Hi everyone, I have completed on my lovely new French home. I have decided to apply for a 3-6 months visitor visa, do I still need to apply for health insurance.?
If so, can anyone recommend insurance that you’ve used?
Thanks
What nationality are you? Makes a difference.
Sorry, English
In which case your UK GHIC will do as still considered a temporary visitor. But get travel insurance!
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…that includes repatriation cover - GHIC won’t do that, nor will some basic travel policies, and air ambulances are very expensive.
As for which insurer, I and others here have used Staysure. Fortunately I haven’t had to claim so can’t comment on their efficiency in an emergency, but a professional travel agent friend of mine recommended them to me.
Check with the insurer as well about the duration of cover, many “holiday” travel policies max out at 90 days.
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I have used BIBA in the past (British Insurance Brokers of Aquitaine) who had reasonable prices at that time. It was a long time ago though.
Helpful to know about, but if Tony is still essentially UK-based I think they will need UK-sourced travel insurance though?
BIBA were happy to provide Health Insurance for my American partner when she first came to France, so I don’t think that one’s nationality or place of residence at the time of application matters much.
Congrats on your new place in France! When I did a similar move for a few months, I ended up getting separate health insurance even while holding my UK GHIC, mostly for peace of mind and because some things just aren’t covered, like repatriation or certain private treatments. Sorting out health cover direct from the UK was much simpler than dealing with insurers based in France, especially for shorter trips where you don’t fully “move” yet.For a UK option, it’s worth looking into Aviva Health Insurance ᐈ Best Health Insurance Provider and what’s included with their plans built for shorter stays or expats. A broker helped me sort out policies tailored for stays abroad, and it saved me time figuring it all out.
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you were very wise!
The UK Gov website does warn/advise travellers not to simply rely on their GHIC but too many people don’t bother.. aaargh… and some of those might have a nasty surprise.
Of course , on this forum we have @fabien our tried-and-trusted Insurance specialist. Always ready to discuss/explain/help us with our Insurance needs and queries. 
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