When applying for Mortgage Insurance, insurers will usually ask for information about your health. Depending on your age, medical history and the amount you wish to borrow, a simple medical questionnaire may be sufficient—or additional medical examinations may be required.
Since the introduction of the Lemoine Law, medical formalities have been simplified in certain situations. However, medical examinations remain necessary for many borrowers. Here’s everything you need to know before submitting your application.
The Medical Questionnaire : The First Step
For most Mortgage Insurance applications, the process begins with a medical questionnaire.
This document allows the insurer to assess the level of risk presented by the applicant. It typically includes questions about :
- Your medical history.
- Current medical treatments.
- Previous hospitalisations.
- Chronic illnesses.
- Lifestyle habits (such as smoking).
- Certain occupations or activities considered higher risk.
It is essential to answer every question honestly and accurately.
Failing to disclose relevant information—or making a false declaration—may result in reduced benefits or even refusal of cover if a claim is made.
The Lemoine Law : Fewer Medical Formalities in Some Cases
Since the introduction of the Lemoine Law, a medical questionnaire is no longer required in every situation.
Borrowers may be exempt if both of the following conditions are met :
- The insured amount per borrower does not exceed the threshold established by French regulations.
- The mortgage will be fully repaid before the maximum age specified by those regulations.
When these criteria are satisfied, insurers are not allowed to request medical information.
For larger mortgages or more complex situations, however, medical underwriting remains necessary.
Which Medical Examinations May Be Required ?
If the medical questionnaire reveals a particular health risk—or if the mortgage amount is significant—the insurer may request additional medical tests.
The most common examinations include:
- A blood test.
- A urine analysis.
- An electrocardiogram (ECG).
- A medical report completed by your doctor.
- A cardiovascular examination.
- Specialist medical tests based on your medical history.
These examinations are usually carried out at an approved medical centre or by a healthcare professional authorised by the insurer.
Why Are Blood Tests or an ECG Requested?
The objective is not to complicate your application but to obtain a reliable assessment of your health.
For example:
- An ECG can identify certain heart conditions.
- Blood tests may provide information about diabetes, cholesterol levels or the functioning of major organs.
- Additional medical examinations allow the insurer to assess the level of risk before offering insurance cover.
Based on the results, several outcomes are possible :
- Acceptance under standard terms.
- Acceptance with an additional premium.
- Acceptance with specific policy exclusions.
- In rare cases, refusal of cover.
Medical Formalities for French Expatriates and Non-Residents
For French citizens living abroad, organising medical examinations sometimes requires additional planning.
In many cases, the required tests can be carried out in the borrower’s country of residence, provided the results meet the insurer’s requirements.
Some insurers may also request that medical reports be completed or translated into French or English.
Working with a specialist broker often helps avoid unnecessary delays during the underwriting process.
Tips for Preparing Your Application
A few simple steps can make the medical assessment much easier:
- Complete the medical questionnaire carefully and accurately.
- Gather recent medical reports if you have a relevant medical history.
- Arrange any requested examinations as soon as possible to avoid delaying your property purchase.
- Inform your adviser if you live abroad so that the medical formalities can be organised in your country of residence.
A complete application is generally processed much faster.
A Practical Example
David, a French expatriate living in Singapore, wishes to finance an apartment in France.
Because of the size of his mortgage, the insurer requests a blood test and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The examinations are carried out at an approved medical clinic in Singapore.
The results are sent directly to the insurer, who accepts David’s application without applying any additional premium.
Thanks to careful preparation, his Mortgage Insurance is approved quickly, allowing his property purchase to be completed on schedule.
Conclusion
Medical examinations are not required for every borrower, but they remain common for larger mortgages or applicants presenting particular risk factors.
Since the introduction of the Lemoine Law, many borrowers now benefit from a simplified application process, while others may still need to complete additional medical examinations so that the insurer can properly assess their level of risk.
Preparing these formalities in advance and submitting a complete application can save valuable time and help prevent delays in your mortgage approval.
Do you live abroad and need to complete medical formalities for your Mortgage Insurance ? France Protect Insurance supports French expatriates and non-residents throughout the entire process—from preparing the medical file to securing the most suitable Mortgage Insurance, wherever you are in the world.