Student Health Insurance in France: Your Complete 2025 Guide

So what’s the deal? Do you really need student health insurance in France? Isn’t the public healthcare system enough? And how do you find the right one without spending a fortune?

Relax. This guide breaks it all down for you — simply, clearly, and without the jargon.

By the end, you’ll know exactly:

• what student health insurance (or mutuelle étudiante) really is,
• what your options are,
• how to find the plan that fits your needs and your budget,
• and how to subscribe easily.

Ready? Let’s make French healthcare simple again.

First things first: what is student health insurance in France?

In France, your health coverage is made up of two layers that work together:

1. The public health system (Sécurité Sociale) — the basic level of coverage that’s free and automatic for all students.
2. The student health insurance (Mutuelle) — a private complementary plan that reimburses the part the public system doesn’t cover.

Think of it like this: the French government pays a big chunk of your medical costs, and your student health insurance covers the rest.

How the Public System Works

When you enroll in a French university or higher education program, you automatically join the French public healthcare system, known as Sécurité Sociale or l’Assurance Maladie.

It’s mandatory and free. It covers around 70% of standard medical expenses, based on an official rate called the Base de Remboursement (BR).

For example:

• A GP visit costs €25 → the public system reimburses about €17.50.
• The remaining €7.50 is your responsibility — unless you have a student health insurance plan to cover it.

Why You Still Need a Mutuelle (Student Health Insurance)

Even though you’re covered by Sécurité Sociale, it doesn’t pay for everything.

A mutuelle santé étudiante (student health insurance) is optional but highly recommended. It’s your safety net for things like:

• The remaining 30% of consultations and treatments,
• Specialist fees that go beyond official rates,
• Dental care, orthodontics, and vision care (glasses, lenses),
• Hospitalization costs,
• Mental health support and alternative medicine (like osteopathy).

Having student health insurance also lets you benefit from third-party payment (tiers payant) — meaning you don’t have to pay upfront at the doctor’s office or pharmacy.

💡 In short: The public system pays most of your care, your mutuelle pays what’s left.

Your Main Options for Student Health Insurance in France

There isn’t just one type of student health insurance — it depends on your age, financial situation, and how independent you want to be.

Here are the 4 main options you can choose from in France 👇

Option 1: Stay on Your Parents’ Plan

If your parents already have good health coverage, you might still be included as a beneficiary (called ayant droit in French) — usually until age 25 or 26.

✅ Why it’s great:

• It’s simple — no new contract to sign.
• It’s often free or cheap for your family.
• It saves time and paperwork.

⚠️ But watch out: Some family plans only cover you if you still live at home or study nearby. If you move into a student residence or go abroad, you might not be covered anymore.

Option 2: Get Your Own Student Health Insurance

Want independence (and coverage that really fits your lifestyle)? Then it’s time to pick your own plan.

Several French insurers specialize in student health insurance, like:

• Heyme
• LMDE (La Mutuelle des Étudiants)
• SMENO / SMERRA
• or larger companies like Harmonie Mutuelle and Macif.

You can choose your plan based on your needs — for example, strong optical coverage, mental health reimbursement, or travel insurance if you’re going abroad.

💰 Typical price range: €5–€40 per month, depending on how complete your plan is.

✅ Pros:

• Tailored coverage that matches your lifestyle.
• Often available 100% online — super easy to subscribe.
• Better value for your money in the long run.

⚠️ Cons:

• You have to compare plans carefully — cheap doesn’t always mean good coverage.

Option 3: Apply for the “Complémentaire Santé Solidaire” (CSS)

If you’re on a tight budget or you receive a student grant, this one’s for you.

The Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS) is a French state program that provides free or nearly free student health insurance for people with limited income.

To qualify, you must be living in France and have an annual income below a certain limit (updated each year).

💰 Cost:

• Free for low-income students
• Around €8/month for those slightly above the limit

💡 What you get:

• Full reimbursement (100%) for most healthcare costs
• No advance payment at medical appointments
• Doctors can’t charge you extra fees
• Coverage for dental, optical, and hearing care

⚠️ Note: You must apply through ameli.fr and renew your application every year.

Option 4: Company Health Insurance (for Apprentices or Paid Interns)

If you’re in a work-study program (alternance) or doing a long, paid internship, your employer is legally required to offer you company health insurance.

