- Based on our analysis of the market, the best travel insurance for France comes from Tin Leg, Seven Corners, Faye, Generali, Travel Insured, & Nationwide (skip ahead to see these plans).
- Since US health insurance isn’t widely accepted in France, we recommend you opt for medical travel insurance at a minimum.
- Despite being a safe country to visit, France presents unique travel risks that may not initially cross your mind, including robbery, civil unrest, terror threats, and more.
- Comprehensive travel insurance can cover these common issues and more. Therefore, it may be worth upgrading to a comprehensive plan for a few extra dollars.
- We recommend using an online comparison tool to get quotes from multiple travel insurance providers at once.
When you buy something using links found on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. This content is reviewed & supervised by The Los Angeles Times Commerce Team.
On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Do Americans need travel insurance for France?
- Best France travel insurance plans according to us
- How much is travel insurance for France?
- What does France travel insurance cover?
- What does France travel insurance not cover?
- Tips for choosing the best travel insurance for France
- France travel information & requirements
- Tips for visiting France
- France travel insurance FAQs
- Related topics
On This Page
- Key Takeaways
- Do Americans need travel insurance for France?
- Best France travel insurance plans according to us
- How much is travel insurance for France?
- What does France travel insurance cover?
- What does France travel insurance not cover?
- Tips for choosing the best travel insurance for France
- France travel information & requirements
- Tips for visiting France
- France travel insurance FAQs
- Related topics
Best Travel Insurance for France Vacations in 2024
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Our selection of the best travel insurance for France
Best Coverage Overall
Tin Leg
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000
/
$500,000
Comprehensive Coverage with High Limits
Seven Corners
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protector Elite
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$1,000,000
Easy & Quick Reimbursements
Faye Travel Insurance
Check Pricing
via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000
/
$500,000
Do Americans need travel insurance for France?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for traveling to France unless you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, but it’s highly recommended.
Most U.S. health insurance won’t cover you while abroad. Therefore, at a minimum, we recommended you opt for medical travel insurance when visiting France. Comprehensive travel insurance can also cover other trip costs in case you run into any travel mishaps such as delays or cancellations.
Here are some of the reasons Americans should get travel insurance for visiting France:
Risk of terrorism
Check France’s Current Terror Alert Level Here
Despite the overall chances of attacks being relevantly rare, the US State Department notes there is a risk of terrorism while traveling throughout France’s major cities. Terrorist organizations continue to plan possible attacks on major events and cities across France and other nations. Possible targets often include tourist locations, busy shopping districts, places of worship, and many other public places.
In light of the 2024 Olympics and terror threats in major European nations, France has raised its terror alert to the highest level for Summer and Autumn, 2024. According to the French government, “this threat has never been so strong, France is taking action at every level” to prevent terrorist attacks in France.
Travel insurance often allows reimbursements for cancellations or interruptions to your trip brought on by terrorist threats or attacks.
Risk of pickpockets & robbery
Americans are often targeted abroad by thieves and pickpockets. In France, where English sticks out like a sore thumb, Americans are at higher risk for having valuables stolen. Made world-famous by the Kim Kardashian armed robbery incident frequently visited cities such as Paris are often hubs for rings of thieves that target tourists. Less aggressive actions such as pickpocketing is a common occurrence in France around tourist hotspots and crowded areas like airports, train stations, and subways. It is therefore essential that you follow the US embassy’s advice and keep your valuables secure and out of sight, ensuring you are well aware of your surroundings at all times.
Travel insurance can reimburse you for stolen, lost, or damaged personal items while you are traveling.
France’s recent ban on short domestic flights
As we can see across US media outlets, in 2022, France initiated a legal ban on some short domestic flights. This legislation states that there is a ban on flights where journeys are possible in less than two-and-a-half hours by train. This being the case, it is important that you are aware of your travel plans and selected routes beforehand. The increase in travelers using the rail network to make their journey may also increase train delays.
Travel insurance can cover you if you are delayed or miss your connections due to force mayeur.
French workers’ strikes
As the LA Times has frequently documented, France is famous worldwide for its strikes. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it can leave you in a predicament if your transportation is interrupted or canceled due to a strike. Travel insurance can easily cover delays, missed connections, or cancellations and interruptions to your travel itinerary. Highlighted by Euronews, workers at the state-owned public transport company have announced a seven-month strike notice from February to September, 2024. This is highly likely to affect those traveling via France’s bus and metro network.
Travel insurance can reimburse you and help you rebook or reroute if your trip is affected by strikes, such as having your flight cancelled due to a pilot strike.
That said, here are some of our recommendations for the best travel insurance for France.
