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Applying for a long-stay visa to France is an exciting step, but it comes with a detailed list of requirements. One of the most important, and often misunderstood, is the need for valid health insurance. French authorities will not issue your visa unless you can prove that you're properly insured for the duration of your stay, and the rules are strict.
If you’re unsure what type of insurance is acceptable or how to present the right documents, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know.
Why Health Insurance Is Mandatory for a Long-Stay Visa
When moving to France on a visa de long séjour (VLS-TS), you’re essentially declaring your intent to reside there, whether for retirement, study, work, or a personal project. With that intent comes the responsibility of not becoming a burden on the French healthcare system before you’re eligible to access it.
That’s why the French government requires all visa applicants to show that they are adequately insured as residents, not just as travellers. Travel insurance, even if comprehensive, is not sufficient.
What Type of Insurance Is Required?
To satisfy the visa requirement, your health insurance must meet the following criteria:
✅ Be valid for the entire duration of your stay (usually at least 12 months)
✅ Cover you as a resident, not a tourist
✅ Include at least 30,000 € in medical cover
✅ Cover hospitalisation, general and specialist care, and emergency treatment
✅ Be issued by a recognised insurer, preferably with documentation in French or English
French consulates are increasingly rigorous about checking that the policy is intended for long-term residence and not short-term travel.
What Documentation Will You Need?
When applying for your visa, you’ll need to include proof of insurance in your application file. This should be a formal certificate from your insurer that includes:
1️⃣ Full name of the insured person(s)
2️⃣ Policy number and insurer’s details
3️⃣ Effective and expiry dates of the policy
4️⃣ Confirmation that the policy meets French visa requirements, including minimum coverage amounts
5️⃣ A brief list of what is covered, especially hospital care and emergency services
One crucial element when getting health insurance for your French long-stay visa is that the address on your policy must be your address in France. If the policy lists a different country or a non-French address, it may suggest the insurance is for tourists rather than residents, meaning you might not be properly covered as a resident, and the policy may not be compliant with French visa requirements.
Some insurers offer visa-specific certificates, which clearly state that the policy meets French long-stay visa requirements. If you’re using an international health insurance provider, ask them for this type of document when purchasing your plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-prepared applicants can be caught out by small details. Here are some common issues that could delay or derail your visa application:
❌ Using travel insurance instead of resident-level health insurance
❌ Submitting a policy summary or invoice instead of a formal insurance certificate
❌ Failing to show minimum coverage amounts in euros
❌ Providing documents that don’t include the policyholder’s full name
❌ Presenting documents in a language not accepted by the consulate
❌ Not using your address in France for your health insurance policy
Double-check your consulate’s guidelines before submission, as requirements can vary slightly depending on your country of residence.
Where to Get Visa-Compliant Health Insurance
Not all health insurance providers understand the specific needs of long-stay visa applicants. Choosing the right insurer can save you time, stress, and even prevent your visa from being rejected.
At FAB French Insurance, we are an independent insurance broker specialising in solutions for expats. We work with a network of over 30 trusted insurers to find the most suitable and fully compliant health cover for your French visa.
Our recommended policies are:
✅ Designed specifically for long-term residence in France
✅ Fully compliant with French visa requirements
✅ Accepted by French embassies and consulates worldwide
✅ Available with official certificates in English and French
We also help you choose plans that make your transition to the French public health system (PUMA) as smooth as possible, ensuring continuous cover from the moment you arrive.
👉 Get in touch for a free quote or personalised advice: Explore Our Visa-Compliant Plans
After You Arrive: Don’t Cancel Too Soon
Once you’ve arrived in France and started the process of registering for public health coverage (PUMA), you may be tempted to cancel your private insurance. Be careful.
It can take several months to prove residency, submit your application to CPAM and receive your provisional number and, later, your Carte Vitale.
Until that point, you must remain covered by private health insurance. Many expats run into trouble by cancelling too early, leaving themselves uninsured in the interim. To avoid this, choose a provider that allows flexible terms or monthly contracts, so you can transition to public healthcare smoothly when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Be Precise
Getting a long-stay visa for France is a detailed process, and proof of health insurance is one of the most critical pieces. Don’t leave this to chance or rely on vague summaries from your insurer. Make sure your insurance certificate is tailored to French visa requirements and includes all necessary details.
If you're unsure whether your current policy qualifies, speak to a provider who knows the French system inside out. At FAB French Insurance, we help expats get the right cover the first time, saving you from delays, rejections, or coverage gaps later on.
