France Travel Insurance: Plans & Prices
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Key Takeaways
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Based on the unique risks associated with trips to France, we recommend opting for travel insurance policies that include: Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, Trip Delay, Missed Connection, and Baggage Loss protection.
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Our analysis of travel insurance purchases over the past 12 months on Squaremouth found that Tin Leg, IMG, & Travel Insured International offer the best travel insurance for France.
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Travel insurance for France can start at just $4.95 per day for basic Emergency Medical coverage, whereas comprehensive plans with Trip Cancellation provide better overall protection and cost around $35 per day.
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We recommend using an online travel insurance comparison tool to review travel insurance quotes from multiple providers at once and quickly find the right policy for travel to France.
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If you need personalized guidance or assistance when choosing, our award-winning customer service agents can assist you at 1-800-240-0369
Our Top Recommended France Travel Insurance Plans
Over the last 12 months, the top three travel insurance plans purchased by travelers with upcoming trips to France on Squaremouth were:
Do I Need Travel Insurance for France?
Travel insurance is not required to enter France as a tourist, but we strongly recommend having medical travel insurance at a minimum, as U.S. health insurance doesn’t work outside of the United States.
Having travel medical insurance can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses and help ensure you have quick and easy access to quality medical care while in France.
Apart from this, France has other situational risks to consider which comprehensive travel insurance can help mitigate.
Reasons You May Need Travel Insurance for France
Medical Emergencies
France offers high-quality medical care, but foreign visitors must pay for services upfront.
Tin Leg Travel Insurance claims data from the past 12 months shows the average payout amount for emergency medical claims in France is $545, and that a general practitioner visit for something like a skin infection costs claimants around $300, including the doctor’s visit and medication. A trip to the emergency room for a fall, including an ambulance ride and treatment, might cost a little over $1,000.
While these prices are nowhere near U.S. healthcare prices care or emergency inpatient care could end up costing thousands.
✅ Travel medical insurance can reimburse you for hospital stays, urgent care visits, and emergency medical evacuations and can also assist in helping you find a doctor that speaks English.
Petty Theft
France consistently ranks as the most visited country in the world setting a tourism record in 2025. 2026 is already shaping up to be another busy year, with hotels near maximum capacity, strained roadways and railways, and long security lines at airports.
Large crowds also make France a top spot for pickpocketing and petty theft, as noted by travel.state.gov.
✅ Travel insurance for France can help mitigate these inconveniences by compensating you for unexpected disruptions and interruptions, as well as lost and stolen baggage or personal items. Additionally, all policies sold on Squaremouth include 24/7 emergency assistance, which may be able to help you replace lost documents or arrange emergency funds.
Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather events are on the rise in France including summer heatwaves, wildfires, Alpine snowstorms, Mediterranean flooding, and severe storms.
Recent heatwaves led to the shutdown of some rail routes in France and the temporary closure of popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. In July, a wildfire caused by the intense heatwave forced the evacuation of over 20,000 tourists along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.
✅ Trip cancellation and interruption insurance with natural disaster coverage can reimburse you in case you need to cancel your trip or evacuate due to severe weather. Coverage like Cancel For Any Reason protection can let you cancel your trip due to fear of travel or extreme weather.
Travel Disruptions
France is especially susceptible to airport congestion, as it tops the list of European countries for the most arrivals, departures, and overflights. France also recently banned domestic flights under 2.5 hours for routes where train travel is possible to save on fuel emissions.
As an example, this past July, French airports had an operational meltdown due to air traffic control congestion, fleet groundings, and capacity constraints at several airports, resulting in delays and cancellations across many destinations.
Additionally, the rollout of the EU’s new Entry/Exist System (EES) is causing major delays at checkpoints, with wait times up to 3 hours at peak travel times.
All of these scenarios could increase your chance of travel delays when trying to reach pre-booked elements of your trip like ground transportation, tours, and more.
✅ Travel insurance can reimburse expenses for delayed flights, missed connections, and unexpected hotel and meal costs for covered delays and cancellations. If delays cause you to miss a prepaid tour or cruise departure, some plans can help you catch up with your itinerary.
Security Concerns
France’s national terrorist alert warning is currently at an intermediate level, indicating a significant threat. This heightened alert increases security measures nationwide, including advising citizens to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive notifications about threats.
