France is an international student’s dream – enjoy the French culture, food, arts, and history all within arms length. If you plan to study in France, one important consideration is the health care. Like many other neighboring countries, France offers its residents national health care. If you are a Chinese international student planning on studying in France, you may wonder if you are eligible for the French health care as well. Eligibility, however, will depend on your age and how long you will be enrolled in full-time classes. Because of this, we have put together a helpful guide to help determine your health care options as you study in France:

• If you are planning to take classes for less than 90 days in France, you will most likely study under the short stay Schengen visa known in France as the étudiant-concours. If you will be studying under this status you will not be eligible for the national health care and will instead need to present proof of insurance in France. According to the consulate, Chinese international students studying in France will need to present a visa letter that states that you have medical, hospitalization, and repatriation coverage at least 30,000 euros which should extend over the period of your stay.

• If you are planning to study in France between 3-6 months, you will be traveling under the temporary long stay visa which requires “proof of medical insurance with coverage valid in France.” As a Chinese international student you will need to secure your own insurance and present copies before you receive your visa approval. Like the Schengen short stay visa, you will need to have 30,000 euros of coverage that specifically covers you in France as a Chinese international student.

• If you plan to study in France for longer than 6 months, your age will be a primary factor in determining eligibility. If you are a Chinese international student who is less than 28 years old and you are enrolled in a participating institution of higher education you are eligible for the national health care called the regime securite sociale etudiant. This coverage is confirmed by the Préfecture when you apply for the residency card. Please note that medical expenses are covered at about 70% so some students purchase a private insurance plan to help cover the remaining 30%. If you are a Chinese international student older than 28 years old, you can get benefits under certain conditions under the Couverture Médicale Universelle. Or, if you are not eligible for this program, you may be required to show proof of health insurance coverage if you are enrolled in a institution but are not covered by the social security system.

France is ranked number #1 in health care around the world according to the World Health Organization so you can rest assured that you will have access to world-class quality health care. For students who have access to the social security system, you will have access to high coverage at affordable rates. In 2010, students paid 198 euros for a year of coverage. If you are not eligible for the national health care, plan to travel to multiple countries, or would like additional coverage to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, you may consider purchasing a private insurance plan for France.