Best France travel insurance plans according to us
Advertiser Disclosure
Tin Leg
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Gold
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$500,000
/
$500,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Tin Leg is known as one of the best-rated travel insurance providers on the market and boasts some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings around.
Tin Leg’s Gold policy is one of their best plans and offers $500,000 coverage for both emergency medical expense protection and emergency medical evacuation, covering you should the worst happen during your French vacation.
Tin Leg’s Gold policy also offers 100% trip cancellation and 150% interruption reimbursement for a wide range of circumstances and travel delay baggage protection.
PROS
- Excellent primary coverage for medical expenses
- High limit for emergency evacuation coverage
- Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage available
- Comes with coverage for hurricanes and inclement weather
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is available if purchased within 14 days of the trip deposit
CONS
- Baggage delay coverage requires a 24-hour waiting period
- Low coverage limits for baggage and personal effects
Full Policy Details
Seven Corners
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Trip Protector Elite
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$250,000
/
$1,000,000
Full Policy Details
Faye Travel Insurance
Check Pricing
via the Faye website
Preferred Plan
Faye Travel Protection Plan
Covers COVID
Yes
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000
/
$500,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Faye is a newer provider that offers great travel coverage that is completely customizable. The coverage limits are high, and it’s well-known for how easy it is to buy and manage your plan through Faye.
They are an app-based service providing a streamlined user experience. The claims process is known for being one of the fastest around, and Faye is quickly growing to be a major contender and disruptor in the travel insurance game.
PROS
- Friendly agents
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Fast reimbursements for eligible claims
- Prompt replies to questions
CONS
- Long wait times for reimbursement
- Difficulty reaching Faye outside of email & virtual chat
Generali Global Assistance
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Standard
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$50,000
/
$250,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Generali Global Assistance’s Standard plan offers some of the best value insurance coverage on our list. This plan provides 100% coverage for trip cancellations and 125% of the insured trip cost for trip interruption. For travelers worried about lost baggage during their France vacation, the Standard plan comes with $1,000 per person in baggage coverage.
When it comes to the medical coverage, the Generali Global Assistance Standard plan provides up to $50,000 in medical coverage and $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage. All this can be purchased with confidence due to Generali Global Assistance’s A rating from AM Best.
PROS
- Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
- Telemedicine included
CONS
- Lower coverage than other Generali plans
- Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
- No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel
Travel Insured International
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Worldwide Trip Protector
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$100,000
/
$1,000,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector is one of the best plans offered by this provider. This plan’s top highlight is its $1 million worth of evacuation coverage and $150,000 worth of non-medical evacuation coverage - covering you for nearly any evacuation scenario you will find yourself in during your trip to France. Along with its top medivac coverage, the Worldwide Trip Protector plan also includes $100,000 worth of secondary medical coverage.
This plan offers 100% coverage when it comes to trip cancellation and 150% coverage for any trip interrupted. Further added bonuses include $1,500 for trip delays and $500 for baggage delays after just a three-hour delay.
PROS
- Travel delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
- Generous $150,000 non-medical evacuation coverage
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
CONS
- CFAR and IFAR coverage not included
- Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
- No rental car coverage
Full Policy Details
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
GET A QUOTE
via Squaremouth’s secure website
Preferred Plan
Essential
Covers COVID
YES
Medical & Evacuation Limits Per Person
$75,000
/
$250,000
Why We Like It
Editor's take
Nationwide’s Essential plan is a popular travel insurance coverage plan for those who want bare-bones travel insurance protection at an affordable price. The Nationwide Essential plan has a long track record for being one of the cheapest plans around.
This plan comes with up to $250,000 in emergency evacuation coverage and 75,000 in emergency medical coverage. For any trip delays you experience during your France trip, Nationwide’s Essential plan will pay out $150 per day.
Both trip cancellation and trip interruption are covered in the Essential plan, offering 100% worth of trip cancelation coverage and 125% in coverage for trip interruptions. Any losses of baggage and personal effects will also be covered, up to a value of $600.
PROS
- Comes with a 10-day review period
- Relatively high limits for medical expenses and emergency evacuation
- The lowest cost for comprehensive coverage across providers we compared
CONS
- Baggage delay coverage only kicks in after 12 hours
- Lower coverage limits than other plans we compared
- Emergency medical coverage is secondary to your own insurance (when applicable)
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Advertiser Disclosure
How much is travel insurance for France?
Travel insurance for France can cost as little as $1 per day, depending on the type of plan you choose and other trip factors. Internal sales data from LA Times’ visitors show that the average cost of travel insurance for France is $6.52 per day.
On average, travelers spent 27 days in France and spent an average of $176.08 on travel insurance.
Medical-only coverage is always the cheapest travel insurance option, but comprehensive plans with cancellation benefits can also work out to be quite affordable.