Civil unrest is also common in France, including a 2025 protest that blocked roadways and gas stations and set fires across France and the Champions League riots across France in May 2026.
✅ Trip interruption and cancellation coverage can protect your investment if a terrorist incident occurs at your destination and you no longer feel safe continuing your trip. While coverage typically doesn’t include civil unrest, a CFAR add-on can give you the flexibility to cancel.
Activity-Based Travel Risks
France leads other European countries as a top destination for skiing, including Chamonix, Tignes, and Val d’Isère. Injuries sustained on the slopes may require expensive medical treatment and evacuation, often not included in standard health insurance policies.
France is also an increasingly popular spot for river cruising. Like other types of travel in France, river cruising is susceptible to strikes and weather-related disruptions, and especially cancellations and diversions due to low water levels.
During a 2026 heatwave, travelers were warned of itinerary changes, ship swaps, and cancellations due to low water levels in the Rhine and Danube rivers.
✅ Look for travel insurance plans that include Sports & Activities coverage to protect against injuries, medical evacuations, and lost or damaged ski gear during your trip. Cruise travel insurance plans offer reimbursement in case of cruise-specific disruptions like itinerary changes, missed ports of call, and missed excursions.
More Details On the Best Travel Insurance for France
Most Popular France Travel Insurance Plan
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$500,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
The most popular travel insurance plan among Squaremouth customers visiting France, making up 23% of all policy sales covering the destination
Includes $500,000 in Emergency Medical coverage that can reimburse you for unexpected hospital, doctor, and medication expenses incurred during your time in France
Covers up to $30,000 in travel expenses per person if your trip is cancelled due to a covered reason, making it a great option if your trip involves high upfront costs like airfare and hotel bookings
Best Value Travel Insurance
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Offers strong medical and evacuation coverage at a premium that’s 8% below the destination average, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers
Offers $1,000 in Baggage Loss protection per person, which can reimburse you for personal items that are stolen or damaged during your time in France
Covers pre-existing medical conditions that flare up during your trip if you purchase your policy within 21 days of making your initial trip deposit
Best for Family Trips to France
Medical / Med Evac Coverage
$100,000 / $500,000Cancellation / Interruption Limits
100% / 150% of trip cost
Features the most generous ‘Kids Covered Free’ pricing on the market, allowing parents to protect up to 9 children on one policy at no additional cost
Great for customization, with optional add-ons like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) and Rental Car Damage protection for added peace of mind and financial protection
Allows customers to increase coverage limits for key benefits like Emergency Medical and Trip Delay for a small fee, letting families tailor protection to their specific needs
Offers a range of added benefits, including complimentary concierge services and identity theft protection, to further support policyholders while they’re away from home
How Much Does France Travel Insurance Cost?
At the time of writing, the overall average cost of travel insurance for France was $35 per day, based on internal sales data from travelers who used Squaremouth to protect their purchased trips to France over the last 12 months. However, the cost varies depending on the type of coverage you buy.
The average traveler spends $519 on a comprehensive travel insurance plan to cover an average stay of 15 days in the country and an average trip cost of $8,128. This comes out to just over $35 per day for comprehensive coverage.
That said, medical-only travel coverage can provide more affordable options for travelers who don’t prioritize comprehensive cancellation, delay, and interruption protection, averaging just $4.95 per day.
We sampled quotes for the top three plans for a 15-day France trip in August for a 45-year-old traveler, assuming a $8,128 trip cost. Plan costs ranged from $27-$28 for a medical only policy and $243.63-$443 for a comprehensive plan.
Medical-Only Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $28 | $0 / $0 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | Not Available | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPax | $27 | $0 / $0 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
Prices accurate as of July 24, 2026
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cost Example
| Provider | Plan Name | Plan Cost | Cancellation / Interruption Limits | Medical/Medevac Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tin Leg | Gold | $443.00 | $8,128 / $12,192 | $500,000 / $500,000 |
| IMG | iTravelInsured Choice | $243.63 | $8,128 / $12,192 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
| Travel Insured International | FlexiPax | $290.00 | $8,128 / $12,192 | $100,000 / $500,000 |
Prices accurate as of July 24, 2026
What Travel Coverage Do You Need for France?
