Sécurité Sociale (Base Coverage)
Free
Best for: All students — mandatory registration
Covers ~70% of medical costs. Free for students. Register online after enrollment.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in France
All students register with French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale) for free. Top-up mutuelle recommended for full coverage.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- All students must register with French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale)
- Registration is free for students since 2019 reform
- EU students can use EHIC but must still register with Sécurité Sociale
- Non-EU students register via etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
- Mutuelle (top-up insurance) highly recommended to cover remaining 30% of medical costs
Available Insurance Options
Mutuelle (Top-Up Insurance)
€10–€30/month
Best for: Students wanting full coverage with no out-of-pocket costs
Covers the remaining 30% + dental, optical, and specialist consultations.
Learn moreMutuelle Premium
€30–€50/month
Best for: Students wanting premium dental, optical, and alternative medicine coverage
Enhanced coverage for orthodontics, glasses, physiotherapy, and mental health.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sécurité Sociale Registration | Free | No cost for students. Register online within 3 months of enrollment. |
| Mutuelle (Basic) | €10–€30/month | Covers remaining 30% of costs + dental and optical basics |
| Mutuelle (Premium) | €30–€50/month | Enhanced dental, optical, mental health, and alternative therapies |
| Doctor Visit Co-Pay | €7.50–€25 | Typical out-of-pocket cost for GP visit. Mutuelle covers this. |
Item
Sécurité Sociale Registration
Cost
Free
Details
No cost for students. Register online within 3 months of enrollment.
Item
Mutuelle (Basic)
Cost
€10–€30/month
Details
Covers remaining 30% of costs + dental and optical basics
Item
Mutuelle (Premium)
Cost
€30–€50/month
Details
Enhanced dental, optical, mental health, and alternative therapies
Item
Doctor Visit Co-Pay
Cost
€7.50–€25
Details
Typical out-of-pocket cost for GP visit. Mutuelle covers this.
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Student visa (VLS-TS) requires proof of health coverage
- Proof of Sécurité Sociale registration accepted after enrollment
- Before enrollment, show proof of EHIC (EU) or private travel insurance (non-EU)
- Must register with OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) after arrival
- Mutuelle certificate can serve as additional proof of comprehensive coverage
How to Get Insured
Obtain Student Visa (VLS-TS)
Apply for your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) at your local French embassy. Provide proof of travel insurance or EHIC.
Enroll at Your University
Complete university enrollment (inscription). You'll receive an enrollment certificate needed for Sécurité Sociale.
Register with Sécurité Sociale
Register online at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr within 3 months. Free for all students.
Receive Your Carte Vitale
After registration, you'll receive your Carte Vitale (health card) by mail within 4–8 weeks.
Choose a Mutuelle (Optional but Recommended)
Compare mutuelle plans to cover the remaining 30% of costs and get full dental/optical coverage.
Student Health Insurance in France
France offers one of Europe’s best healthcare systems, and as a student, you’ll have access to it for free through Sécurité Sociale (French Social Security). Since 2019, all students — French and international — register with the same system at no cost.
How French Student Insurance Works
Base Coverage (Sécurité Sociale): All students must register online at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr within 3 months of enrollment. Registration is completely free and provides ~70% coverage for medical costs.
Top-Up Insurance (Mutuelle): To cover the remaining ~30% of costs and avoid out-of-pocket expenses, most students get a mutuelle (supplementary insurance). Mutuelles cost €10–€50/month depending on coverage level.
What’s Covered?
Sécurité Sociale covers:
- GP consultations (~70% reimbursement)
- Hospital care
- Emergency treatment
- Prescription medications (variable reimbursement rates)
Mutuelle covers:
- The remaining ~30% of medical costs
- Dental care (cleanings, fillings, orthodontics)
- Optical care (glasses, contact lenses, eye exams)
- Specialist consultations
- Mental health services
Why France is Great for Students
With over 400,000 international students, France is Europe’s top non-English-speaking study destination. Students enjoy free Sécurité Sociale coverage, affordable mutuelles, and access to world-class universities and research institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance free in France for students?
Yes, Sécurité Sociale registration is free for all students since 2019. However, it only covers ~70% of costs, so a mutuelle top-up (€10–€50/month) is highly recommended.
What is a mutuelle?
A mutuelle is a supplementary health insurance that covers the ~30% of costs not covered by Sécurité Sociale, plus extras like dental, optical, and specialist visits.
Can EU students use EHIC in France?
Yes, but you must still register with Sécurité Sociale. EHIC provides temporary coverage, but registration is required for students.
How long does it take to get the Carte Vitale?
After registering with Sécurité Sociale, your Carte Vitale arrives by mail within 4–8 weeks. In the meantime, you'll receive a temporary attestation.
Do I need to register with OFII?
Yes, non-EU students with a VLS-TS visa must register with OFII (French immigration office) within 3 months of arrival.
Ready to Study in France?
Register with Sécurité Sociale for free and explore mutuelle plans for complete coverage.
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