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Why Subscribe to Expat Health Insurance in the USA in 2025?
Introduction
Moving to the United States as an expatriate in 2025 requires careful anticipation of your health coverage. The American healthcare system, largely privatized and costly, differs significantly from European systems, especially the French one. Subscribing to an appropriate expat health insurance plan is therefore an essential step to protect yourself effectively while managing your budget. This comprehensive guide presents the different available options, from the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) to international supplementary health insurance, as well as the specificities of the American healthcare system.
1. Specificities of the American Healthcare System
The United States has a predominantly private healthcare system without universal coverage comparable to French social security. Medical expenses are among the highest in the world and are a major cause of household debt. Health insurance is almost mandatory to access care without major financial risk.
High cost of care: hospitalization, consultations, medications, surgeries…
No universal coverage: each individual must have private insurance or benefit from specific programs (Medicare, Medicaid, ACA).
Administrative complexity: networks of care, deductibles, co-payments, coverage limits, exclusions…
2. Why Is Expat Health Insurance Essential?
2.1. The CFE: A Basic Safety Net
The Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) allows French expatriates to maintain a basic health coverage, reimbursed according to French rates. It is a safety net that guarantees continuity of rights in France.
Worldwide coverage, including the USA
Reimbursements aligned with French social security
Often requires a complementary private insurance
2.2. International Supplementary Health Insurance
To cover actual costs in the USA, it is recommended to subscribe to complementary international health insurance. These contracts offer:
Coverage adapted to American costs (hospitalization, specialist care)
Freedom to choose practitioners and facilities
Modular guarantees: dental, optical, prevention, repatriation
Covid-19 related care coverage
2.3. Advantages of International Insurance
Coverage extended to the USA and worldwide
Better coverage-to-price ratio than local American insurance
Flexibility in options and providers
Simplified reimbursement management, often multilingual
3. How to Choose Your Expat Health Insurance for the USA?
3.1. Assess Your Needs and Profile
Duration and nature of expatriation
Family situation and health status
Available budget
Frequency of travel between France and the USA
3.2. Compare Coverages
Amounts of emergency medical coverage
Medical repatriation
Coverage of routine and specialized care
Covid-19 and pre-existing condition coverage
Exclusions and deductibles
3.3. Consider Complementarity with the CFE
Use CFE as a base and choose a suitable complementary insurance
Check coordination rules between the two insurances
4. Pitfalls to Avoid
Underestimating the real cost of care in the USA
Choosing restrictive local insurance with closed networks
Neglecting Covid-19 or repatriation coverage
Failing to verify cancellation or transfer conditions
Conclusion
Subscribing to expat health insurance in the United States in 2025 is essential to protect yourself from the high costs and complexity of the American system. The CFE offers a reassuring base, but international supplementary insurance is indispensable for comprehensive and adapted coverage. By accurately assessing your needs and comparing offers, you can choose insurance that effectively protects you while controlling your budget.
Key Points Summary:
The American healthcare system is private, costly, and complex.
The CFE guarantees basic coverage for French expatriates.
International supplementary insurance is essential to cover actual costs.
Comparing guarantees, exclusions, and prices is crucial.
Good expat insurance ensures peace of mind and optimal protection.
Keywords: expat health insurance USA, CFE, supplementary health insurance expat, American healthcare system, international insurance, USA expat 2025