Students must purchase a Civil Liability Insurance policy that covers the risks indicated below in order to complete their enrollment. This sort of insurance covers the cost of repairing damages that a student may make to a third party or animal, to possessions for which they are legally responsible, or to their living quarters, regardless of whether the harm was caused by negligence or not.
We strongly suggest you to purchase this insurance before arriving in France, for example with ADH Insurance (formula 3).
You must purchase civil liability insurance if you are not currently protected.
- either LMDE or VITTAVI, which are student-specific medical insurances.
- through an accommodation insurance: personal liability insurance may be included in the accommodation insurance, which is required for your stay in Toulouse as well.
Civil Liability is covered by a number of insurance products (including vehicle and home insurance), however it may be limited. If you’ve previously purchased such insurance, find out exactly what it covers so you can determine whether the coverage is enough.
Is public liability insurance compulsory in France?
You must acquire a home insurance policy before moving into your French home, whether you rent or buy it. In France, almost 90% of homeowners have a multi-risk policy, although you can also get individual coverage. The following items should be covered by home insurance:
- Building insurance protects against things like fire, water damage, natural disasters, and vandalism from causing harm to the structure. For specific coverage, check individual plans. Renters and individuals with a mortgage are required to do so, while those who own their home entirely are not.
- All residents must have public liability insurance to cover their own liability for damage to third parties and property. This is frequently required of tenants in rented housing. This can be purchased separately as third-party liability insurance, but it is frequently included in home insurance packages.
- Contents insurance is an optional coverage for personal property that is generally cheaper when purchased as part of a multi-risk home insurance policy.
- Building insurance – A decennial cover called dommages ouvrage is required to insure substantial construction work done on your property. This safeguards against errors in the task performed. This is available in several multi-risk products. It’s also available for purchase separately.
Depending on the value of the property and the degree of coverage, the cost might range from 300 to 400. You can get coverage or helpful advice in English from an expat-friendly insurance broker like. These are some of them:
Always read the fine language of any policy, especially when it comes to the excesses you’ll have to pay and your responsibilities to preserve the property. Some policies may require you to install an alarm system or close the shutters at night or during extended absences.
Insurance for school children
Some home insurance policies will automatically cover your liability for any damage or injury your child may do at school, while others will charge a small extra for this coverage. The insurance will issue you a certificate or attestation in both circumstances, which the school will request at the start of the school year.
While it is not required for school attendance, it is required for any activities outside of the official curriculum, such as field excursions and extracurricular sports.
Motor vehicle insurance
All motor vehicles must be insured for accident liability in France, even if they are not in use unless all four wheels are removed. Third-party (tiers collision), third-party fire and theft, or complete policies are available (tous risques).
You must carry an attestation d’assurance a document issued by the insurance company with you whenever you drive your vehicle. A green certificat d’assurance attesting to the validity of your insurance is included as part of this. This must be attached to the windscreen of your car so that it is plainly visible.
In the event of an accident, your insurer will also provide you with an internationally recognized form called le constat amiable, which you must fill.
The cost of car insurance in France is determined by a variety of criteria, including the vehicle’s worth, the extent of coverage, and the driver’s history. No-claims deductions accumulate at a rate of 5% per year, and a complete 50% no-claims bonus requires 13 years of no-fault driving.
As a result, some drivers may offer to pay directly for the damage they do in order to avoid an increase in their insurance premiums. Before accepting such an offer, you should consider it carefully. You won’t be able to file an insurance claim if the damage is more expensive to repair than the money you received from the other party.
Social insurance
Those who work or study in France are required to register for social security benefits. In France, public social security plans cover:
Employees are usually enrolled in a social security plan by their employers. Self-employed workers, on the other hand, must enroll in a self-employed scheme. Our guide on social security in France contains more information.
What is public liability insurance France?
