Insurance
Insurance offers financial protection in the event of unforeseen events such as accidents, illnesses, natural disasters, etc. Here’s what you need to know about mandatory home and liability insurance for students.
Home insurance
If you rent accommodation in France, you must take out home insurance. This insurance covers damage that you may cause to the accommodation, as well as risks such as fire, water damage, etc. Home insurance generally includes civil liability insurance, covering damage you could cause to a third party.
This insurance is compulsory whatever your nationality and whatever the duration of your stay in France. Generally valid for one year, it can most often be subscribed to online.
Civil liability insurance
Civil liability insurance is essential for enrolling in a higher education establishment. It covers you in the event of bodily injury or property damage that you could cause to others, whether on the university campus or during an internship.
It is often included in your home insurance or offered as an option in your comprehensive home insurance contract. It is important to check the damages covered by your contract.
Without civil liability insurance, you will have to pay for any damage caused to a third party.
Cancelling insurance
To terminate an insurance contract, you must refer the deadline and the means (registered letter, etc.) of termination stated in the contact.
If it is “without tacit renewal” you do not have to take any steps.
Bank
You can bring cash for the first few days, but for more peace of mind, check with your bank that your bank card works in France.
ATMs are plentiful and payment by credit card is very common, even for small amounts.
Opening a bank account in a French bank can be useful during your stay. It will allow you to obtain a RIB (bank identification statement) which is required for many administrative procedures, such as applying for housing aid benefits.
Opening a bank account in France
You can bring cash for the first few days, but for peace of mind check with your bank that your bank card works in France.
There are many cash dispensers and payment by bank card is very common, even for small amounts.
Opening a bank account in France generally requires 2 weeks and several documents.
Simply follow the steps below:
- Go to a bank of your choice to make an appointment with a bank advisor
- Prepare all required documents prior to your appointment :
- Bring your passport or ID card
- Bring proof of residence (“Justificatif de domicile”): If you are staying in a student hall of residence, ask the residence staff. If you are not staying in a student hall of residence, ask your landlord.
- Enrolment certificate (“Certificat de scolarité”). It is generally given to you when you enrol with your faculty/department. You can also print it from your personal account on the student web portal (ENT Etudiants).
The bank may request that you make a small deposit to the account when opening it.
You will also be given a “Relevé d’identité bancaire” or “RIB” (document showing all your bank details), which is useful for various formalities such as renting a bike or getting a bus pass, being reimbursed for medical expenses, etc.
Once your account is open, according to the bank agency conditions, you will receive a credit card within ten days.
Closing a bank account
Typically, you must send a cancellation letter to your bank by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
Cancellation sample letter: https://www.service-public.fr/simulateur/calcul/FermetureCompteBancaire