France remains a most attractive destination for expats.
Amid the rise of the digital nomad, it is no wonder so many flock to some of the country’s well connected regional cities in search of la vie en rose.
The French national healthcare system has typically been well-regarded but as signs of struggles show through, international private medical insurance (IPMI) is becoming critical.
Insurers and advisers regard the country as a “strong opportunity” to support internationally mobile individuals, families and SMEs meaning France is likely to remain an attractive destination for expats and the IPMI market long into the future.
Most attractive destination
“France remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for expats, supported by its quality of life, strong infrastructure and well-established healthcare system, Isabelle Moins, CEO April International Care – Europe-Africa tells Health & Protection.
“Paris and the wider Île-de-France region remain major draws, particularly for professionals working in finance, technology, consulting and multinational organisations.”
But Moins adds the strongest momentum across the market is now visible in well-connected regional cities, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse and Montpellier.
“These locations are increasingly seen as “best-of-both-worlds” destinations, combining strong economic opportunities, excellent transport links and an attractive lifestyle, making them compelling alternatives to larger global capitals,” she continues.
“Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur remains highly desirable, particularly Nice and the wider Côte d’Azur, thanks to its climate, international outlook and established expat communities,“ she continues.
“The region is also especially popular among retirees from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, who represent a significant proportion of France’s expat population. They are attracted by the high quality of life, favourable climate, access to healthcare and opportunities to purchase attractive homes in sought-after locations.
“Regions such as Brittany and parts of western and southwestern France are attracting families and remote workers seeking more space, access to nature and coastal living, while still benefiting from the infrastructure and services needed to support long-term relocation.”
Social unrest
In recent times issues around security and social violence have raised their ugly head, creating a feeling of huge insecurity in some regions.
But Eric Lasaygues head of Europe for Alea Care France, believes these are not likely to have long-term or serious effects.
“This is the case in some medium size cities such as Nantes, Grenoble or Parisian suburbs,” Lasaygues says.
“I don’t think this is something which can affect in the long run the attractiveness of France for expat relocation.
“The working system in France is different than in other European jurisdictions: remote and hybrid working are well developed, employee benefits including wellbeing solutions are very generous.”
French expats on the move
But expat migration is not one way traffic as SIP Medical Family Office client adviser Chantal Leprêtre explains.
“The majority of expats I help are leaving France for professional reasons, most commonly to the UK, Hong Kong, or Singapore,” Leprêtre says.
“They generally tend to prefer IPMI plans over local policies.
“This is largely because IPMI offers them the flexibility to return to France for treatment if they wish, while also providing access to treatment pathways that more closely match what they were used to in France such as being able to go direct to a specialist consultant without needing a GP referral, for example a paediatrician for their children.”
Expats need IPMI cover
Though IPMI is equally popular among expats entering the country.
David Eline, founder of Riviera Expat, says: “If you’re a French resident or tax payer, you have access to French health care.
“IPMI is being used by expats looking to get priority access to doctors and treatments, and some are starting to realise that the French healthcare system is deteriorating in terms of time to secure a doctor appointment.”
Lasaygues explains that while expat workers have access to the French national welfare system, they need IPMI.
“The IPMI will cover the out-of-pocket with the national healthcare system,” he explains.
“On top, IPMI cover will provide the expat with access to private facilities, English-speaking providers and international claims administration who significantly improves the employee experience.”
Large IPMI market
And that demand among expats has resulted in one of the high profile providers in the market taking note.
Early last year, Bupa Global announced it was extending its reach into France by establishing a business partnership with third-party administrator (TPA) ExpaTPA and opening a new sales branch in Paris in late 2025.
James O’Reilly, general manager for Europe at Bupa Global, says: “The quality of support available locally is also critical.
“France is one of the world’s largest IPMI markets, and we’ve fully localised our presence and proposition with a dedicated team in Paris, fully French customer journey, service and digital capability along with strong partnerships with local intermediaries and healthcare providers.”
The insurer expects demand for relocation to remain resilient throughout the year as organisations continue to invest in workforce mobility across Europe which is why the provider is expanding its presence in the country.
“France is such an important part of our European growth strategy. France presents a strong opportunity to support internationally mobile individuals, families and SMEs,“ O’Reilly continues.
A combination of local expertise and international healthcare support will become increasingly important for globally mobile people and to navigate the French market.
Lasaygues agrees, adding he expects that France will remain one of Europe’s most attractive expatriate destinations into the future.
“While demand is likely to be concentrated in major metropolitan centres and high-quality lifestyle regions, the country should continue to experience healthy inbound expatriate flows through the remainder of the year, supported by strong healthcare provision, economic resilience, international business investment and a globally recognised quality of life,” he concludes.