By law, your employer covers at least 50% of the premium — which means you get excellent coverage at a low cost.

✅ Why it rocks:

• Premium coverage for half the price
• Includes dental, optical, and hospitalization
• Perfect for students who work part-time

⚠️ However:

• It’s only available while you’re under contract.
• Once your job ends, so does your coverage.

Comparing Student Health Insurance Providers (2025)

Let’s look at some of the most popular student health insurance companies in France, their strengths, and what they really offer.

1. LMDE – La Mutuelle des Étudiants

• Who it’s for: Students under 30 in France
• Price range: €4.90–€45/month
• Reimbursement: 100%–200% of official medical rates
• Strong points: Good mental health coverage, solid hospital reimbursements, alternative medicine included.
• Weak points: Advanced coverage (optical/dental) can get pricey.

2. Heyme

• Who it’s for: Students and young professionals
• Price range: Around €9–€40/month
• What’s cool: Fully online signup, mobile app, flexible plans with add-ons (optical, mental health, travel insurance).
• Perfect for: Erasmus or international students.
• Watch out: Read carefully — picking too few options can leave you underinsured.

3. SMENO / SMERRA

• Who it’s for: Students all across France
• Price range: €12–€35/month
• What’s included: Health coverage + home insurance + civil liability (in bundled packs).
• Why it’s good: You can cover everything (health, housing, responsibility) in one go.
• Downside: Health-only packages are less competitive if you don’t need the extras.

4. Harmonie Mutuelle / Macif

• Who it’s for: Students up to 28 years old (especially if parents are already clients).
• Price range: €20–€50/month
• Strengths: Excellent reimbursement rates, broad medical network, strong specialist coverage.
• Limits: Fewer youth-focused options (like sports or wellness benefits).

5. CSS (Complémentaire Santé Solidaire)

• Who it’s for: Students with limited income
• Price: Free or €8/month
• Coverage: 100% reimbursement, including optical, dental, and hearing
• Advantages: No out-of-pocket fees, guaranteed full coverage
• Downsides: Administrative process and annual renewal required.

Other Useful Insurances for Students in France

While your student health insurance is the most important, don’t forget the two other types of coverage that are almost always required:

1. Housing Insurance (Assurance Habitation)

Mandatory for any student renting a room or apartment in France. It protects you against fire, water damage, or theft.

2. Civil Liability (Responsabilité Civile)

Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage something — essential for classes, labs, and internships.

👉 Many mutuelles include both in a single student plan for convenience.

How to Choose the Best Student Health Insurance

Here’s the truth: the “best” plan depends on you — your needs, habits, and budget.

Here’s how to make the smartest choice 👇

1. List Your Real Health Needs

Ask yourself:

• Do you wear glasses or need regular dental care?
• Do you visit specialists or therapists often?
• Do you need coverage for mental health sessions or sports injuries?
• Will you study abroad (Erasmus, internship, etc.)?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, go for a comprehensive plan — even if it costs a bit more.

2. Compare Coverage Levels

Look beyond price. Check for:

• Reimbursement rates: 150%–200% for specialists and dental care is ideal.
• Third-party payment: Avoid paying upfront whenever possible.
• Optional extras: International protection, mental health, optical.

💡 Pro tip: Many student health insurance providers have simulators online where you can estimate your reimbursements before subscribing.

3. Check for Student Deals or Combined Offers

Some insurers offer student packs that include:

• Student health insurance
• Housing insurance
• Civil liability insurance

These combo deals often save you 10–20% compared to buying each separately.

How to Subscribe to Student Health Insurance in France

The good news? Subscribing is quick and mostly digital.

1. Compare your options (use official websites or comparison tools).
2. Apply online directly on the insurer’s website.
3. Upload your documents:
   • Passport or ID
   • Student enrollment certificate
   • Your “Attestation de droits” from ameli.fr
4. Activate teletransmission (Noémie): this connects your Sécurité Sociale with your mutuelle so reimbursements are automatic.

Within a few days, you’ll receive your membership card — and you’re fully covered!

If you live in a UXCO Student residence, your residence manager can help you set up your insurance, connect your Ameli account, or even recommend local providers.