Giving birth abroad: declaration of birth and insurance

Are you currently living abroad and have just given birth? Congratulations to you! This moment of joy and emotion is often followed by a host of practical questions, including how to declare the birth of your child when you’re not living in France. Indeed, it is imperative that you register your child’s birth, as this is compulsory for all children, whatever their nationality. The formalities may vary depending on the country you live in, and it’s essential to respect them to avoid future administrative complications. And don’t forget to take care of your newborn’s health cover. It’s crucial to declare the birth of your child to your insurer, to ensure that he or she receives adequate medical care. Whether you’re in a European country or outside Europe, each situation requires specific steps for both declaration and health insurance, and understanding these steps can help you navigate this new chapter in your family life with peace of mind.

International health insurance for pregnancy and childbirth abroad

When a pregnant woman is living abroad, it’s essential to take out international health insurance in advance to cover pregnancy and childbirth-related care. These insurance contracts generally provide cover for prenatal consultations, ultrasounds, hospitalization costs and postnatal care, which is important to ensure the health of both mother and child. Before you leave, it’s advisable to check the details of your contract, including waiting periods, reimbursement ceilings and specific conditions relating to giving birth abroad. Some policies may also include additional services, such as medical accompaniment or advice on local health establishments. In the event of complications, adequate cover will enable you to benefit from the best care without worrying about costs. Our health insurance experts are here to help you choose the option best suited to your situation, so you can live this experience with peace of mind.

How long does it take to declare the birth of a child?

As a general rule, you must declare the birth of your child within 15 days ofgiving birth. In some European and non-European countries, this period can extend to 30 days. This applies in particular to the following countries Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Exceeding this deadline may result in sanctions. If the declaration of birth is not made within the legal time limit, the parents risk a 6-month prison sentence and a €3,750 fine. They may also be held civilly liable in respect of the child.

Where to register the birth?

First of all, in countries where the declaration by the local civil registrar is compulsory, the parents must request a transcription of the local birth certificate for the registrar from the French embassy or consulate in the host country. You can then go to one of these two administrations in the country where you live to declare the birth of your baby. This procedure is entirely free of charge. It is carried out by one or both of the French parents. The diplomatic or consular authorities will then draw up the birth certificate and keep it on file.

Documents to be provided

In addition to the request for transcription of the birth certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A copy of the foreign birth certificate and its translation (by a translator accredited by the French embassy).
• Proof of French nationality for at least one of the parents (national identity card, passport, etc.).
• The family record book (livret de famille), if updated
• For children born out of wedlock, a copy of the acknowledgment document signed by the French father.

Depending on your country of residence, other documents may be required. We strongly advise you to find out in advance so that you are in possession of all the required supporting documents.

Useful information

You can apply for a full copy or extract of a civil status record using an online form. To do so, French nationals should log on to the website of the Service central d’état civil of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The latter is the competent body to contact for all civil status events occurring abroad

Countries with different requirements

There are exceptional cases where transcript requests differ from the procedures explained above. This is the case for French children born in Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Switzerland, Poland (applicable from January 1, 2021), Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Transcription requests must be sent by post only to the following address:

Service central d’état civil (Scec) 11, rue de la Maison Blanche 44941 Nantes Cedex 09

The list of documents to be provided and the transcription request form can be downloaded from the website of the French Consulate General in the country concerned.

Family name

You can choose the surname your child will bear. You can choose between the father’s surname, the mother’s surname or both names together in the order of your choice. All you need to do is make a joint declaration. In the absence of such a declaration, the father’s name is automatically transferred. It is important to note, however, that the declaration of choice of family name for the 1st child is definitive and applies to all joint children.

Health insurance and affiliation of the child

When you welcome a new child abroad, it’s crucial to include him or her in your international health insurance as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered the birth with the local authorities, you’ll need to quickly inform your insurer so that your child can benefit from full health cover. This will enable your child to benefit from your policy’s guarantees, whether for regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, or care in the event of accident or illness. Before the birth, it is advisable to review your health insurance cover to ensure that it meets the specific needs of maternity and paediatrics. Some policies offer extended cover, including neonatal care or emergency surgery abroad. After the birth of your child, you can also adjust or enhance these coverages to better protect your family, taking into account any medical risks in your country of residence. Our international health insurance experts are at your disposal to help you find the offer best suited to your new family situation. By choosing tailor-made cover, you can guarantee your child optimum protection, wherever you live