Why Subscribe to Expat Health Insurance in the USA in 2025?

June 20, 2025
Asthedio
Asthedio
Asthedio
Asthedio
12 mins read
Why Subscribe to Expat Health Insurance in the USA in 2025?

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

Keep reading

More posts from our blog

Car Insurance in the USA: Which Are the Most Affordable and Reliable Companies in 2025?
By Asthedio June 20, 2025
Car Insurance in the USA: Which Are the Most Affordable and Reliable Companies in 2025? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
Read more
Medical Insurance in the USA: How to Avoid Astronomical Medical Bills?
By Asthedio June 20, 2025
Medical Insurance in the USA: How to Avoid Astronomical Medical Bills? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); IntroductionIn...
Read more
Travel Insurance USA 2025: What Are the Best Options for Comprehensive Coverage?
By Asthedio June 20, 2025
Travel Insurance USA 2025: What Are the Best Options for Comprehensive Coverage? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle ||...
Read more