You may have already heard that France has excellent public health insurance, but here is something many students only discover after their first doctor’s visit: the public system does not cover everything.
That gap is where supplementary student health insurance comes in. In French, this is called a mutuelle étudiante, and it is one of the first things you should arrange upon arrival in France.
This guide explains what it is, what it covers, how much it costs, and where to get one as an international student.
Already wondering how the public system works in France? Read our guide on how the French healthcare system works first.
Key Takeaways
- In France, public health insurance usually pays back about 70% of your medical costs.
- A supplementary student health insurance plan, called a mutuelle étudiante, helps cover the rest.
- You are not legally required to have supplementary student health insurance, but it is highly recommended and some schools may ask for it.
- Most student health insurance plans in France cost between €10 and €50 per month, depending on how much coverage you choose.
- You can get a mutuelle étudiante from student mutual organizations like LMDE, private insurance companies, or by using online comparison sites.
What is student health insurance in France?
Student health insurance in France is a supplementary private insurance policy, known as a mutuelle étudiante, that reimburses the portion of medical costs not covered by France’s public health insurance.
When you visit a doctor in France, the public system typically reimburses around 70%. The remaining 30% is your responsibility. A mutuelle étudiante covers all or part of that remaining balance, along with other expenses that the public system does not reimburse at all, such as dental work, optical care, and certain specialist fees.
With a supplementary health insurance, you are protected from unexpected out-of-pocket costs throughout your stay.
Is student health insurance mandatory in France?
Supplementary student health insurance is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended and, in some cases, required by your school or visa conditions.
Some language schools and universities require proof of comprehensive health coverage as part of their enrollment process. Beyond enrollment, living in France for several months without a mutuelle étudiante is a significant financial risk. A single emergency dental procedure can cost hundreds of euros out of pocket if you are only covered by the public system.
If you have a long-stay student visa, you can sign up for the public healthcare system through CPAM at no cost. Keep in mind that CPAM does not cover everything. Student health insurance helps pay for what CPAM does not.
Not yet registered with CPAM? Our step-by-step guide on how to register with CPAM walks you through the process.
What does a mutuelle étudiante cover?
A mutuelle étudiante typically reimburses the patient’s share of costs for consultations, hospitalisation, dental care, and optical expenses.
Coverage varies depending on the plan you choose, but most student health insurance plans in France include:
- General practitioner and specialist visits: Pays for the 30% of costs that CPAM does not cover
- Hospital stays: Pays the daily hospital fee of €20 per day, which CPAM does not pay back
- Dental care: Basic plans pay for cleanings and fillings, while more complete plans also cover crowns and orthodontics
- Optical care: Helps pay for glasses or contact lenses, with the amount depending on your plan
- Prescriptions: Pays back some or all of the cost you pay for medicines
- Mental health: Some plans now help pay for visits to a psychologist, which is becoming more important for students
How much does student health insurance cost in France?
Student health insurance in France typically costs between €10 and €50 per month, depending on the level of coverage you choose and the provider.
Here is a rough breakdown of what to expect:
| Coverage Level | Monthly Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Essential | €10 to €20 | Students in good health with low healthcare needs |
| Standard | €20 to €35 | Most students with basic dental and optical needs |
| Comprehensive | €35 to €50+ | Students with regular specialist, dental, or optical needs |
Where can international students get health insurance in France?
International students can get a mutuelle étudiante from student-focused mutual organisations or private insurance companies.
Here are your main options:
Student Mutual Organisations
These are non-profit organisations created specifically to serve student populations. Well-known providers include:
- LMDE (La Mutuelle des Étudiants): France’s national student mutual, founded in 1955, with plans ranging from €5 to €50 per month. A strong choice if you want an established, non-profit provider with physical service points across France, psychology cover included from the start, and a fixed monthly rate regardless of your age.
- HEYME: A 100% digital provider born from the merger of three historic student mutuelles (SMEREP, SMERAG, and MEP). Plans start from around €12 per month and go up to €40 per month. Particularly well-suited to international students thanks to its English-speaking customer support.
Private Insurance Companies
Several mainstream French insurers offer student-adapted plans. AXA, Allianz, and Malakoff Humanis are big names and offer student health insurance plans that can provide broader international coverage, which may be relevant if you travel within the EU during your studies.
| Tip: Que Choisir is an independent comparison tool: Compare health insurance plans |
When should you arrange your student health insurance?
You should arrange your student health insurance before or immediately upon your arrival in France, ideally at the same time as your CPAM registration.
There is often a waiting period of 1 to 3 months before certain benefits, especially dental and optical, become active. Taking out your mutuelle étudiante as early as possible ensures you are fully covered throughout your stay.
Once you have both CPAM and your student health insurance (mutuelle étudiante) in place, the system works automatically. Your healthcare provider bills CPAM first, and your mutuelle then reimburses the remaining balance.
Can you cancel your student health insurance Early?
Yes, under French law (Loi Hamon), you can cancel your mutuelle étudiante at any time after the first 12 months, or earlier if you leave France before your contract ends.
If you are leaving France before your contract period ends, most providers will allow you to cancel with one month’s notice by providing proof of departure, such as a flight ticket or deregistration document. Under the Hamon law, you can also cancel after the first 12 months without penalty by sending a letter to your insurer.
Always check the specific cancellation terms in your contract before signing.
Your next steps
Getting student health insurance in France does not have to be complicated. Here is a simple checklist to follow on arrival:
- Register with CPAM to activate your public health insurance coverage (see our CPAM guide)
- Get your supplementary health insurance (mutuelle étudiante) to avoid out-of-pocket costs
- Keep both your carte vitale (public insurance card) and your mutuelle étudiante card with you for every medical appointment
At Go! Go! France, we know that settling into French life involves a lot of paperwork, especially around health and administrative procedures. Our team is here to help you navigate each step so you can focus on what brought you to France in the first place.
Contact us if you have any questions.
