Mortgage loan insurance in France

Buying property in France almost always involves « assurance emprunteur » : the bank requires death and disability cover on the mortgage — it is not legally mandatory, but no cover, no loan. The bank will push its own group contract ; since the Lemoine law (2022) you may instead choose any insurer offering equivalent guarantees, and switch at any time during the loan — the official review of the law (CCSF, January 2024) found the strongest price cuts on alternative contracts for younger borrowers and non-smokers.

Also from the Lemoine law: no health questions at all when the insured share is €200,000 or less per borrower and the loan ends before age 60 (insurers may still ask whether you smoke) — a major point for expats with medical history. Non-resident buyers face a narrower market (some insurers decline non-residents): specialist brokers handle these profiles.

Frequently asked questions

Can the bank refuse my external insurance?

Only for lack of « equivalent guarantees », assessed against standardised criteria the bank must publish, with a written, itemised answer within 10 working days. Refusing for any other reason — or changing your loan rate in retaliation — is unlawful.

I live abroad and am buying in France: can I get insured?

Yes, but the market narrows: several French insurers exclude non-residents or specific countries. Specialist delegation insurers and brokers cover most situations, sometimes with adjusted terms — anticipate this step early in your purchase timeline.

Related guides: Borrower insurance for an expat mortgage in France: your Lemoine-law rights. Full details (profiles, breed pages, comparisons) on the French page.