English-speaking mutuelle for students in France
Top-up health insurance for university students, Erasmus programs, and language schools.
What is a mutuelle for students?
A student mutuelle is private health insurance that covers what Sécurité Sociale doesn't reimburse. It's essential when you're far from home and need affordable healthcare. As a student, you're already paying the CVEC contribution — but that doesn't cover everything. A mutuelle fills the gaps for dental, glasses, specialists, and mental health support.
In France, healthcare works in two layers:
1st Layer: Public health insurance (PUMa / Sécurité Sociale)
Once you register as a student through the étudiant-étranger Ameli portal, you're covered by the French public system. It reimburses 70% of GP visits and some treatments, but leaves dental, optical, and specialist care only partially covered. Sometimes not at all.
2nd Layer: Mutuelle (supplementary health insurance)
A mutuelle covers the portion that public insurance doesn't reimburse. It makes healthcare costs predictable and accessible, whether your Carte Vitale is already active or still being processed. Feather's student mutuelle is fully digital, easy to manage, and available in English.
Learn more about health insurance in France.
What's covered?
GP and specialist visits
Top-up reimbursement for campus health centers, GP visits, and specialist consultations, so you can get care without worrying about the bill.
Hospitalisation
Improved coverage for hospital stays, surgery, medical procedures, and associated fees.
Dental care
Coverage for routine check-ups, fillings, and more advanced dental treatments, even those started back home.
Vision and glasses
Enough contribution towards frames, corrective lenses, contact lenses, and eye examinations, so you don't break your budget.
Prescription medication
Additional reimbursement for medications that are only partially covered by public health insurance.
Physiotherapy and alternative care
Coverage for physiotherapy and certain alternative treatments such as osteopathy.
Extra protections for student life needs
Beyond medical reimbursements, your student mutuelle also includes services that are particularly important when you are living far from home.
Daily-life assistance
If you're hospitalised or too unwell to manage on your own, we provide practical help to make your recovery easier: groceries, laundry, or someone to check in on you.
Medical care abroad
Covered during study trips, internships abroad, or visits back home (up to 30 days per year outside France).
24/7 English-speaking teleconsultation
Get medical advice between classes — no French required. Access English-speaking doctors anytime through a secure teleconsultation service.
Repatriation assistance
Organises and covers transport to an appropriate medical facility if you become seriously ill or injured away from home.
Why students choose Feather
No French bureaucracy
- Everything in English — from sign-up to claims
- Clear explanations of what's covered
- Support team that understands expat questions
Flexible for student life
- Cancel monthly
- Works with & without Carte Vitale
- Continued coverage while processing your paperwork
Ready to protect your health & wallet while studying?
Starting university soon? Sign up before classes begin to ensure you're covered from day one. No waiting period for medical visits.
Who is it for?
University students
Ideal if you’re enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program in France and want stronger coverage than public student insurance alone.
Exchange and Erasmus students
One- or two-semester exchange? Your EHIC covers emergencies but not dental care, glasses, or specialists. A mutuelle supplements your European coverage so you're not paying for routine care.
Language school and private school students
Studying French, attending a business school, or attending a private institution? A mutuelle provides the documentation you need while giving you real protection.
International students new to the French system
Don’t yet feel confident handling French paperwork or medical jargon? Feather is for you: Everything in English, from sign-up to claims to support.
Students combining studies and work
Doing an internship, apprenticeship, or part-time job alongside your studies? Keep a continuous, stable health coverage that doesn't depend on your employment status.
Not yet registered with the French system?
If you're still waiting for your registration, we can help you navigate the process and stay protected in the meantime.
How it works?
Use your Carte Vitale
Once your student cover is active, you’ll get a Carte Vitale and most doctors will bill public insurance directly. If not, upload your "feuille de soins" to Feather account for reimbursement.
Feather covers the rest
After public insurance processes the claim, or once we receive your feuille de soins, Feather calculates and pays the top-up part of the reimbursement based on your plan.
Fast, straightforward refunds
Reimbursements are paid directly into your bank account. When tiers payant applies, many consultations and treatments don’t require you to pay upfront at all.
Ready for comprehensive coverage?
Get a quote in minutes
Don't take our word for it
Gabriel made student insurance easy
“Clear guidance through the French system. Got my mutuelle sorted before uni started.”
Alex M.
Quick responses, no French needed
“Had urgent questions before my semester started. Team replied same day in English.”
Katherine G.
Explained the French system clearly
“Finally understood how student visas & health insurance work together.”
Santiago I.
Why Feather?
Best-rated support in Europe
Get assistance via video call, chat or email. All in English. The team knows what international students need.
Digital account management
Upload claims, track reimbursements, and manage your policy from your phone. No paperwork, no French.
Customized coverage
Choose between different levels of coverage to match your needs
Frequently asked questions
How do I get into the French public health system as a student?
Can I sign up for Feather’s mutuelle before my public coverage is fully set up?
Do I need a mutuelle as a student in France?
Can I sign up without a Carte Vitale?
Does my EHIC cover me as an Erasmus student?
Am I covered worldwide with private health insurance?
See our FAQ page for more answers.
