Social security and insurance for foreign students in France

How can I get health insurance as a foreign student living in France? What are the schemes on offer? Which organisation should you turn to? It is not always easy for a young person to find their way through the administrative procedures of the country they've come to study in. How to get reimbursed for healthcare costs is an important question that any foreign student needs a simple, clear answer to, especially if they want to study without having to worry. Here is a brief overview of the dedicated healthcare schemes, whether you are an EU or non-EU student.

Social security for European students

If you are coming to study in France, we recommend you register on the Ameli foreign student website for social security. This connects you to the French social security system so you can benefit from health coverage. Students' health expenses are covered up to 60%. All European Union countries can use this website, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. There's also another alternative. Students from these countries can also opt for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It allows access to French healthcare but must be applied for by the student in their country of origin before coming to study in France.

Social security for foreign students - non-Europeans

As far as international students are concerned, health coverage is also available and, more importantly, mandatory. Indeed, since 2019, non-EU students are connected to the general social security system as standard. This membership is free. It allows young people from all over the world who come to France to study to benefit from free healthcare for the duration of their studies. Here again, you must register on the Ameli foreign student website once you arrive in France. You can do all of the following via the website:

• Order a health insurance card
• Follow-up reimbursements
• Get a doctor's note
• Download certificates of entitlement
• Update and manage personal information

Subscribe to a student mutual insurance

Since 60% of the cost of care is covered by the student social security system, we suggest you take out a mutual insurance policy to supplement the reimbursements. This is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended. Here again, there are several possibilities for students. They can take out insurance with:

• A traditional student mutual insurance company
• An insurance company offering these services
• A bank with a student mutual insurance option

Obviously, there are different packages available for all budgets and needs. A little advice: make sure that the mutual insurance you choose offers a civil liability option that covers you in case of an accident at your place of study.