Accidents or harm to third parties who may be on your property, as well as damage to neighboring property, caused accidently by you (or a member of your family) due to negligence or imprudence are covered by public liability (responsibilité civile) insurance.
Parents are directly liable for their children’s activities until they reach the age of 18 in French law. If your child causes an accident that results in damage or injury, the victim may file a civil case for damages against the parents.
Domestic employees or babysitters are occasionally covered by insurance, but you should check with your provider.
The insurance coverage will also cover your acts in public places when you are not at home.
- Driving a car, flying a plane, or sailing a boat, all of which necessitate particular insurance;
Sports participation, school trips, and commercial activities all necessitate appropriate public liability insurance.
You should also double-check your insurance to see if it covers travel or vacations.
If you rent out property or are a tenant, the law requires that all unfurnished tenants purchase (at a minimum) public liability insurance (risques locatifs), which covers their personal liability for harm to third parties and the property.
In general, an all-risks policy (multi-risques d’habitation) that includes covers their own person and possessions would be the ideal way to cover their responsibilities.
This law does not apply to renters who rent furnished properties or vacation homes.
Guide to home insurance in France
When buying a home in France, you must have a home insurance coverage in place before signing the final forms and transferring the funds/property.
If you are not a French resident but own property in France, you can buy insurance through a French business or a company in your home country.
Photographs of particular characteristics, such as outbuildings that may be in disrepair, or a plan or drawing of the house’s layout, may be requested by French insurance firms. They’ll want to know how big the rooms are and how many there are, so have that information ready. If you’re buying a house, ask the real estate agent (immobilier) or the notaire (the lawyer managing the transaction) for this information ahead of time.
Check the details for home insurance to make sure you have all you need
Different insurers have different criteria, so double-check things like fire alarms, window locks, door locks, animals, and window shutters that must be closed when you’re not there or at night.
Check to see if your house insurance policy covers school insurance if you have children. Many French schools require pupils to be insured prior to the start of the school year, and school activities outside of school hours like field trips are not possible without it. This coverage is included in many French home insurance policies, or it can be purchased independently.
In France, house insurance policies are extensive, covering fire, water damage, theft, and vandalism to your home and contents. If you want coverage for other structures such as sheds, greenhouses, pool houses, and so on, make sure to mention it when you’re talking to the insurance company about the policy, or you might find out later that it wasn’t included and isn’t protected.
Natural calamities such as floods, forest fires, and other natural disasters are also covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
Is insurance mandatory in France?
A civil liability insurance (“assurance responsabilité civile”) is required by French law to cover damage to another person or property. It is usually covered by homeowner’s insurance, but you should double-check. You can subscribe to it independently or add it to your house insurance if it is not included (yet).
A particular certificate ( “Kindergartens, schools, after-school activities, and other organizations frequently request an attestation d’assurance scolaire”) to ensure that you are insured if your child causes damage or injuries to another child. It can also cover your child’s health and valuables when on school trips or participating in sports activities, such as glasses. Examine your “If this policy is included, it will be referred to as “multiirisque habitation.”
How does insurance work in France?
The French healthcare system is primarily funded by mandatory social security contributions (sécurité sociale), which are normally deducted from your paycheck. Employees paid roughly 8% of their wage in 2016, while employers paid around 13%.
In France, healthcare is partially subsidized by the government, and patients must contribute a tiny portion of their healthcare bills. The state-run health insurance in France covers 70-100 percent of costs for items like medical visits and hospitalization. Low-income patients and those who have been sick for a long time are covered completely.
Doctors and some medical staff have been prohibited from charging upfront fees since the end of 2017. Instead, they are paid directly by the government or a health insurance company.
According to recent data, France is the EU’s largest spender on healthcare as a percentage of GDP. It spends about 11.5 percent of GDP at the moment. Within the EU/EFTA countries, only Switzerland (12.3 percent) spends more. France is ranked 11th among EU/EFTA countries in terms of expenditure per capita.
Who regulates insurance companies in France?
