Navigating Insurance for EU Clients and Their Spouses: A Guide for Smooth Transitions

A common situation we encounter is that of UK citizens with an EU passport, often an Irish passport, who’ve never actually lived in Ireland or the EU country their passport comes from. While an EU passport gives you free movement and residence rights in France, it doesn’t automatically qualify you for healthcare access. Why?

Because healthcare access through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK equivalent (GHIC) requires a valid EU social security number, something many passport holders don’t have if they’ve never worked or lived in that country.

What Is an EHIC, and Who Can Use It?

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) provides access to state-provided healthcare in other EU countries during temporary stays. But to qualify:

● You must have an EU passport

● You must have a social security number from that country

● Your EHIC must be valid and active

If you don’t have both an EU passport and an active social security number, you are not eligible to use the EHIC for healthcare in France, even if you have the passport. You would not be covered as a resident under the French system.

What If Your EHIC Is Not Valid?

If your EHIC has expired or was never issued, and you cannot reactivate it due to lack of residency ties or social security affiliation, you will need private health insurance.

This is particularly important if:

● You’re planning to live in France long-term

● You’re applying for a residency permit (carte de séjour)

● You’re not yet eligible for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie), France’s public health coverage

Private health insurance ensures you’re protected during the transition and helps satisfy visa or residency requirements.

What Kind of Insurance Do You Need?

For EU passport holders who don’t qualify for EHIC or PUMA yet, private medical insurance is highly recommended, and in most cases, required. Your policy should:

● Provide full inpatient and outpatient coverage

● Cover the duration of your stay

● Meet visa and prefecture requirements (even for EU nationals)

● Be in French or bilingual, clearly showing benefits and start date

● Include repatriation and show proof of payment

At FAB French Insurance, we offer insurance specifically tailored to the needs of EU nationals moving to France, with certificates that are 100% prefecture-approved.

What About the Spouse of an EU Citizen?

If you are the non-EU spouse of an EU citizen, your situation also comes with requirements. Even though you have the right to join your spouse in France under EU free movement rules, French prefectures will ask for proof of health insurance during your carte de séjour application.

Don’t wait until it’s too late, apply for your carte de séjour as soon as you arrive, and make sure your insurance documents are ready and compliant. Processing can take up to 30 days, and you need to stay within the 90-day visa-free window to avoid overstaying.

Tip: If you’re entering France together as a couple, make sure both of you have insurance. Prefectures are increasingly strict about coverage, even for EU nationals.

Key Takeaways

● Holding an EU passport is not enough to access French healthcare. You also need a valid EHIC backed by a social security number from that country.

● If you don’t qualify for EHIC or haven’t been affiliated with an EU healthcare system before, private medical insurance is a must, even if you’re an EU citizen.

● Non-EU spouses of EU nationals must also provide proof of insurance when applying for residency.

● Start early. Apply for your carte de séjour soon after arrival, and make sure your coverage starts immediately.

● Work with brokers like Fab French Insurance, who are experienced in visa, and prefecture, compliant insurance for EU and non-EU newcomers.

Final Thoughts

Health insurance is not something to leave to chance. Whether you’re holding an EU passport but have never lived that country, or you’re arriving in France as the spouse of an EU citizen, understanding your entitlement vs. requirements is key to a smooth move.

Getting the right insurance policy in place early can make the difference between a relaxed arrival in France and administrative headaches down the road.

Need help choosing the right insurance? Get in touch with FAB French Insurance for expert guidance and policies guaranteed to meet French prefecture standards.