What insurance do I need for a French student visa?

The French long-stay student visa requires health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid for the full Schengen zone for the duration of your stay. Your policy must be from an insurer recognized in France. Tower Hill's plans from IMG and WorldTrips meet this requirement, and we provide visa-ready insurance documentation.

Can I access French public healthcare as a US student?

Students enrolled at French universities for 3+ months can join the French student health system (French Social Security for students) through LMDE or other mutuelles. This requires administrative enrollment and pays a portion of French healthcare costs. It does not replace evacuation coverage or comprehensive international insurance.

What if I need to fill a US prescription in France?

French pharmacies can fill many prescriptions but require a French doctor's prescription (ordonnance). Some US medications are unavailable or sold under different names. Before departing, ask your US doctor for a 3-6 month supply and a letter documenting your medications. Your study abroad insurance's 24/7 assistance line can help locate pharmacies.

Does study abroad insurance cover skiing accidents in the French Alps?

Most study abroad plans include recreational skiing as a standard activity. Some plans exclude competitive or professional skiing. WorldTrips Atlas International Student and IMG Student Health Advantage cover recreational skiing. If you plan to do more extreme winter sports (off-piste, heli-skiing), check your specific policy's adventure sports schedule.

How much does study abroad insurance cost for a semester in France?

A standard semester (4–5 months) in France costs $120–$225 in insurance — roughly $30–$45/month. This is one of the least expensive line items in your semester abroad budget. Compare to the cost of a single French doctor visit without insurance: €25 (base GP fee) to €500+ for a specialist or emergency clinic.

What happens if I need to return home early from France?

Trip interruption coverage is included in most study abroad plans — it reimburses non-refundable program costs (tuition deposits, housing, flights) if you must return home early due to a covered reason: serious illness or injury, death of a family member, natural disaster, or program cancellation. Medical evacuation is also covered if you need emergency treatment unavailable locally in France. If an emergency arises, call your insurer's 24/7 emergency assistance line before purchasing a return ticket — they coordinate medical evacuations, arrange care, and can provide direct payment to hospitals so you're not stuck waiting for reimbursement.

Does study abroad insurance cover outdoor adventures and sports in France?

Most study abroad plans cover standard recreational activities. Higher-risk activities — skiing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, motorcycle riding, paragliding — may require an adventure sports rider. WorldTrips Atlas International Student and IMG Student Health Advantage both cover a broad range of activities including hiking, cycling, and water sports. If you plan to ski in the Alps, scuba in the Mediterranean, or surf while studying in France, check the policy's excluded activities list and add a rider if needed — it typically costs $10–$20/month extra. Contact Tower Hill to confirm your specific activity is covered before you go.

🇫🇷17,000+ US students/yearSchengen

Study Abroad Insurance for Students in France

France requires Schengen health insurance for the student visa. 17,000 US students study in France each year — get covered from $30/month.

$30/mo

Starting from

17,000+

US students/yr

Schengen ✓

Visa insurance

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🛂 Visa Insurance Required

€30,000 minimum

Schengen area health insurance required for long-stay student visa

French student visas require health insurance with at least €30,000 Schengen coverage. Some French universities also require enrollment in the French student health system (LMDE/MGEL) as a supplemental plan.

Tower Hill provides a Schengen-compliant certificate of insurance for visa applications.

Healthcare in France for US Students

France has one of the world's best healthcare systems. Students enrolled at French universities can access the French student health system (CVEC/LMDE). Emergency care is available at all hospitals. Private clinics (cliniques) offer faster access for non-emergency care.

⚠️ Why your US plan isn't enough

France is a Schengen country requiring travel insurance for the long-stay student visa. Your US plan does not cover routine or specialist care in France. A study abroad plan bridges this gap.

Popular Programs & Cities in France

Common Program Types

✓Semester abroad

✓Language immersion (French)

✓Art and fashion programs

✓Culinary programs

✓Gap year Paris

Top Student Cities

🇫🇷Paris

🇫🇷Lyon

🇫🇷Nice

🇫🇷Bordeaux

🇫🇷Toulouse

🇫🇷Strasbourg

What to Make Sure Your Plan Covers

🛡️Schengen visa requirement

🛡️Medication shortages (some US prescriptions unavailable)

🛡️Language barriers for non-French speakers

🛡️Adventure sports in Alps

Emergency Numbers in France

Save these before you travel.

Emergency15 (SAMU medical) / 112

US Embassy Paris+33 1 43 12 22 22

Your Tower Hill plan's 24/7 global assistance line is also available in any emergency.

Compare Plans for France

All plans include emergency medical, evacuation, and meet Schengen visa requirements (€30,000+).

⭐ Top Pick for France Study Abroad

Best for Study Abroad

WorldTrips

Atlas International Student

~$30/month

Designed for US students studying abroad — meets most university requirements including evacuation, mental health, and Schengen compliance.

✓Emergency medical & hospitalization

✓Mental health & counseling

✓Emergency evacuation included

✓Semester or annual enrollment

✓Acute onset pre-existing conditions

✓Sports & activities covered

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Best for Long-Term Programs

IMG Global

Student Health Advantage

~$35/month

Renewable annually. Widely accepted by US study abroad offices. Includes preventive care and prescription drugs.

✓Comprehensive medical coverage

✓Preventive care included

✓Mental health benefits

✓Prescription drug coverage

✓University waiver-ready

✓24/7 telemedicine

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Best Value

Trawick International

Safe Travels International

~$25/month

Highest medical maximum ($1M) at the lowest price. Ideal for students on tight budgets who want strong emergency coverage.

✓$1M medical maximum

✓Emergency evacuation

✓Trip interruption

✓Baggage loss & delay

✓Adventure sports covered

✓Flexible deductibles

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Ready for France?

Get an instant quote for your study abroad program in France. Schengen visa certificate included.

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