Health Insurance for Australian Expats in France
For Australian expats living in France, AXA International, Bupa Global, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and IMG Global are some of the most reliable health insurance companies. These companies are known for providing full coverage and personalized help to people who live and work abroad.
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Are you an Australian who wants to move to France? If you’re curious about how France’s healthcare system works or if you want to find the best health insurance plan for your new life abroad, you’ve come to the right place.
In this Pacific Prime guide, we’ll explain how France’s healthcare system works, look at the differences between public and private coverage, compare prices from the top insurers, and help Australians living in France find the best international health insurance options.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding the French Healthcare System
While Australia and France both have strong public healthcare systems, there are key differences you should know before you move.
Universal Coverage for Legal Residents
In France, most legal residents are covered under the public health insurance system known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa). This means that if you hold a long-stay visa, work permit, or residency card and live in France on a regular basis, you’re generally eligible for the system.
Funding and What’s Covered
The French social security system funds healthcare through contributions from employees, employers, and the self-employed. PUMa typically reimburses around 70% of costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Patients often pay upfront and are reimbursed afterwards.
To cover the remaining costs and access additional services like dental, optical, and specialist care, over 90% of the French population (including many expats) purchase a supplementary private health insurance plan (known in France as a mutuelle or “complémentaire santé”).
Key Differences Compared to the Australian Healthcare System
- National vs. Territorial System: Australia’s Medicare system is national, but it works alongside state-run hospital services and varies by state. France’s PUMa is a national system mandatory for legal residents.
- Reimbursement Model vs. Direct Billing: In Australia you often access public hospital care without paying upfront if covered by Medicare. In France you may pay upfront and then receive reimbursement (typically ~70%) from the state; a mutuelle helps cover the rest.
- Supplementation for Full Cover: In Australia, your Medicare and private health insurance may interact differently, but in France, private cover (mutuelle) is widely seen as essential for things the public system doesn’t fully cover (dental, optical, private rooms, higher-fee specialists).
- Cost Control and Freedom of Provider Choice: France negotiates fees with doctors and pharmacies centrally and sets tariffs; many Australian services may have larger out-of-pocket costs depending on private or public settings.
France also allows a high level of patient choice of doctors, although you may still face dépassements d’honoraires (extra specialist fees), which aren’t covered by the public system.
Why This Matters for You as an Australian Expat
Make sure you understand your eligibility for the French system under PUMa when you arrive, and apply for your health insurance number and a Carte Vitale.
Although the public system covers a large portion of basic care, you may still face significant out-of-pocket costs for specialist care, dental or optical, or if you use private sector doctors charging above the standard tariff.
An international health insurance plan can give you better reimbursements, access to private clinics/rooms, shorter waits, and more tailored care. It’s highly recommended for expats wanting to be fully covered abroad.
Legal Requirements for Health Coverage as an Australian Expat in France
If you’re an Australian moving to France, it’s important to understand the country’s mandatory health insurance rules, which are tied to visa and residency requirements. France has a universal healthcare system, meaning all legal residents, including expats, must have valid health coverage.
Short-Stay Visa (Under 90 Days)
If you’re visiting France for less than 90 days (for example, on a Schengen Visa), you’ll need travel insurance that covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Medical repatriation (return to Australia if needed)
The minimum required coverage is typically €30,000 (approx. AUD $53,000) for the entire duration of your stay in France and the Schengen area. This is a mandatory requirement for visa approval.
Long-Stay Visa (Over 90 Days)
If you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days, whether for work, study, or family reasons, you’ll need to join France’s public health insurance system (PUMa).
- When you first arrive, you must have private health insurance to cover the gap before you become eligible for PUMa.
- Registration with the French system usually takes about three months once you’ve established residency and obtained your social security number.
- After registering with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie), you’ll receive your Carte Vitale, which gives you access to France’s public healthcare network.
Supplementary Private Insurance (Mutuelle)
While PUMa reimburses around 70% of standard medical costs, it doesn’t fully cover expenses such as dental, optical, or specialist care. Most Australian expats choose to take out a supplementary private health insurance policy, known as a mutuelle, to top up their public coverage.
As an Australian living in France, you’re legally required to have valid health coverage at all times. Proper insurance ensures you remain compliant with French residency rules and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re protected for everything from routine appointments to emergencies.
If you’d like to learn more about budgeting for your move, check out our detailed guide on the cost of living in France, including breakdowns of housing, utilities, transport, and healthcare expenses.
