What Is the CFE?
Discover the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger): who it is for, health, pension and protection cover. Join and add top-ups with Alea, expat advisor.
Reviewed by a licensed advisor
Whether or not you have already heard of the Caisse des Français de l'étranger (CFE), this organisation is essential for every French expat. The CFE lets you keep the benefits of French social security (Sécurité sociale), anywhere in the world, including when you return to France.
Alea, the local representative for Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore, tells you everything about the CFE!
What is the CFE?
Founded in 1978, the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger is a private-law body entrusted with a public service mission. It allows its members living abroad to keep their rights with French social security.
The Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE) covers 3 risks:
Who is the CFE for?
The CFE covers more than 200,000 people around the world. There is no nationality requirement to join the CFE, and membership is voluntary.
The following can join the CFE:
French nationals living abroad;
Nationals of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or of Switzerland, when they are expats outside Europe;
Other foreign nationals, outside their own country and employed by a company that has enrolled its staff with the CFE.
Minor dependent up to a maximum of 20 years old.
What insurance does the CFE offer?
Health insurance:
The Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE) works in the same way as private health insurance. The only difference is that reimbursement rates are set on the French social security reimbursement base. It reimburses healthcare costs paid abroad at this rate, as well as costs paid in France during stays of less than 6 months.
The CFE offers specific health insurance products. Note: It is highly recommended to join quickly upon your departure to avoid CFE waiting periods, which apply if you enroll more than 3 months after moving abroad.
The 4 CFE Health Plans
Plan Name | Target Profile & Scope |
JeunExpat Santé | Designed for young expatriates under 30 years old, providing worldwide health coverage. |
MondExpat Santé | Aimed at expatriates aged 30 and over, offering worldwide health coverage. |
RetraitExpat Santé | For retirees of the French system, covering health expenses worldwide (excluding France, where care is covered by standard Social Security). |
FrancExpat Santé | Designed for expats who only need coverage during temporary stays in France, covering health expenses incurred exclusively on French soil. |
Here is a practical example:
The price set by French social security for a GP consultation in France is €26.55. The French social security reimbursement rate is 70%, which comes to €18.55.
The CFE uses the same reimbursement base as French social security.
If you see a GP in Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or even the United States, and the consultation costs you €100, you will be reimbursed €18.55. You will have to pay the remaining €81.45 out of your own pocket.
What are the advantages of the CFE?
No Medical Exclusions: The CFE provides coverage regardless of your health status or country of residence. Medical care is guaranteed even in the event of war, terrorism, or natural disasters.
Carte Vitale: The CFE is the only international health insurance actor that can provide to its members with a Carte Vitale. This eliminates the need to send paper invoices for care received in France and allows for third-party payment options.
Continuity of Rights: The CFE ensures you remain protected during your expatriation and facilitates your immediate reintegration into the general French Social Security scheme upon your permanent return to France.
What are the Limits of the CFE?
While the CFE is beneficial, it does not reimburse based on the actual costs charged in expensive medical regions like Asia or the Americas. For treatments abroad, reimbursements are calculated using specific rates, percentages, or flat fees depending on the geographic zone where the care is executed.
Because medical costs in Asia or the Americas are vastly higher than these reimbursement rates, relying entirely on the CFE can leave you exposed to massive out-of-pocket expenses. This structural gap is exactly why it is essential to understand what a CFE top-up is and how it steps in to cover the remaining balance. Once you grasp how reimbursements work, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision between choosing a First euro insurance or a CFE top up for your expatriation in Asia or the Americas.
Did you know? Alea is the advisor for French expats in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and beyond. As the CFE's exclusive representative for Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Singapore, Alea has unique expertise in every CFE plan and in the plans French insurers such as Allianz, April, Henner, MSH and Assur-Travel offer alongside the CFE. We work with more than 50 international partners, such as AXA, Bupa and Cigna, to find you the best option!
Written by
François Bossé
Insurance Advisor
Need some help?
We’re here to provide support and assistance.