As an example, we requested quotes for a month long French vacation.
The table below shows four examples of plans we found for a 35-year-old traveler from California, who spent a total of $6,000 for a 29-day trip to France.
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical / Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $302 | $6,000/$9,000 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| AXA | Platinum | $216 | $6,000/$9,000 | $250,000 / $1,000,000 |
| Nationwide | Essential | $311 | $6,000/$7,500 | $75,000 / $250,000 |
| Generali | Standard | $260 | $6,000/$7,500 | $50,000 / $250,000 |
The average cost of travel insurance for France based on the example plans above is $9.37 per day. At this price, you would receive comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, trip interruption, and more.
Please note that these numbers are for example purposes only. Actual plan costs will vary depending on your unique travel parameters and could be cheaper or more expensive.
Is travel insurance necessary for france?
“As a French native, I always advise my foreign friends to consider travel insurance when visiting France. While France is a safe country to visit, you need to be mindful of pickpockets, transportation strikes or demonstrations that happen often.
Since the Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan terrorist attacks in 2015, the country is also on high alert with a plan called “vigipirate” in place. So, I recommend travel insurance just to protect you in case you need to cancel due to these events.
While health care is almost free to French citizens, it does not currently apply to tourists. I recommend taking out a medical health plan. My friend broke his ankle while hiking with us in the Alps, with his travel health coverage he did not have to pay a cent!
Stay safe and enjoy your trip to France :)” – Kathia Gorius
What does France travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance covers you for any unforeseen circumstances that occur during your trip to France.
To obtain a visa, you’ll need coverage for medical expenses and repatriation costs. Many companies also offer coverage for trip cancellations, trip delays, trip interruptions, lost/damaged baggage, and other problems.
Trip cancellation insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is a type of insurance that protects you in case you have to cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances. This type of travel insurance reimburses you for prepaid trip expenses, such as airline tickets and prepaid hotel bookings. It doesn’t reimburse you for expenses you haven’t yet incurred.
Some policies may also provide you with cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance. With this type of coverage, you can cancel your trip for any reason and get back between 50% and 70% of your prepaid travel expenses.
Trip delay insurance
Trip delay insurance reimburses you for certain expenses associated with travel delays. This insurance only kicks in if you’re delayed while traveling via a common carrier. To qualify as a common carrier, the company must offer its services to the public. Therefore, airlines, bus companies, passenger railways, and ferries all count as common carriers.
If a delay occurs, this type of travel insurance may reimburse you for toiletries, medications, hotel accommodation, meals, and transportation to and from your hotel.
Trip interruption insurance
Trip interruption insurance reimburses you for any unused, prepaid expenses if you have to end your trip early for a covered reason. For example, if you arrive as planned, enjoy a few days in Paris, and then have to leave early due to an emergency evacuation, your travel insurance will cover the unused, nonrefundable hotel fees.
This type of insurance doesn’t reimburse you for refundable expenses, so if you can get a hotel or a travel vendor to issue a refund, your policy won’t reimburse you a second time.
Covered reasons include terrorist attacks, serious illnesses, and injuries, natural disasters, required quarantines, and medical evacuations.
Travel medical coverage
Health insurance is the most important part of your travel insurance policy. To get a visa for this zone, you must have insurance that covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses. Your travel health insurance must also cover the cost of repatriation to the United States if you develop a serious illness or injury during your trip.
Regardless of whether you are staying for 90 days or two, medical problems can appear unexpectedly at any time. Unfortunately, you can’t use your American health insurance in France. This is why it’s really important to purchase a travel medical insurance plan.
Let’s say you break your leg after tripping over your beach towel at Antibes. This type of health insurance will cover X-rays, casting, and other related expenses.
This type of medical insurance covers many illnesses and injuries, including heart attacks, broken bones, and strokes. What it doesn’t cover are pre-existing conditions, which are health problems that developed before you purchased your policy.
Medical evacuation insurance
Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest adequate medical facility. For example, if you’re visiting Castelnou, a remote village known for its idyllic countryside, you may need to be transported to a hospital several hours away.
If necessary, this type of travel insurance may pay for you to return to the United States for continuing medical treatment, for a family member to come to France to be with you while you’re sick, or for a medical escort to accompany you on your return flight.
Baggage insurance
Even if you make it to your destination as planned, your luggage may not make it with you. Or if it does, it may not be in one piece. Baggage insurance gives you extra peace of mind in these situations. If your policy covers lost baggage, you will be reimbursed for the cost of your missing belongings. If your policy covers damaged baggage, it will cover the cost of replacing covered items. This type of insurance usually has coverage limits, so your policy may limit you to $500 per lost bag or $1,000 for replacing your damaged belongings.