Top Private Health Insurance Providers for Australian Expats in France
At Pacific Prime, we work with some of the world’s leading international insurers to provide flexible, high-quality health insurance solutions for Australians living in France.
Trusted by expats worldwide, providers such as AXA International, Bupa Global, Allianz Care, Cigna Global, and IMG Global offer comprehensive coverage options designed to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and healthcare needs so you can enjoy life in France with confidence and peace of mind.
1. AXA International
AXA International is a reputable name in global health insurance and proudly originates from France, known for its extensive medical network, flexible coverage options, and strong support for expats living in France and around the world.
The French company offers five tiers of international health insurance plans: Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus.
Below are the annual plan limits converted from USD. All figures are approximate.
- Foundation Plan: Annual plan limit: €139,200 (~AUD $246,400). Covers essential inpatient treatment, emergency evacuation and repatriation, cancer treatment, ambulance transport, advanced imaging (CT/PET/MRI), and surgeries. Outpatient options are available as add-ons.
- Standard Plan: Annual plan limit: €1,392,000 (~AUD $2,464,000). Includes Foundation benefits plus dental cover.
- Comprehensive Plan: Annual plan limit: €2,088,000 (~AUD $3,696,000). Adds outpatient care, vaccinations, chronic condition cover, and optical benefits (eye exams, prescription glasses).
- Prestige Plan: Annual plan limit: €2,784,000 (~AUD $4,928,000). Adds maternity cover and annual health checks to the Comprehensive Plan benefits.
- Prestige Plus Plan: Annual plan limit: €6,960,000 (~AUD $12,320,000). The top-tier option with the fullest coverage set from Prestige available worldwide.
AXA features 24/7 support, virtual doctor services, and generally fast claim turnarounds. You can also choose to exclude U.S. coverage to reduce premiums if you’ll be based in France.
2. Bupa Global
Bupa Global is known for its high-quality international health insurance designed for expats, families, and professionals. With a strong global reputation, this British insurance company offers four main tiers of international health coverage: Major Medical, Select, Premier, and Elite.
Below are the annual plan limits converted from GBP. All figures are approximate.
- Major Medical Plan: Annual plan limit: €2,850,000 (~AUD $5,075,000). Focuses on essential and emergency medical cover, including medical evacuation and repatriation. This plan does not include wellness or routine checkups.
- Select Plan: Annual plan limit: €1,425,000 (~AUD $2,540,000). The plan includes health screenings and wellness exams, which are available after a 10-month waiting period. Maternity, dental, and optical benefits are not included.
- Premier Plan: Annual plan limit: €2,137,500 (~AUD $3,810,000). Expands coverage to include vaccinations, dental and vision care, and wellness exams after a waiting period. Includes medical evacuation but not repatriation.
- Elite Plan: Annual plan limit: €4,275,000 (~AUD $7,620,000). The most comprehensive plan, covering medical evacuation and repatriation, routine maternity care, complementary therapies, and dental and optical care (after a 10-month waiting period).
All Bupa Global plans come with 24/7 multilingual assistance, a digital claims management portal, and access to a worldwide network of healthcare providers. Members have the freedom to choose their doctor or hospital within their coverage area for peace of mind while living in France.
3. Allianz Care
Allianz Care is one of the most globally recognized health insurance providers, known for its wide medical network, efficient claims processing, and flexible plans for expats. Allianz offers three main international health insurance tiers: Care Base, Care Enhanced, and Care Signature.
Below are the annual plan limits converted from USD. All figures are approximate.
- Care Base Plan: Annual plan limit: €1,000,000 (~AUD $1,782,880). Provides comprehensive inpatient and day-care coverage, including private hospital rooms, oncology treatments, emergency outpatient care, medical evacuation, rehabilitation, and home nursing.
- Care Enhanced Plan: Annual plan limit: €2,000,000 (~AUD $3,565,540). Includes all benefits of the standard Allianz Care Plan, plus emergency dental treatment and routine maternity coverage.
- Care Signature Plan: Annual plan limit: €4,350,000 (~AUD $7,700,000). The top-tier option offers all Plus Plan benefits along with coverage for preventative surgery and laser eye treatment for more comprehensive protection.
Allianz Care members have access to a global network of over 1.9 million medical providers, fast claim turnaround times often within 48 hours, 24/7 multilingual support, and digital health tools for managing care worldwide. Members can also choose to exclude U.S. coverage to reduce premiums.
4. Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a trusted name in international health insurance, known for its flexible global coverage and strong support network for expats. Cigna offers three main plan tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each providing worldwide coverage, with the option to exclude the U.S. to lower premiums.
