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When planning a move to France, securing the right insurance policy is key to ensuring a smooth visa application and residency. However, many people fall prey to overpriced insurance contracts or conversely, assume that low-cost travel insurance is sufficient for long-term residency. Let's clear up some misconceptions and emphasise the importance of choosing a compliant policy.
Travel insurance vs. private health insurance for long-stay visas
Travel insurance may seem like an attractive option, cheap and often recommended by friends who claim they've used it for visa approval. In reality, however, travel insurance is generally only compatible for short-term stays, such as tourist visas or stays of up to six months. For any long-stay visa (like the VLS-TS, or visa de long séjour), travel insurance won't meet the necessary requirements.
The political nature of visa policies
A key point to understand is that visas are not just bureaucratic documents, they are political tools. French authorities are stringent in ensuring that anyone applying for a long-stay visa has adequate health coverage. The only surefire way to guarantee compliance is to submit supporting documents that fully meet the consulate's standards.
Relying on travel insurance for long-term stays may seem like a loophole, but it comes with risks. Not only could your visa application be rejected, but in cases where people have been accepted based on insufficient insurance, complications have arisen later on. Some residents found themselves in precarious situations when their travel insurance didn't provide the level of care they needed, especially for chronic or outpatient treatments.
Case study: The risks of inadequate coverage
We had a case where a person purchases a cheap travel insurance policy thinking it would cover them during their stay in France. Everything seemed fine for the first nine months, but then they had a health problem. The claim was initially approved. However, once the insurance company realised they were a resident, their claim was denied despite the policy being recommended by the French consulate subcontractor VFS. This situation illustrates the dangers of relying on the wrong type of insurance. Ensuring your policy explicitly covers residency can prevent major complications down the line.
What should your insurance cover?
If you are applying for a French visa or residency, you need to look for private health insurance that meets crucial standards:
Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient benefits: Unlike travel insurance, a visa-compliant policy must cover not only emergency hospital visits but also doctor consultations and specialist appointments.
Repatriation coverage: French authorities require this as a precaution in case of serious illness, ensuring that you can be sent back to your home country if necessary.
Adequate coverage limits: Your insurance must offer coverage of at least 30,000 € per year, per person. This prevents you from being underinsured in the events of significant medical costs.
No excess or deductibles: Policies with excess payments are not accepted, as French authorities want to ensure that visa applicants won't face out-of-pocket expenses for their medical care.
Make sure you have a written confirmation that the policy will cover you as permanent resident in France.
Be wary of bad advice
Another pitfall to avoid is trusting advice from consulate subcontractors such as VFS. While these representatives can be helpful, some may suggest insurance plans that don't align with the French residency requirements, although they are compliant with most short-term visas and 6-month visas, they often are not for VLS-TS (12-month visa). To avoid issues, ensure you receive written confirmation that the insurance policy you choose covers you as a permanent resident in France, not just as a traveller.
How to find the right insurance
Navigating the insurance landscape for visas can be complex, but it is essential to get it right. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your insurance meets the required standards:
Consult an expert: If you are unsure about the details of your policy, consider booking a consultation with one of our English-speaking insurance brokers who understands the nuances of French visa requirements.
Choose a specialised provider: At Fab French Insurance, we offer policies specifically designed for expats, ensuring full compliance with French residency and visa requirements. From comprehensive health coverage to repatriation options, our solutions are tailored to meet the needs of long-term residents in France. You can find out more about our medical policies here.
Verify the fine print: Even if your policy seems to meet the general requirements, double-check that there are no hidden clauses or exclusions. French authorities have strict expectations, and the only way to guarantee compliance is to submit fully comprehensive documentation.
In summary, choosing the right health insurance is a critical step in applying for a French visa and residency. Don’t fall for the myth that travel insurance is sufficient for long-term stays—while it may seem like a cheaper alternative, it can lead to significant problems down the road. Remember, the visa application is a political process, and the only way to ensure a smooth experience is to provide the supporting documents required by the consulate. Always opt for a visa-compliant private health insurance policy to avoid complications and ensure peace of mind during your move to France.
