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Moving to France as an expat brings excitement, culture, and a high-quality healthcare system, but what if you fall ill and don’t have health insurance? While France’s medical system is famously accessible, being uninsured as an expat can quickly turn into a costly and complicated experience.
Let’s break down what actually happens if you get sick in France without coverage, who’s most at risk of falling through the cracks, and how to protect yourself with the right insurance from day one.
Who Might Be in France Without Health Insurance?
In theory, no expat or visitor should be in France without valid health coverage. For visa holders, proof of private health insurance is a legal requirement. Tourists must also carry at least emergency and repatriation insurance. But in reality, there are still gaps, especially among European nationals and some expat categories. Let’s look at the most common risk cases.
Returning French Nationals and EU Expats
A French citizen returning home after living abroad or an EU national moving to France doesn’t need a visa or residence permit. But that doesn’t mean they’re automatically covered by France’s public health system (CPAM). If they’ve been abroad and are no longer affiliated with the French Sécurité Sociale, they may have a waiting period before reactivating their rights.
➡️ In the meantime, private health insurance is essential, even though no one will explicitly ask for it.
Spouses of French or EU Citizens
Non-EU spouses of French or EU citizens often don’t need a visa to enter France, but they still require a residency permit once settled. The tricky part? Health coverage is required from the very first day in France, not just when applying for residency.
Again, no one may check during your first few months, but if something goes wrong before you're officially covered, the costs are all yours.
Expats With Gaps or Exclusions in Their Policies
Some expats believe they’re fully insured… until they discover exclusions in their policy. Common exclusions include:
➡️ Pre-existing conditions
➡️ Mental health care
➡️ Maternity or chronic illnesses
➡️ High-risk sports or accidents
If your claim falls under an exclusion, you’ll be responsible for 100% of the bill.
Visa Holders with Inadequate Coverage
Visa applicants are required to show proof of valid private insurance, including medical repatriation. But some opt for minimal plans to satisfy consular requirements, unaware that they may offer limited real-world protection. In the event of a serious illness, you might have to choose between paying out of pocket in France or returning to your home country for treatment
What Happens If You Need Care Without Insurance?
If you find yourself sick or injured in France without coverage, the good news is: you won’t be turned away. France’s healthcare system ensures access for everyone. You’ll receive the same care, at the same cost as insured patients, but without reimbursement.
Here’s what to expect:
➡️ GP visits (médecin généraliste): Around 25 €
➡️ Specialists (e.g. cardiologist): 50 € – 90 € depending on the sector
➡️ ER visit (non-admitted): 60 € – 120 €
➡️ Hospital stay (per day): ~ 1,000 € including tests, surgery, room, etc.
➡️ MRI or CT scan: 150 € – 500 €
➡️ Prescription medication: Often under 10 €
While prices in France are much lower than in countries like the US, costs add up fast without reimbursement, especially in emergencies or for ongoing care.
What About Medication Costs?
This is one of the few bright spots: medications in France are extremely affordable. Thanks to state regulation and subsidies, even uninsured patients benefit from low retail prices. For example:
➡️ Antibiotics: 3 € – 8 €
➡️ Painkillers (ibuprofen/paracetamol): 2 € – 4 €
➡️ Chronic illness treatments: Often available under 20 €/month
Still, even low costs can become burdensome during extended illness.
Is Repatriation Insurance Enough?
If you’re in France on a long-stay visa, your insurance must include medical repatriation. That means in an emergency, you can return to your home country for treatment.
But ask yourself this:
➡️ Do you want to be flown home mid-crisis?
➡️ Can you cover upfront medical costs in France until that happens?
Most expats prefer to stay and get care in France, which is only feasible if you’re properly insured.
The Bottom Line: Always Have Private Health Insurance
If you're waiting for public healthcare rights to activate, or if you’re not eligible, you need private expat insurance to avoid financial risk.
At Fab French Insurance, we offer fully visa-compliant and CPAM-compatible health insurance for expats and families. Our plans include:
✅ Medical repatriation
✅ Emergency and routine care
✅ Mental health, hospital stays, maternity, and more
✅ English-speaking support
✅ Fast setup and documents for your visa
Browse plans or request a free estimate now at fabfrenchinsurance.com/medical
To wrap it all up
Being in France without insurance might seem like a manageable gamble, until you get sick. Whether you're between coverage periods or assumed your EHIC, mutuelle, or visa insurance would “do the job,” unexpected illness can lead to stress, cost, and even legal issues.
Don't leave your health or your finances to chance. 👉 Make sure you're covered from Day 1 with Fab French Insurance. Explore plans today
