Skip to content

Updates

When the rules change, we say so

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Visa and insurance rules for our ten destination countries move. We log each change plainly: what changed, who it affects, what to do, and where it’s written.

Get alerted when the rules change

Pick one and we’ll only send what affects that country.

Rule-change alerts only. We share your enquiry with our underwriting partner Regency Assurance so their team can help by email. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy.

France ends free public cover on arrival for visitor-visa holders

Who it affects: US/UK families on a VLS-TS visitor visa

A December 2025 law (LOI n° 2025-1403, art. 53) introduced a healthcare participation charge for certain non-working residents exempt from standard French contributions. The implementing decree is pending — scope firms up when it publishes. Private cover remains the bridge for the visa year. (Re-verified against Légifrance, July 2026; wording tightened from our earlier CSM framing.)

What to do: Hold a private policy valid in France for your full stay. See our French healthcare explainer.

Source: Relocate.World — 2026 French healthcare fee for visitor-visa holders — Last verified: July 2026

ETIAS is coming for short visits — but it is not a long-stay visa

Who it affects: Anyone confusing short-stay travel authorisation with residence

ETIAS is a travel authorisation for short visits to the Schengen area. It does not replace a long-stay visa and does not change the health-insurance rule for residence. Timelines have shifted; check official sources.

What to do: If you are moving, you still need a long-stay visa and residence-grade health cover. See Schengen vs long-stay insurance.

Source: Official EU ETIAS guidance — Last verified: July 2026

We add entries as rules change and re-verify dates on our money pages. Nothing here is legal advice — confirm your case against the official source.