What does France travel insurance not cover?
Travel insurance typically doesn’t cover the following:
- Cancellation due to a foreseeable event, such as severe storms.
- Restrictions implemented by government agencies, such as restricted travel due to the threat of a terrorist attack.
- Dangerous activities, such as skydiving.
- As noted above, travel insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly travelers should look into travel insurance for seniors.
Tips for choosing the best travel insurance for France
If you have a European vacation coming up, follow these tips for finding the best travel insurance plan.
1
Use a comparison tool
Comparison tools allow you to view multiple plans and prices before enrolling. You may be able to get comprehensive coverage for a much lower price than if you buy direct.
2
Decide how much flexibility you need
Some travel insurance plans allow optional add-ons which can allow you more flexibility when you travel. For example, you can often buy Cancel For Any Reason coverage or Interruption For Any Reason coverage which can allow you to to cancel or interrupt your trip whenever necessary and be reimbursed. A comprehensive plan gives you more freedom, but also costs a good bit extra.
3
Choose your transportation methods carefully
Some travel insurance policies won’t cover trip delays unless you’re traveling via a common carrier. Therefore, if you are delayed while traveling in a rental car or private car, you may not be reimbursed.
4
Adventure sports may not be covered
You may not be covered for many common adventure sports such as hiking or snorkeling. Review your itinerary to determine if there are any adventure sports planned and be sure to check your plan to see if it covers these.
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France travel information & requirements
The table below provides an overview of entry requirements and travel information for your trip to France from the United States.
| Query | Information |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa required? | You must obtain a Schengen visa if you plan to stay in France for more than 90 days. You don’t need a visa for trips lasting 90 days or less. |
| Passport requirements | Every U.S. citizen must have a passport that’s valid for at least 90 days following their planned return date. |
| Local currency | Euro |
| Average 5-year exchange rate | EUR 1 = USD 1.1210 |
| Vaccine requirements | None |
| COVID test required? | No |
| Travel advisory level | Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution |
| Emergency services phone number | 112 |
| Accepts U.S. health insurance? | No |
| Travel insurance required? | Yes, for stays lasting more than 90 days. |
Tips for visiting France
COVID-19 restrictions for entering France
France instated a health check system early during the COVID-19 pandemic. That system was removed on August 1, 2022, so you no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, take a COVID-19 test upon your arrival in France, or give authorities a compelling reason for your travel plans.
Reports from the CDC show COVID cases on the rise, therefore you may want to consider having a COVID travel insurance policy lined up in case you or a travel companion falls ill.
Do I need a visa or passport to travel to France?
If you plan to stay in France for longer than 90 days, you’ll need a long-stay Schengen visa. This visa works in France and 26 other countries in the Schengen Zone.
Is France in the Schengen?
Yes. France belongs to the Schengen Area. Under the Schengen Agreement and the Schengen Convention, countries in this zone allow their citizens to cross internal borders without going through border checks. This means you can pass from France to Italy easily, for example. If you plan to visit more than one destination throughout the year, consider an annual travel insurance plan.
Do I need to speak French to visit France?
Although French is the official language of the country, France is a popular tourist destination and is accustomed to hosting travelers from all over the world. English is spoken by many, especially in major cities and at popular tourist spots. This being said it is always advisable to make an attempt to learn some French. This will both adhere you to the local population and make your trip run far more smoothly.
France travel insurance FAQs
Is it worth getting travel insurance for France?
Yes, it’s worth getting travel insurance before you travel to any country in the Schengen area. If you want to stay in this zone for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa, which requires you to purchase travel insurance. Although you don’t need a Schengen visa for trips lasting 90 days or less, it’s still helpful to have insurance coverage for medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.
Am I required to have travel insurance to visit France?
You don’t need travel insurance for trips of 90 days or less. You are required to have travel insurance if you plan to visit a Schengen country for more than 90 days.
Will my U.S. health insurance cover me in France?
U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, doesn’t cover medical costs incurred in other countries. That’s why it’s so important to purchase an insurance policy before your trip.
Can Americans get free healthcare in France?
According to InterNations, you may qualify for coverage through the French national health care system if you plan to stay in France in a “stable and regular manner” for at least 6 months during the year. Otherwise, Americans don’t qualify for free health insurance in France.
About the Author
Alana Luna (Musselman) is a versatile storyteller with over a decade of writing experience. She is passionate about helping people build their business through unique and engaging content.
Some examples of her current freelance projects include building content strategies for small businesses, completing industry research to build case studies, crafting buyer guides and more.
She has a passion and keen ability to simplify complex ideas through storytelling to make it easier for readers to understand hard-to-digest information. To accomplish this, Alana’s writing holds strong three principles – content that educates, engages and entertains.
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