Which health insurance should you choose as an expatriate?

When you move abroad, unless seconded by your company, you are no longer covered by the French social security system. This is why taking out expat health insurance is an essential step to live abroad with peace of mind.

Why take out expat health insurance?

When living abroad, health is often an underestimated concern. However, failing to anticipate your medical coverage can result in high costs and complications in the event of an accident or illness.

The limits of expatriate social security

When you leave France to live abroad, you no longer automatically benefit from the French social security system. Some expats can continue to benefit from it by registering with the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), but this solution does not always cover all medical expenses.

Furthermore, each country has its own healthcare system, with widely varying quality levels and costs. Some countries offer public coverage accessible to expats (Sweden, Norway, Denmark), while others require mandatory private insurance (United States, Singapore, UAE).

The risks of being uninsured

In some countries, medical costs are extremely high, such as in the United States, where certain hospital stays can cost tens of thousands of dollars. These systems make access to healthcare difficult for uninsured individuals, who may face treatment refusals or be required to pay large sums upfront.

Another major risk concerns medical repatriation. In the event of a serious accident or illness requiring a return to France, the cost of medical transport can reach several tens of thousands of euros. Without expat health insurance, these costs remain your responsibility, which can represent a considerable financial burden.

Tailored coverage for a worry-free expatriation

Taking out expat health insurance ensures that you receive full coverage for your medical care, without unpleasant financial surprises. With good coverage, you can access quality care without fearing exorbitant costs, no matter which country you settle in.

The different insurance options for expats

Before leaving, you must complete certain procedures with the health insurance system and choose from the available solutions to ensure you are covered in case of problems.

The Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE)

The CFE is a solution offered by the French state allowing expats to continue benefiting from a social protection scheme similar to French social security. It caters to different profiles with tailored offers (youth, retirees, companies, etc.). Individuals can take out an individual policy, and companies with expatriate employees can also subscribe to group contracts.

However, the CFE does not always cover all medical expenses, especially in countries where healthcare is very expensive, and reimbursement times may be longer than with private insurers.

Private health insurance for expats

Private insurers such as MSH International, AXA Global Healthcare, Allianz Care, or APRIL International are an attractive alternative for those seeking more comprehensive coverage tailored to the realities of healthcare abroad. Unlike the CFE, these policies generally offer immediate coverage, with no upfront payment required, and broader benefits (hospitalization in partner clinics, alternative medicine, or maternity care).

However, they are often more expensive than the CFE, and some impose exclusions or reimbursement limits. It is therefore essential to compare offers carefully before signing up.

Joining the local healthcare system

In some countries, especially within the European Economic Area, expats have the option—or sometimes the obligation—to register with the local healthcare system. This system can be advantageous when public coverage is of good quality and accessible to foreign residents. In countries with an efficient universal healthcare system, this option can be cost-effective and sufficient to cover routine care.

Nevertheless, as with any healthcare system, the level of protection varies, waiting times for treatment can be long, and the quality of medical infrastructure is uneven.