stay in France.
- Find out about your rights: Before you leave and/or return home, contact the health insurance office in your last place of residence or the CFE to find out what steps to take and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Why choose Santexpat?
With Santexpat, you can prepare for your trip abroad with complete peace of mind. Compare offers adapted to your situation and benefit from personalized advice to find the best insurance.
Thanks to their platform, you benefit from :
- Save time: easily compare the best health insurance offers on the market in just a few clicks.
- Personalized advice: Access the expertise of professionals who can help you decipher the benefits and choose the coverage best suited to your profile (age, destination, family situation, etc.).
- Customized insurance: You’re sure to find policies that precisely match your situation and the specificities of your destination’s healthcare system.
