Best Travel Insurance for France in 2025
- The best travel insurances for France
- Is it currently safe to travel to France?
- Is travel insurance required for a visa for France?
- Why take out travel insurance for France?
- The coverage included in travel insurance for France
- The cost of travel insurance for France
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to France
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in France?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for France: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for France covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for US citizens, but vital as US health plans rarely cover you abroad.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in France is excellent but costly; a hospital night can exceed $1,000 for visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for France typically costs between $30 and $70.
5. Good to know: US citizens are not eligible for France's public healthcare system without specific residency status.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for France.
The best travel insurances for France
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1M | Our leading choice for France. - high medical coverage - strong evacuation support - extensive benefit options |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1M | Practical and reliable for US visitors. - 24/7 assistance - no deductible - clear and simple conditions |
| Tourist Card | $500k | A well-suited plan for city travel and sightseeing. - solid medical cover - emergency helpline - competitive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | $700k | Balanced protection for US travelers in France. - hospital care abroad - repatriation - quick processing |
| Globe Partner | $300k | Essential protection for longer or study visits. - basic medical - repatriation - civil liability included |
| Globe Traveller | $500k | Cost-effective solution for short vacations. - necessary medical cover - simple reimbursement - lower maximum limit |
- high medical coverage
- strong evacuation support
- extensive benefit options
- 24/7 assistance
- no deductible
- clear and simple conditions
- solid medical cover
- emergency helpline
- competitive pricing
- hospital care abroad
- repatriation
- quick processing
- basic medical
- repatriation
- civil liability included
- necessary medical cover
- simple reimbursement
- lower maximum limit
Is it currently safe to travel to France?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State continues to advise travelers to France to exercise increased caution, mainly due to ongoing risks related to terrorism and civil unrest. There are no general restrictions, but visitors are urged to remain vigilant at all times.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: theft and pickpocketing are common in crowded areas such as Paris subways and popular attractions. Demonstrations, sometimes spontaneous, frequently occur in city centers and can disrupt transit in places like Place de la République.
- Health risks: there are no special vaccine requirements for entry, but comprehensive health coverage is important as US Medicare is not accepted. Emergency hospital visits, for example after a traffic incident, can be very expensive without insurance.
- Legal aspects: forms of identification must be carried at all times and presented to police upon request. The US emergency passport booklet is not accepted for visa-free entry.
- Cultural and environmental norms: regular strikes, especially in transport sectors, are routine in France and often affect trains, airports, and subways. Major sporting events or national holidays can lead to significant travel delays.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in France.
Is travel insurance required for a visa for France?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US citizens traveling to France for tourist stays under 90 days.
Travel insurance is still highly recommended because US health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not provide coverage in France. Medical expenses, emergency repatriation, or an extended hospital stay can result in significant out-of-pocket costs if you are uninsured.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to France. This is common as France is considered a very safe country, but healthcare costs and the risk of theft in tourist areas remain concerns.
Why take out travel insurance for France?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to France.
While France’s public hospitals, such as Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière in Paris, deliver high-quality care, non-residents including US citizens are required to pay all costs up front. Treatments in private clinics like the American Hospital of Paris are even more expensive, particularly for emergencies or specialized services, and bills can rise quickly if admission or surgery is needed.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in France.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at American Hospital of Paris | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €2,500 (approx. $2,700) | up to full reimbursement |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €1,100 (approx. $1,200) | up to full reimbursement |
| I need to be repatriated | €30,000 (approx. $32,000) | up to full reimbursement |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €7,500 (approx. $8,000) | up to full reimbursement |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
The coverage included in travel insurance for France
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical care, consultation, and hospitalization costs in France if you get sick or injured. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid travel costs if you must cancel due to unforeseen events before departure. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $2,000 per person. |
| 🧳 Luggage and personal effects | Pays for stolen, lost, or damaged baggage and essentials replacement while traveling. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $1,500 per person. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers emergency ambulance or airlift costs to the nearest appropriate medical center. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000. |
| 🏠 Repatriation | Pays for medical repatriation to the U.S. if required, including for major injuries or severe illness. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Covers costs if you unintentionally cause injury or damage to someone else or their property. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $50,000. |
| ⏸️ Trip interruption | Refunds unused travel services if you have to cut your trip short due to emergency. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $2,000 per person. |
| 🚗 Rental car insurance | Pays for damages to your rental vehicle from accidents or theft. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $25,000. |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $2,000 per person.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $1,500 per person.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $100,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $50,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $2,000 per person.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least $25,000.
Travel insurance included in bank cards or local French providers often has low limits and many exclusions. For fuller protection, choose a trusted insurer with complete coverage. Compare top offers on HelloSafe and get certified immediately by subscribing online.