Below are the annual plan limits converted from USD. All figures are approximate.
- Silver Plan: Annual plan limit: €870,000 (~AUD $1,540,000). Provides full coverage for inpatient and day-patient care, private room accommodation, cancer treatment, and mental and behavioral health coverage up to €4,350 (~AUD $7,700). Routine maternity care is not included under this plan.
- Gold Plan: Annual plan limit: €1,740,000 (~AUD $3,080,000). Expands benefits with higher limits for emergency care, advanced imaging (CT, MRI, and PET scans), rehabilitation, home nursing, and palliative care. Routine maternity care is included, with coverage up to €6,090 (~AUD $10,800).
- Platinum Plan: Annual plan limit: Unlimited. Includes all Gold Plan benefits plus hospital accommodation for a parent or guardian, transplant services, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, and better palliative care. Routine maternity coverage is upgraded to €12,180 (~AUD $21,600).
Cigna Global members enjoy 24/7 multilingual customer support, access to a worldwide direct billing network, and flexible benefit customization options. This makes Cigna one of the most versatile and reliable choices for Australian expats living in France.
5. IMG Global
IMG Global is a respected international health insurance provider offering flexible, comprehensive coverage designed for expats and their families. Known for excellent global support and a wide medical network, IMG Global provides four plan tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Below are the annual plan limits converted from USD. All figures are approximate.
- Bronze Plan: Lifetime limit: €870,000 (~AUD $1,540,000) per individual. Provides essential protection, including inpatient surgeries, outpatient care, physical therapy, prescription drugs, emergency ambulance services, and medical evacuation.
- Silver Plan: Lifetime limit: €4,350,000 (~AUD $7,700,000) per individual. Expands benefit limits across most categories, making it ideal for expats wanting broader protection without higher premiums.
- Gold Plan: Lifetime limit: €4,350,000 (~AUD $7,700,000) per individual. Offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient benefits, higher limits for medical services, and lifetime coverage for emergency evacuation.
- Platinum Plan: Lifetime limit: €6,960,000 (~AUD $12,300,000) per individual. The most complete tier, covering maternity and newborn care (after a 10-month waiting period), congenital condition coverage, and newborn wellness benefits unavailable in lower tiers.
IMG Global members enjoy 24/7 international support, direct billing at hospitals worldwide, and customizable coverage regions. This makes IMG Global a top choice for Australian expats in France seeking reliable, flexible international health insurance with global reach.
Protecting Your Health and Peace of Mind in France
If you’re an Australian expat moving to France, having the right health insurance is more than just a requirement for your visa. It’s what lets you properly settle in and enjoy life abroad with peace of mind.
By choosing a plan that fits your lifestyle and medical needs, you can rest assured that you’re covered for everything from routine checkups to unexpected emergencies. That way, you can focus on what really matters: exploring your new home and making the most of your time in France.
With more than 25 years of global experience, Pacific Prime helps Australians find the right health insurance for their life in France. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or retirement, our expert advisors can help you compare top insurers and find a plan that suits your budget and goals.
Get in touch with us today for a free, no-obligation quote, and take the first step toward a healthier, worry-free life in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Australian Medicare coverage when living in France?
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and France. That means Australian Medicare won’t cover you for medical or hospital services in France. You’ll need either to register with the French public system (after eligibility) or purchase private/international health insurance.
How long do I have to wait before I can join the French public health system (PUMa)?
If you hold a long-stay visa or French residency permit and live in France legally, you’ll typically become eligible for the public system called Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) after about three months of continuous residence and once your file is accepted by your local CPAM.
Do I still need private health insurance if I’m covered by the French public system?
Many Australian expats choose to maintain supplementary private insurance (mutuelle) even after joining the public system. While PUMa reimburses around 70% of standard costs, it often leaves gaps such as dental, optical, specialist services, and private hospital rooms.
A private health insurance plan helps bridge these gaps and gives more comfort and flexibility.
With his keen interest in journalism, especially in the healthcare and wellness field, Tawan joins Pacific Prime with the goal of creating content that simplifies health insurance solutions, helping people make informed choices and choose the best options for their needs. Tawan firmly believes that words have power that can shape the world for the better.
In his free time, Tawan loves to pick up his Nintendo Switch and wield his Master Sword in Hyrule’s dungeons. He is also an avid sci-fi books/shows enjoyer. You can spot him hanging around bookstores and game shops all day long!
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