If you’re living in France and have taken out health, home, or car insurance, you’ve probably received a lengthy contract entirely in French. For many expats, it’s a moment of mild panic, full of unfamiliar words, fine print, and legal jargon.
But don’t worry. You don’t need to be fluent in French to understand your policy. In this guide, we’ll help you decode key vocabulary, understand the structure of a French insurance contract, spot what matters most and know when to ask for help.
Let’s break it down step by step so you can feel confident about what you're covered for, and what you’re not.
Why Understanding Your Contract Matters
Whether it’s health, car, or top-up insurance, your policy outlines:
➡️ What’s covered
➡️ What’s excluded
➡️ How much you’ll pay (and be reimbursed)
➡️ The process for making a claim
Failing to understand your French insurance contract could leave you with gaps in cover, unexpected costs, or issues when claiming. Even if someone helped you sign up, it’s worth reviewing it yourself, or at least understanding the essentials.
The Structure of a French Insurance Contract
Most French insurance contracts include the following sections:
1️⃣ Conditions Générales – The general terms and conditions. This section applies to all policyholders and explains how the policy works overall.
2️⃣ Conditions Particulières – The specific conditions of your contract, including personal details, policy number, premiums, and what you’re individually covered for.
3️⃣ Garanties – The actual cover or protections included in your plan (like hospital care, dental, vision, fire damage, etc.).
4️⃣ Exclusions – What’s not covered. This is one of the most important sections to read closely.
5️⃣ Franchise – The deductible or excess you’re responsible for before reimbursement kicks in.
6️⃣ Plafond – The maximum amount that can be reimbursed per year or per incident.
7️⃣ Résiliation – The terms for cancelling your policy.
Key French Insurance Terms to Know
Here’s a helpful list of common French insurance terms, especially in health and top-up policies:
French Term | English Meaning |
---|---|
Assuré(e) | The insured person (you) |
Assureur | The insurance company |
Contrat d'assurance | Insurance contract |
Police d'assurance | Policy document |
Franchise | Deductible/excess |
Plafond de garantie | Coverage limit |
Tiers payant | Third-party payment system (no upfront payment needed) |
Remboursement | Reimbursement |
Soins courants | Routine care |
Hospitalisation | Hospital cover |
Optique | Optical cover |
Dentaire | Dental cover |
Exclusions | Exclusions or non-covered items |
Avis d'échéance | Renewal notice or payment schedule |
Adhérent | Policy holder/member |
Sinistre | Claim |
Tip: Highlight or print this list when reviewing your contract.
How to Identify What You're Covered For
Look for a section labelled “Garanties” or “Tableau de garanties”. This is your coverage summary and typically includes:
✅ A breakdown of medical services (GP, specialist, hospital, dental, optical)
✅ How much is reimbursed (expressed as a % of the base tarif or in euro amounts)
✅ Reimbursement ceilings (plafonds)
For example, if your dental cover shows ‘Prothèses dentaires : 200 % BRSS”, it means your insurer will reimburse up to 200% of the official rate used by the French health system (which is often lower than actual dental fees).'
If it says ‘Implants non pris en charge', that means implants aren’t covered at all.
Where to Spot Exclusions and Limitations
Every contract has a section called “Exclusions”, which you must read carefully. Common exclusions include:
❌ Pre-existing conditions
❌ Cosmetic surgery
❌ Vision correction surgery (unless medically necessary)
❌ Alternative therapies (unless specified)
Also, watch for delays before coverage starts (called a carence period). For example, some maternity or dental benefits are not reimbursed until you’ve had the policy for 6–12 months.
What If You Don’t Understand Something?
Here are a few options if you're stuck:
✅ Ask Your Broker: If you purchased your policy through a broker like FAB French Insurance, you can contact them for help interpreting any section of your contract. We work with over 30 insurers and help clients choose, review, and adjust their policies based on real-life needs.
✅ Use a Glossary or Online Translator: For quick lookups, use trusted online glossaries for French insurance terms (avoid just pasting large chunks into Google Translate, insurance French doesn’t always translate clearly).
✅ Request an English Summary: Some insurers or brokers provide summaries or explanations in English. While the legal contract will remain in French, a plain-English overview can help you feel confident in what’s covered.
Practical Tips for Reviewing Your French Insurance Contract
1️⃣ Start with the “Conditions Particulières” – This is where your personal coverage details and dates are listed.
2️⃣ Check the “Garanties” section – Use a highlighter or notes to mark levels of cover that matter most (e.g. hospital, dental, optical).
3️⃣ Note any “Franchise” or “Plafond” – These affect your out-of-pocket costs.
4️⃣ Scan for exclusions and waiting periods – Especially important if you need certain care soon.
5️⃣ Save a digital and paper copy – You’ll need your contract for reimbursements or claims.
6️⃣ Keep an eye out for renewals (Avis d’échéance) – Most policies auto-renew annually unless you cancel with notice.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be Fluent to Be Informed
Reading your French insurance contract may feel intimidating at first, but once you know what to look for, it's easier than it seems. By focusing on the key sections, familiarising yourself with the main terms, and asking questions when needed, you can feel fully in control of your coverage.
And remember, you’re not alone. At FAB French Insurance, we help expats across France understand, manage, and optimise their health insurance plans so they get the protection they need, without confusion. 👉 Need help finding the right insurance policy? Contact us today