The cost of travel insurance for France
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $19–$35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $32–$58 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $54–$92 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $132–$210 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance policy is shaped by several key details. The final cost will depend on factors like the traveler's age, the duration of the stay, the destination, coverage limits, and any selected add-ons such as cancellation options. It's essential to keep these in mind to choose the best plan for your needs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to France
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to France while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🧑💼 Traveller's age | Insurance costs generally increase with age in France, especially for people over 60. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for travelers over 62, making it worth considering for older visitors. |
| ✈️ Length of stay | The length of your visit changes the risk period, so longer stays can result in higher prices. | Select coverage only for the specific dates you need to avoid unnecessary excess charges. |
| 👨👩👧 Number of travelers | Insuring multiple people separately is costly. Family or group policies can help reduce total cost. | Choose a family or group plan if traveling with others, often it provides a discount per person. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Medical expenses in France can be significant if you need private care or evacuation. | Pick coverage that matches your needs, don't select the highest limits if standard coverage is sufficient. |
| 🏞️ Planned activities | Some activities are considered higher risk, affecting your price, especially in France’s outdoors. | Exclude adventure or sports coverage if you do not plan to participate in such activities during your trip. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | A higher deductible lowers your premium but raises your out-of-pocket costs for a claim. | Opt for a higher deductible to reduce the upfront cost if you’re comfortable covering minor claims yourself. |
| 🇫🇷 Geographical coverage | Restricting coverage only to France, not other European countries, can lower your premium. | Select a plan that only covers France if you are not traveling to other countries in the Schengen area. |
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in France?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your current coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health system, can protect you during a trip to France. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in France? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No coverage for medical care or hospitalization abroad. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ for medical care, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna) | Yes, partly | Some emergency medical costs, often capped at $10,000, usually no repatriation. | Travel insurance provides $100,000+ for emergencies, medical evacuation, and 24/7 support. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity, Capital One) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical ($5,000–$10,000), no cancellation or lost baggage coverage. | Travel insurance includes $100,000+ medical, baggage loss, and trip interruption. |
| Premium credit card (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Mastercard World Elite) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $25,000, some travel delay/baggage, but strict limits and many exclusions. | Travel insurance offers $100,000+, broad coverage, and more complete travel assistance. |
Example
While skiing in Chamonix, an American tore his ACL. The helicopter rescue and surgery cost $25,000. His Visa Signature card's travel benefit capped medical at $2,500, and his US health plan had no overseas coverage. Without proper travel insurance, he faced a shocking $22,500 bill for his French Alps vacation.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death, are often excluded. Read the fine print carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to France of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen zone. Ensure you do not use a U.S. emergency passport with only 12 pages, as it is not accepted.
How do I purchase travel insurance for France?
Begin by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to view various options. Review each plan for specific coverage details and exclusions that apply when traveling to France. Purchase your selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, typically within minutes.
Are healthcare and medical costs expensive in France for U.S. visitors?
While France offers high-quality medical care, U.S. citizens must pay out-of-pocket for services, and costs can be significant without insurance. Hospital stays, urgent care visits, and specialized treatments may quickly add up. Having travel health insurance can help you avoid expensive medical bills.
Is travel insurance valid in all French territories and overseas regions?
Most standard travel insurance policies for France also cover French overseas departments such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion. However, always confirm the geographic scope with your insurer, as some policies may exclude certain territories or have different limits for overseas regions.
What happens if my belongings are stolen or lost in France?
Pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport, is a common issue in France. If you have travel insurance with personal property coverage, you can file a claim for eligible stolen or lost items. Make a local police report and retain all documentation as required by your insurer.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to France of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen zone. Ensure you do not use a U.S. emergency passport with only 12 pages, as it is not accepted.
How do I purchase travel insurance for France?
Begin by using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to view various options. Review each plan for specific coverage details and exclusions that apply when traveling to France. Purchase your selected policy online, and you will receive your insurance certificate by email, typically within minutes.
Are healthcare and medical costs expensive in France for U.S. visitors?
While France offers high-quality medical care, U.S. citizens must pay out-of-pocket for services, and costs can be significant without insurance. Hospital stays, urgent care visits, and specialized treatments may quickly add up. Having travel health insurance can help you avoid expensive medical bills.
Is travel insurance valid in all French territories and overseas regions?
Most standard travel insurance policies for France also cover French overseas departments such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion. However, always confirm the geographic scope with your insurer, as some policies may exclude certain territories or have different limits for overseas regions.
What happens if my belongings are stolen or lost in France?
Pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport, is a common issue in France. If you have travel insurance with personal property coverage, you can file a claim for eligible stolen or lost items. Make a local police report and retain all documentation as required by your insurer.
