Stay Protected
Travel Insurance for France
Protect your France adventure with comprehensive travel insurance
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Why You Need Travel Insurance for France
Medical Expenses
While France has excellent healthcare, non-EU visitors are not covered by the public system. A hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros, and emergency surgery can run into tens of thousands.
Schengen Visa Requirement
If you need a Schengen visa to enter France, travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage is mandatory. Your visa application will be rejected without it.
Trip Disruptions
Flight cancellations, lost luggage, strikes (which happen regularly in France), and unexpected changes can derail your plans. Good insurance covers these disruptions.
Recommended Travel Insurance
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Coverage Includes:
Key Features:
- β’Monthly subscription (cancel anytime)
- β’Coverage in 180+ countries
- β’Covers COVID-19 like any illness
- β’Adventure sports add-on available
- β’Meets Schengen visa requirements
France Travel Insurance Tips
Schengen Visa Insurance
If you require a Schengen visa, your travel insurance must provide minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage, cover emergency repatriation, and be valid for all Schengen countries. Keep your insurance certificate with your visa application documents.
French Strikes
France is known for transport strikes (greves), particularly by SNCF rail workers and Air France staff. Trip disruption coverage can protect you if strikes affect your travel plans. This is a genuine risk worth insuring against.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for UK citizens. This provides access to state-provided healthcare but does not cover private treatment, repatriation, or trip cancellation β so travel insurance is still recommended.
Winter Sports Coverage
If you plan to ski in the French Alps, ensure your policy covers winter sports. Standard policies often exclude skiing. Mountain rescue (secours en montagne) can be extremely expensive in France, and helicopter evacuations cost thousands of euros.
More Travel Essentials
Complete your France travel preparation with these helpful resources.
France eSIM
Stay connected with affordable data plans throughout France and the EU.
Book Hotels
Find the best hotel deals across France on Trip.com.
Transport Guide
TGV trains, Paris Metro, car rental and more.
Visa Guide
Schengen visa requirements and entry rules.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for France?
Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa to enter France (minimum 30,000 EUR medical coverage required). For visa-free travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, etc., it is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical costs for non-EU citizens are not covered by the French healthcare system.
Does travel insurance cover strikes in France?
Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include trip disruption coverage that can protect against losses caused by transport strikes. Since strikes are relatively common in France (particularly rail and airline strikes), this is valuable coverage to have. Check your policy terms specifically.
Do I need insurance if I have an EHIC/GHIC card?
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card for UK citizens) provides access to state healthcare in France, but it does not cover private treatment, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or mountain rescue. Additional travel insurance is still recommended for comprehensive protection.