Every year, more than 8,000 French students choose the United States for their studies or internships. Whether it’s to enter prestigious universities such as Harvard, or to gain professional experience in English, many young French people turn to this destination. However, the administrative procedures involved, such as obtaining a visa, finding accommodation and applying for scholarships, can be complex. A crucial aspect often overlooked is
taking out health insurance for French students in the USA. With medical costs among the highest in the world, it’s imperative to choose the right health cover to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure optimum protection throughout your stay.
Do I need a visa to study in the USA?
The answer is yes! For studies lasting longer than 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a USA student visa. This application must be made to the U.S. Embassy in France. This is a non-immigrant F-1, M-1 or J-1 visa, depending on the course of study you are planning to follow: general or professional studies, language study, university exchange, specialized studies, internship, etc. You can only apply for a visa once you have received the admission letter from the American university and the l-20 certificate of eligibility.
The F-1 visa
The F-1 visa is designed for people wishing to enroll in a school or university program at an accredited educational institution, or for language studies. To obtain an F-1 visa, you’ll need to prove that you have sufficient resources to cover the cost of enrolment and the first 12 months of your stay. Bear in mind that the costs of American universities are very high, so you may need to apply for a scholarship or sponsorship. This visa also allows you to work on the university campus for a maximum of 20 hours a week.
The M-1 visa
The M-1 visa is designed for young people wishing to pursue professional or specialized studies. For this visa, international students must demonstrate sufficient resources for the entire duration of their stay in the USA. Holders of an M-1 visa are not authorized to work, except as part of an internship.
J-1 visa
The J-1 visa is intended for students or recent graduates under 38 years of age wishing to do an internship in the USA. This visa allows you to stay legally in the USA for 18 months. It can be used for both paid and unpaid internships, as well as for summer jobs and first jobs in the USA.
Health insurance for students in the U.S.
First of all, it’s important to note that all foreign students admitted to university in the USA must prove that they are covered by a usa student health insurance policy for the duration of their studies here. This international medical insurance will ensure that you don’t go broke in the event of accident or illness. In fact, healthcare costs in the U.S. are up to five times higher than in France. For your certificate to be valid, your health insurance must meet a number of criteria. These requirements may vary by university and state. For example, the university may require that you have no deductible, or that you are covered for routine medical care.
Local health insurance
Your American university may require or strongly urge you to choose their insurance partner. We advise you to find out about the coverage offered by partner insurance companies. They are often very expensive, and you should expect to pay a minimum of $150 per month. It’s important to note that in the United States, insurance companies impose out-of-pocket or deductible clauses in their contracts. In other words, you are responsible for a portion of your medical expenses. You’ll also need to take out options that will add to the cost, for example, if you wear glasses or want a maternity option.
International health insurance
You can also choose to take out insurance with a French insurer. This will not only give you access to a clear, easy-to-understand offer, but also save you money. There are a number of
health insurance plans available
for students, covering them at reasonable rates. It is advisable to check that your contract covers at least: medical repatriation, medical expenses and emergency expenses. Check that these services have high reimbursement ceilings, and that they are paid from the first euro, so that you never have to pay a penny out of pocket. It’s also worth taking a look at the various coverages, such as luggage insurance, third-party liability abroad and optical/dental insurance. santexpat.fr will give you access to advisors to help you with all the formalities. All our contracts also include teleconsultation. This remote medical consultation service enables you to obtain a diagnosis in your native language, or to get a second medical opinion. We advise you to request a copy of your insurance contract in English, as this can help you once you’re in France. It will also help you with the administrative formalities for university admission.
French student insurance in the USA: the solution to avoid high medical costs
When you study in the USA as a French student, it’s essential to take out international health insurance, as medical costs in the USA are notoriously high. There are several options for covering your health needs during your studies, including specialized French insurances that offer coverage tailored to the requirements of American universities. Some universities in the U.S. may impose their own health insurance, but this is often expensive. For example, Chapka Assurances offers a dedicated solution called Cap Student, providing comprehensive coverage including third-party liability, repatriation assistance and zero deductible medical care from the very first euro. EuropUSA also offers formulas such as GoldStudent with coverage limits of up to €500,000, covering hospitalization as well as routine and pharmaceutical care. This insurance also includes guarantees such as 24/7 assistance, dental and optical coverage, as well as civil liability. By taking out private French insurance, you benefit from rates that are often more advantageous, while being certain of meeting the criteria imposed by American universities, particularly in terms of medical care coverage, evacuation and repatriation. Don’t hesitate to compare offers on Santexpat.fr!
