While you are in France, no matter how long for, certain unforeseeable events can always occur which may have financial consequences on you and therefore mean that you must get insured. These risks may have an impact on your health or be accidental damage to other people or their property.
Mandatory insurance is a legal obligation which may differ depending on what country you come from, your personal and professional circumstances, how long you are in France and what your living situation is like.
The most common types of insurance are:
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Liability insurance: civil and/or professional
- House insurance
- School insurance (primary schools, junior high and high schools)
-
Health insurance
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance covers unforeseen events that may occur during your trip (accidents, emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation, etc.). It must be valid for the country you are staying in as well as the countries you are transiting through, and must cover the entire trip.
To apply for a visa, non-EU nationals must have travel insurance. Nonetheless, it is recommended for other nationals (EU or non-EU) who do not need visas e.g. Mexico, Japan, Canada, etc.
You can take out an insurance policy online with any insurer which will come into effect from the date your cover starts. The price will vary depending on the company, what country you are from and how long you are in France.
Travel insurance does not cover pre-existing illnesses and conditions. It therefore does not replace standard health insurance which will cover you for on-going healthcare.
- ACS assurance offers formulas adapted to foreign researchers:
Europax: mainly dedicated to obtaining Schengen visas for short stays in Europe (3 months maximum)
Globe Partner: for stays ranging from 1 day to 12 months for people under 40 years old
Globe Traveller: for stays ranging from 1 day to 12 months for people under 66 years old- AXA also offers policies for foreign researchers and discount rates accessible with your Euraxess registration number. For further information about rates and forms, please consult the Access Fnak website.
-
Civil liability insurance
Civil liability is the obligation to repair material, immaterial or bodily damage that you or someone under your responsibility accidentally cause to others. It may be required before you arrive in certain cases, especially if you have not been hired in France (i.e. if you are a fellowship student).
Civil liability insurance is mandatory and applies whatever your nationality and no matter how long you stay in France. You can take out an insurance policy online with any insurer which will come into effect from the date your cover starts.
Civil liability insurance is often included with (your French) house insurance. Remember to check with your insurer.
Some insurance companies have offers that are better suited to international students and/or expats. Always be sure to ask for a quote before purchasing.
- AXA offers policies for foreign researchers and discount rates accessible with your Euraxess registration number. For further information about rates and forms, please consult the Access Fnak website).
- ACS assurance offers foreign researchers ARE cover for material damage and bodily injury that you may cause to a third party.
-
House insurance
You must have house insurance when you sign a rental lease (for furnished or unfurnished accommodation) regardless of your nationality or how long you stay in France. It covers accidental damage that may occur at home: water damage, fire, window breakage, theft, etc.
House insurance must cover at least rental risks, i.e. damage to the accommodation due to a fire, an explosion or water damage. However, if you want your insurance to also cover your personal property, you must take out extra cover usually called multi-risk house insurance.
This type of insurance can be purchased from a bank or an insurance company.
- AXA offers policies for foreign researchers and discount rates accessible with your Euraxess registration number. For further information about rates and forms, please consult the Access Fnak website).
- Other companies also provide this insurance: MAIF , ALLIANZ , MAAF, etc.
-
School insurance
School insurance protects your child against damage at school, junior high or high school during school activities and going to and from school. It is requested by the school during registration.
It consists of the following 2 guarantees:
- Civil liability guarantee covers damage caused by your child
- Bodily injury guarantee covers damage your child may suffer, including if they get injured
- AXA offers policies for foreign researchers and discount rates accessible with your Euraxess registration number. For further information about rates and forms, please consult the Access Fnak website).
- Other companies provide this insurance: MAIF , MAE , MATMUT , etc.
Support from AMU Euraxess Centre
Please contact us for more information and/or advice.
