Guide

Private health insurance in France before PUMa kicks in

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Public health cover in France (PUMa) does not start when you land, and since a December 2025 law long-stay visitor-visa holders are no longer entitled to free PUMa and face a healthcare contribution (CSM). Private health insurance covers you from day one and bridges the months before any public cover applies.

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: July 2026

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: July 2026

PUMa does not start when you land

France's public health cover, PUMa, is for settled residents and comes months after you arrive, once you have proof of stable residence and your file is processed. Until then you are on your own cover. A long-stay visa reflects this: the consulate wants to see private health insurance in place from the start.

The 2025 change for visitor-visa holders

Since a December 2025 law, long-stay visitor-visa holders are no longer entitled to free PUMa on arrival and face a healthcare contribution (the CSM). See the cited rule below. In practice this makes private cover more important, not less: it is what carries you until, and often alongside, any public entitlement.

What your bridge policy needs to do

The same certificate that satisfies your visa also bridges these first months. It should state private health cover, valid in France, for the full visa period, with inpatient and outpatient care and no disqualifying deductible. Travel and short-stay policies do not bridge residence, so they are refused.

Keep private cover through the bridge

Many people keep private cover running until public entitlement is confirmed, and some keep it alongside the public system for faster access. Check how French healthcare works for the full picture. Requirements can change and the consulate keeps discretion over every file.

Get a certificate that meets the published rule

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Common questions

When does PUMa start after I move to France?

Not on arrival. PUMa is for settled residents and typically applies months after you arrive, once your residence is established and your file is processed. Private cover carries you until then.

Do visitor-visa holders still get free French public healthcare?

Since a December 2025 law, long-stay visitor-visa holders are no longer entitled to free PUMa on arrival and face a healthcare contribution (CSM). Private insurance bridges the gap.

What is the CSM contribution?

A healthcare contribution that certain long-stay visitor-visa holders now face instead of free public cover on arrival. It is one more reason to hold private cover from day one.

Do I keep private cover after I join the public system?

Many do, for faster access and to bridge the processing months. Keep your private policy running until public entitlement is confirmed.