Mutuelle health insurance in France
Top-up cover for your French healthcare costs
Flexible cover
Customize benefits around your life
All digital in one app
Online policy documents
Everything in English
No French needed
What is a mutuelle?
A mutuelle is a private health insurance in France that covers medical costs not reimbursed by the public system (Sécurité sociale). It typically costs €30-100/month and reimburses 30-100% of expenses for doctor visits, dental care, glasses, and hospital stays.
In France, healthcare coverage has 2 layers
1st Layer – Public Health Insurance
Once you're registered with French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale), the public system covers only part of your medical expenses:
- 70% of general practitioner and radiology visits
- 15% to 65% of medication costs
- 60% of nursing care, physiotherapy, and lab tests
2nd Layer – Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance (also known as a mutuelle or complémentaire santé) steps in to cover the remaining costs. It complements the public system and helps ensure you’re not left with out-of-pocket expenses.
What's covered?
Outpatient care
Doctor visits (GPs & specialists), technical procedures, labs, X-rays
Inpatient care
Covers part of your hospital stay, room fees, and specialist surcharges
Dental
Check-ups, cleanings, crowns, prosthetics, orthodontics, implants
Vision
Basic to complex lenses, frames, and contact lenses
Hearing aids
Covers hearing device costs, fittings, and maintenance
Alternative medicine
Partial reimbursements for osteopathy, acupuncture, dietitians, and more
Extra protections every expat needs
These additional services are included with your coverage.
Daily-life assistance
Home help, cleaning, childcare support, and practical services if you're hospitalised or temporarily immobilised.
Medical care abroad (30 days/year)
Worldwide medical treatment is covered during short stays outside France. If you need more, you can take a travel insurance.
24/7 English-speaking teleconsultation
Unlimited access to English-speaking doctors anytime via MédecinDirect.
Repatriation assistance
Organises and covers your return to a suitable medical facility if you fall seriously ill or are injured far from home.
Why expats choose Feather's mutuelle
No upfront payments
The tiers payant system, widely used in France, allows for direct billing between your healthcare provider and the insurer. This means you can enjoy medical care without worrying about advance payments—just present your mutuelle card along with your carte Vitale.
Better coverage and faster appointments
Private insurance helps cover fees from specialists who charge above the national base rate ("Secteur 2").
- Choosing a Secteur 1 doctor ensures full reimbursement by public insurance
- A Secteur 2 doctor might charge more, but private insurance can cover the difference — and they often have shorter wait times
3. Fully customizable
You choose what matters most: dental, vision, hospitalization. You can adjust your coverage and reimbursement levels depending on your lifestyle and budget. Clear options, no surprises.
Ready for comprehensive coverage?
You can get a quote in minutes
Who needs a mutuelle in France?
Freelancers & Self-employed
No employer coverage means you pay 100% of uncovered costs. A mutuelle protects your income from unexpected medical bills. Learn more.
Retirees & non-workers
Medical costs increase with age. Get peace of mind with customizable dental, optical, and hospitalization coverage. Learn more.
Students
Affordable plans from €30/month for essential protection during your studies — dental check-ups, glasses, GP visits. Learn more.
Employees
Your employer provides a mutuelle, but it may not cover everything. Feather offers top-up coverage for you and your family.
Families
Cover your partner and children on one plan. Adjust coverage levels for each family member's needs. Learn more.
Don't have a Carte Vitale?
Feather also offers Expat Health Insurance to help you get coverage before you're registered with Sécurité Sociale.
Is private health insurance mandatory?
"96% of people have a mutuelle. Not legally required, but common sense to get one."
Eloi Lanthiez, French insurance expert
For private sector employees
Since 2016, employers must provide group health insurance. They pay at least 50% of the cost; employees cover the rest.
For freelancers, public employees, retirees, families and students
Not mandatory, but highly recommended. You can get an individual plan to supplement your public coverage.
How to use your mutuelle
1. Use your insurance card
At the doctor's office, present your digital Feather card alongside your Carte Vitale.
2. Collect the bill (if needed)
If tiers payant isn't available, your doctor will issue an invoice. Keep it for reimbursement.
Get reimbursed
Submit the bill through your Feather account. You'll be reimbursed within 3 weeks on average.
Why choose Feather for your mutuelle?
Best-rated support in Europe
If you’re unable to solve a problem, we can assist you online via video call or by email.
Digital account management
Manage your health insurance policy online, including updating information or claims.
Customized coverage
Choose between different plans to adjust your coverage to your needs
Everything in one account
Health, liability, home, and other insurance policies can all be managed in one account.
Don't take our word for it
Made it so much easier
“The conversation was super useful, and I’m really grateful for their support. I’d definitely recommend the Feathers app to anyone—it’s a great tool! ”
Ankit
Easy & understandable
“Shin hui tan answered every question in a very easy and understandable way! So thankful!!”
Aditya
Excellent service
“They make dealing with insurance a breeze: documents are easy to find, submitting claims is straightforward, and the team always provides quick support.”
Ardi
