Protecting Your Life in France: Life Cover, Income Protection and Disability Insurance in One Place

Moving to France can change the way you organise your finances. Alongside arranging healthcare, property insurance, pensions and day-to-day banking, it may also be worth reviewing what financial support would be available if illness, injury or death affected your household.

State benefits and workplace protection may provide some support, but the amount available will depend on your employment status, contributions and personal circumstances. Self-employed people, business owners and households relying heavily on one income may be particularly exposed if earnings suddenly stop.

ASTTRAL is now able to provide access to a personal protection solution offered by a leading insurance provider. The range brings together several forms of cover through one quoting process, making it easier to compare the available options.

Understanding the different types of cover

The protection available may include:

Life insurance
Life insurance can provide a financial payment to your chosen beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. It may be used to help cover a mortgage, household bills, education costs or other ongoing financial commitments.

Income protection
Income protection is intended to replace part of your income if illness or injury leaves you unable to work. The amount paid, the waiting period and the length of time benefits continue will depend on the policy selected.

Accidental death and disability cover
This type of policy may provide a payment following an accident that results in death or a qualifying disability. The precise definition of disability and the circumstances covered should be checked carefully.

Critical illness protection
Critical illness cover can provide a lump-sum payment following the diagnosis of one of the serious medical conditions listed in the policy. Conditions, definitions and eligibility requirements vary between insurers.

Funeral expense cover
Funeral expense cover is designed to help relatives meet some or all of the costs associated with a funeral, reducing the immediate financial burden on the family.

Deciding how much cover may be appropriate

The right level of protection will vary from one household to another. Factors to consider may include:

• Outstanding mortgage or loan balances
• Monthly household expenditure
• The number and age of any dependants
• Existing savings and investments
• Employer-provided benefits
• Current insurance policies
• How long your household could manage without your income

It is also important to think about whether your circumstances have changed since you last reviewed your insurance. Buying a property, becoming self-employed, starting a family, retiring or moving permanently to France may all affect the type and amount of protection you need.

Reviewing the details carefully

Through a single quoting process, applicants can select the forms and levels of cover they wish to consider, based on their financial priorities and budget.

The premium shown will reflect the benefits selected, allowing applicants to review the likely cost before deciding whether to proceed. As with any insurance policy, it is important to read the terms carefully, including exclusions, waiting periods, benefit limits and the circumstances in which a claim may or may not be paid.

ASTTRAL can explain the available options and key policy features before an application is submitted. The aim is to help applicants understand what they are applying for and whether the proposed cover reflects their circumstances.

For further information, contact [email protected], and a member of the ASTTRAL team will respond.

Cover is subject to eligibility, underwriting, policy terms, conditions and exclusions. The suitability of any policy will depend on individual circumstances.

Lead photo credit : Shutterstock