Getting private health insurance for a French visa when you have pre-existing conditions

Fabien, who answers on the forum, set out the insurer's position clearly: by default policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Some carriers will consider covering them after a medical questionnaire, but that often means a much higher premium and case-by-case assessment. If an insurer claims they can provide full cover including pre-existing conditions as standard, fabien says that is misleading.

Practical next steps recommended in the thread

• Book a consultation with an insurer's visa-specialist (names given: Marianne or Nannie) to discuss options and get a policy that is designed to meet visa requirements. The insurer's team offers to advise through the visa process and beyond.
• Expect to disclose pre-existing conditions honestly. If you want them covered, prepare for a medical questionnaire and a potentially much higher premium.
• If you accept exclusions, be aware that some prefectures may still refuse the application. Be ready to show financial resources that can cover potential treatment costs personally.

• Contact an insurer experienced with French visa applications and state explicitly that your goal is a policy that will pass prefecture scrutiny. Ask specifically whether the policy will be accepted by visa offices for the intended prefecture.
• Request written confirmation of the policy terms you will submit with the visa application, including any exclusions and the total coverage amount.
• If the insurer can offer an upgraded policy after underwriting, get a clear quote and ask what conditions would change the insurer's decision or price.

The thread shows applicants sometimes accept exclusions if they can personally cover costs or if they believe the prefecture is likely to accept the policy. This is a personal risk decision and depends on your tolerance for uncertainty and your finances.

PHI that excludes pre-existing conditions is common. Coverage for pre-existing conditions is possible only after individual assessment and higher premiums. Prefecture acceptance varies. The clearest way to reduce risk is to discuss your situation with a visa-aware insurer representative, obtain a policy structured and documented for visa submission, and, if necessary, prepare financial documentation that shows you can personally meet any medical costs for excluded conditions.