Whether you’re moving abroad for work, study or a personal adventure, the question of health insurance is of paramount importance. As an expatriate, it’s essential to understand the differences between international healthcare systems, and to choose the right complementary health insurance to benefit from optimal international health coverage.
Why take out complementary health insurance as an expatriate?
Although not compulsory, complementary health insurance for expatriates is highly recommended. In some countries, medical care can be very expensive, and hospitalization or specialized consultations quickly generate significant costs. It’s important to be financially prepared. What’s more, some countries require proof of health insurance before they will issue a visa or residence permit. Effective social protection abroad can help you avoid critical financial situations.
Health coverage options for expatriates
Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE)
CFE is a social security organization that enables French nationals living abroad to maintain social protection abroad equivalent to that provided by French Social Security. It covers sickness, maternity, disability, industrial accidents and old age.
Advantages: CFE ensures continuity of rights in France, allows membership without a medical questionnaire and offers international health cover valid in France and abroad.
Disadvantages: Reimbursements are based on French Social Security rates, which are often insufficient in countries where treatment is expensive. In addition, it does not cover certain essential services such as medical repatriation or personal liability, which are essential in certain situations abroad.
CFE supplementary insurance
To compensate for the CFE’s limitations, it is advisable to take out supplementary insurance to cover expenses not covered by the CFE. Organizations such as MSH International offer comprehensive international health cover, sometimes including personal liability, medical repatriation and coverage without advance payment. These plans can also include specific benefits such as optical, dental and maternity cover.
First euro insurance
This option consists of taking out private insurance that covers your healthcare costs from the first euro spent, without going through the CFE. It is particularly well suited to expatriates in countries where healthcare is very expensive, or for those who do not wish to contribute to two schemes. A medical questionnaire often accompanies these contracts, and they sometimes include a medical deductible and waiting periods. You should check these points carefully before signing up.
Example: An expatriate living in the United States without cover from the first euro could end up paying several thousand dollars for a simple hospitalization. In such cases, full coverage from the very first euro is often essential.
To sum up, what should you choose for your international health insurance?
| Option | Description | Benefits | Disadvantages |
| CFE only | French social security for expatriates | Rights maintained + no medical questionnaire | Low reimbursements + no medical repatriation or personal liability coverage |
| CFE + complementary | Fills the gaps left by CFE | Extended coverage + optical/dental care | Cumulative contributions |
| 1st euro insurance | Private insurance from the 1st euro spent | Often more responsive and complete | May involve a medical deductible and waiting periods |
How to choose the right complementary health insurance?
When making your choice, consider the following :
- Extent of cover: Make sure that routine care, hospitalization, maternity, optical and dental care are well covered.
- Healthcare network: Check whether the insurer has partnerships with healthcare establishments in your host country, facilitating access to care without advance payment.
- Additional services: Some contracts include essential services such as teleconsultation, medical repatriation and personal liability, particularly useful in the event of a dispute abroad.
- Contract conditions: Pay particular attention to the medical deductible, reimbursement ceilings, waiting periods and portability in the event of a change of country.
- Cost: Compare rates, reimbursement levels and contract flexibility to find the best value for money.
Tip: Santexpat.fr can help you compare the right offers for your expatriation project, free of charge!
Why register with CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger)?
For expatriate workers, joining CFE means maintaining a direct link with the French Social Security system. This affiliation offers social protection abroad similar to that which they would enjoy in France, with coverage for sickness, maternity, disability, industrial accidents and occupational diseases.
One of the major advantages of CFE is that expatriates retain their French Social Security rights. The general scheme automatically reintegrates them when they return, simplifying administrative procedures. What’s more, there’s no medical questionnaire to complete. However, this solution implies continuing to contribute to the local scheme in the country of residence, which may increase costs, but does guarantee enhanced international health cover.
Understanding expatriate status: seconded or expatriate?
Before taking out international health insurance, it’s crucial to identify your status. A French company temporarily sends a seconded worker abroad for up to 36 months. During this period, they remain affiliated to the French social security system. He or she therefore benefits from social protection abroad through France.
The local company hires the expatriate or sends him or her abroad on a long-term basis. His contract is subject to local law, and he depends on the social protection system of the host country. These systems often offer limited coverage, which is why it is important to take out additional insurance to cover medical care, hospitalization and even repatriation.
To find out more about the difference between expatriation and secondment, read our article: Expatriation and secondment: what are the differences?
Get the right insurance for a successful expatriation
Whether you’re going on a short assignment or settling abroad for good, choose the right international health insurance to cover any medical contingencies. There are many options to choose from, including CFE, insurance from the first euro, and private supplementary insurance. Analyze your country of residence, your medical needs, the medical deductible and waiting periods to avoid unpleasant surprises. Need help comparing the best offers? Santexpat.fr can help you find the international health insurance best suited to your needs, free of charge. Contact an advisor or carry out an online simulation in just a few clicks.
