France · visa health insurance
Health insurance for a French long-stay visa
Which visa are you applying for?
Pick your path — we’ll show you the exact rule for your case.
France: the published rule
The rule in writing
“For a long-stay visa (VLS-TS), you must hold private health insurance covering your full stay in France. Travel insurance and short-stay Schengen policies are not accepted.”
Official source: France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr) & FrenchEntrée long-stay guide — Last verified:
The rule in writing
“Consulates commonly refuse policies with a deductible (excess) on the core cover. Applicants report rejections over deductible clauses; the certificate should show cover without a disqualifying deductible.”
Official source: Consulate application guidance & documented applicant reports — Last verified:
The rule in writing
“Since a December 2025 law, long-stay visitor-visa holders are no longer entitled to free public health cover (PUMa) on arrival and face a healthcare contribution (CSM) — private cover bridges the gap.”
Official source: Relocate.World — 2026 French healthcare fee for visitor-visa holders — Last verified:
France insurance guides
Health insurance for a France long-stay visa (VLS-TS)
France's VLS-TS long-stay visa needs private health insurance, not travel cover: no disqualifying deductible, valid for your full stay. See the published rule.
Read the ruleVLS-TS health insurance (and how it differs from VLS-T)
VLS-T and VLS-TS both need private French health insurance, not travel cover. See which long-stay visitor visa you hold and what certificate each requires.
Read the ruleHealth insurance for the France visitor (visiteur) visa
The France visitor (visiteur) visa needs private health insurance with no disqualifying deductible. See what families and retirees must show the consulate.
Read the ruleHealth insurance in France for Americans
Your US employer plan, marketplace policy, and Medicare won't cover you living in France — or satisfy the visa. See what does, and the rule behind it.
Read the ruleHealth insurance in France for UK citizens
Since Brexit, your GHIC is not residence cover and NHS access ends when you move. The S1 helps only some pensioners. See what the France visa actually needs.
Read the ruleExpat health insurance for living in France
How to choose expat health insurance for France: cover that meets the visa rule and bridges the gap before public cover applies. Benefits are set by the plan.
Read the ruleHow the French healthcare system works for expats
PUMa, the carte vitale, CPAM, and the mutuelle — how France's public healthcare works for expats, and how private cover bridges the gap until you can join it.
Read the ruleUnderwritten by Regency Assurance · regulated by the FSRC (Nevis)
99% of claims paid 
Clients in more than 120 countries 
Same-day cover, no medical exam 
14-day cooling-off period Ratings, certifications and figures are Regency Assurance’s — our underwriter — quoted from public sources and verified July 2026. Independent scores update over time: see Regency on Trustpilot (4.4/5) and Reviews.io (3.92/5). Covered Abroad’s own reviews appear here once we have them.
Common questions
Do I need health insurance for a French visa?
Yes. A long-stay visa requires private health insurance covering your full stay. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Is there a minimum amount of cover?
The policy must cover medical and hospitalisation costs in France for the whole visa period, stating inpatient and outpatient cover, with no disqualifying deductible on the core cover.
What changed for 2026?
A December 2025 law means long-stay visitor-visa holders are no longer entitled to free public cover (PUMa) on arrival and face a healthcare contribution. Private cover bridges the gap.
Get a certificate that meets the published rule
Tell us your destination, visa, and who’s moving. Our team reviews it against the current requirement and calls you with a quote — no obligation.
Before you request a quote: cover is worldwide but excludes treatment in the United States, and pre-existing conditions are not covered — including conditions you did not know about. We say this up front so a quote is worth your time.