The French supervisory authority (ACPR – Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution) ensures continuous supervision of all insurance undertakings by ensuring that current laws and regulations are followed.
How much does health insurance cost in France?
Is it necessary to get health insurance in France? The majority of French individuals get supplemental insurance to cover costs that are not covered by the government. This is a way to make sure you’re completely covered. This type of health insurance is usually provided by a non-profit organization and is referred to as l’assurance complémentaire de santé or mutuelle in French.
However, one of the most important distinctions between private health insurance in France and other European countries is that private does not always imply speedier service. It’s just a way for folks to have 100 percent coverage without having to spend anything out of pocket (or at least get reimbursed for it in case they do have to pay something upfront).
Do I Need Private Health Insurance in France?
For people with chronic ailments, private health insurance is an excellent alternative because the state does not cover things like chiropractors, osteopaths, or psychologist visits. It’s also advantageous for some prescription medications because the state only pays for a portion of what they consider “necessary” medication. Because some prescription medications can cost more than 100 EUR (112 USD), private insurance is suggested in these circumstances.
How to Sign-Up
Other than signing up for private health insurance on your own, you can receive health insurance in France through your French spouse’s plan or through the benefits package offered by your employer.
Since 2016, private French enterprises have been required to provide healthcare coverage to their employees. This sort of health insurance will usually cover the remaining 30% of your medical expenses, including emergency hospitalization. If you are a duly registered self-employed worker in France (link), you will have access to the Régime Social des Indépendants’ medical insurance (RSI). If you are a student in France, you should consider purchasing private insurance to cover the rest of your expenses.
If someone is unable to access the public system or is disqualified, they may be forced to purchase private health insurance. Private insurance is substantially more expensive than the hybrid system, and it is not available to everyone. The price of private health insurance is determined by a number of factors, including the applicant’s age and medical history. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire before being authorized for any insurance, and your premium may be higher or denied depending on your answers.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?
The average monthly cost of health insurance in France is 40 EUR (45 USD) for one person. Of course, rates vary depending on the coverage: the more comprehensive the policy, the more expensive your health insurance will be. Health insurance policies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are developed exclusively for foreigners and English speakers, while others appeal to specific career occupations. It’s best to shop about, get suggestions, compare costs online, and select a policy that’s right for you.
What are the Documents Needed for a Hospital Visit?
You’ll need to show your carte Vitale, EHIC, or other proof of insurance if you go to the hospital. If you’re visiting a public hospital, you’ll also need to carry a copy of the notice confirming your eligibility for state health care. You will not be denied healthcare in France if you are uninsured, but you will be forced to pay for everything yourself. In this circumstance, you may be entitled for aid under Aide médicale d’Etat (AME), a social benefit that assists low-income foreigners (non-residents) in irregular situations in the country meet medical expenses. You must have spent at least three months in France to be eligible.
You can still be treated and attended to if you forget your Carte Vitale. A feuille de soins (a document providing information on medical charges incurred) will be handed to you to fill out. After that, you can submit the form to your health insurance provider for reimbursement.
Are there English-Speaking Hospitals?
You’re in luck if you reside in Paris and don’t speak French. In Paris, there are a few hospitals with bilingual doctors and medical personnel. For English-speaking expats, hospitals like the American Hospital of Paris and Hertford British Hospital are viable possibilities.
Bilingual hospitals may be tougher to come by outside of the capital, and your doctor’s ability to communicate in English cannot be assured. In this scenario, bringing a French-speaking friend or learning some simple phrases linked to your condition before your visit is recommended.
How many insurance companies are there in France?
There were 3,906 insurance companies in Europe by the end of 2019, with 868 of them based in France, making it the continent’s leading market.
What is professional indemnity insurance in France?
Professional indemnity insurance ensures that a consumer who is the victim of an intermediary’s negligence can be compensated. The availability of a professional liability insurance policy means that every consumer is protected.