The day of your expatriate departure is fast approaching and you haven’t yet chosen your future health cover? It’s not always easy to find your way around the different options: health insurance from the first euro or complementary to CFE. Here are a few tips to help you choose the option best suited to your needs and situation.
What is first-euro expatriate insurance?
When moving abroad, it’s important to understand that after three months abroad, you will no longer benefit from French social security, except in the case of secondment by your employer. So it’s important to think about a solution for your health coverage. To understand the specifics and advantages of international insurance from the 1st euro, it’s important to understand what CFE (Caisse des Français de l’étranger) is.
The Caisse des Français de l’étranger
When you move abroad, you can opt to join the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), an organization that enables expatriates to maintain social protection close to that offered by French Social Security. Accessible to all French nationals living outside France, whatever their status, CFE offers several types of coverage: health insurance, occupational risks and old-age insurance. These options enable you to continue contributing to your pension, or to simplify your eventual return to France, by reintegrating the French healthcare system without a waiting period.
However, the CFE’s reimbursement scales, which are aligned with those of the French social security system, are not sufficient to fully cover medical expenses, which are often higher in many countries. What’s more, certain types of cover, such as civil liability and repatriation, are not included in standard contracts. For optimum coverage, we recommend that you take out additional private insurance.
One of CFE’s major assets lies in its accessibility: no medical questionnaire is required to join, making it particularly suitable for people with chronic pathologies, guaranteeing them social protection abroad.
CFE complementary health insurance
As you will have realized, the CFE will not (or very rarely) cover 100% of your healthcare costs. It is therefore advisable to take out complementary CFE insurance. The complementary CFE insurance system works in a similar way to French mutual insurance companies. Some insurers have special agreements with the CFE, which can make administrative management smoother. Despite this, there will be a delay in your reimbursements.
Expatriate insurance from 1 euro
1st euro insurance remains an attractive option for expatriates in 2024. These policies cover healthcare costs directly, without going through the CFE, offering simplified management with a single point of contact. This type of insurance is particularly advantageous in countries where medical costs are high. It is also an advantage for French nationals living abroad who are looking for rapid coverage with shorter reimbursement times.
For several years now, insurers have continued to diversify their offers to include additional cover. For example, coverage for international teleconsultation, chronic disease monitoring and 24-hour assistance services. It is important to compare coverage levels and exclusions, as these contracts can vary from one insurer to another.
The benefits of health insurance from 1 euro
1st euro health insurance offers simplified management, ideal for coping with unforeseen medical events. One of the main advantages is that you don’t have to pay in advance at partner establishments. This is invaluable in the event of an emergency or hospitalization. So you can concentrate on getting yourself or your loved ones back on their feet, without having to worry about administrative formalities.
These contracts also enable you to benefit from centralized management. A single point of contact manages all your reimbursements, simplifying the monitoring of your file. What’s more, the benefits offered are often customizable, allowing you to tailor the level of coverage to your needs, including access to premium services or psychological consultations.
Another major advantage is the freedom to choose your healthcare professionals. You have the option of consulting both the public and private sectors in your country of residence, while giving preference, if necessary, to practitioners who speak your language for a better understanding of diagnoses. This flexibility reinforces the attractiveness of this type of health insurance for expatriates seeking comprehensive coverage.
Is it advantageous for me to take out health insurance from the 1st euro?
As always, the usefulness of 1st euro health insurance depends on a number of factors: the cost of care in your country of expatriation, local legal obligations, and personal needs. Recent developments in the market make it a suitable option for French nationals seeking comprehensive cover, particularly in countries with costly healthcare systems such as the USA or Japan.
To choose the most suitable option, it is advisable to consult an advisor specialized in international health insurance. They can guide you towards solutions tailored to your specific needs, taking into account local requirements and your budget.