Regardless of when or where you travel in France, we recommend purchasing at least basic travel medical coverage. If you have non-refundable trip expenses, a comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide broader protection, especially considering France’s popularity and range of travel activities.
Check out the best benefits to look for when buying travel insurance for France:
Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
Trips to France are often bucket-list vacations, with expenses such as international flights, boutique hotels, and tours adding up quickly. If you need to cancel or shorten your trip due to illness, injury, a family emergency, or severe weather, trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs.
Most comprehensive plans provide 100% reimbursement for cancellations and up to 150% for interruptions, which can help cover the cost of returning home early and replacing unused travel arrangements.
Travel Medical Coverage
Medical care in France is excellent; however, U.S. health insurance, including Medicare, is not accepted. Travelers must pay for treatment out of pocket, even in emergencies. A travel medical policy can cover these unexpected expenses and protect you from substantial bills abroad.
We recommend choosing a policy with at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage, though frequent or older travelers may prefer higher limits. Some policies also provide coverage for flare-ups of pre-existing conditions.
Medical Evacuation Coverage
While France has world-class hospitals, emergency medical evacuation may be necessary if you visit remote villages, mountainous regions like the Alps, or ski resorts. Evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility, or even back to the U.S., can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
We recommend choosing a plan with at least $200,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage to stay protected. This often includes medical repatriation in the unfortunate event of a traveler’s death.
Insurance for Baggage and Personal Items
France is typically safe, yet petty theft and baggage loss can occur in major cities such as Paris. Baggage insurance can reimburse lost, stolen, or damaged items, including electronics, protecting you for flights with many connections, and at train stations and other spots where your luggage is vulnerable to theft.
Review your policy details, as some policies impose low limits on high-value goods. For added security, leaving irreplaceable valuables at home or selecting a plan with comprehensive baggage coverage may be a better option.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR)
Consider purchasing CFAR insurance if you have concerns about cancelling for a non-covered reason, as it’s the only insurance that can offer protection for traditionally excluded events.
2026 has been a very turbulent year for international travel, and many travelers have debated cancelling trips for reasons that aren’t typically covered by standard Trip Cancellation insurance, like forecasted heatwaves, wildfires, and civil unrest.
What Isn’t Covered by French Travel Insurance Plans?
Most standard travel insurance policies have exclusions, meaning certain situations and activities won’t be covered. Here’s what is typically not included in French travel insurance plans:
- Alcohol-related incidents: Although France is famous for its wine and champagne, be aware that claims arising from injuries or accidents that occur with alcohol or drug use will not be covered by travel insurance.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Most policies will not cover complications arising from existing health issues unless you buy a pre-existing condition waiver within the time-sensitive window after booking your trip.
- Extreme winter sports: High-risk activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering are not covered by default. If you plan to take part in sports activities while you’re in Europe, be sure to opt for a policy that includes a Sports & Activities or Adventure Sports upgrade.
- Civil unrest and government travel advisories: France currently has a Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State due to terrorism and unrest. U.S. government travel alerts or changes to a Level 4 travel ban can happen at a moment’s notice, which can impact your coverage. Always check the latest advisories at travel.state.gov.
- Rain or heat that doesn’t lead to cancellations: Only plans with inclement weather protection will cover you for weather disruptions. Mere inconvenience due to heat or rain isn’t covered.
- Voluntary cancellation or fear of travel: Preemptively cancelling your trip because of fear, for example being concerned about a coming heatwave or potential riot, won’t qualify for reimbursement under standard Trip Cancellation insurance. For this, consider a policy with CFAR coverage.
As always, we recommend reading the fine print and understanding your policy before purchasing a plan to help prevent coverage gaps and unexpected out-of-pocket costs while traveling. Our quote tool can help you pinpoint plans with the coverage that you need.
Tips to Finding the Best Travel Insurance for France
Use a Comparison Tool
As the nation’s largest travel insurance marketplace, Squaremouth lets you compare more policies and providers than any other site. Viewing multiple plans side-by-side helps you find the best travel insurance for your France vacation without overpaying. Whether sipping wine in Bordeaux or skiing in the Alps, you can easily filter for coverage that matches your itinerary.
Read the Fine Print and Policy Exclusions
Not all travel insurance plans include the same benefits, and coverage can vary widely. Pay close attention to exclusions, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or plan on doing adventure sports like skiing or hiking. Reading the policy’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) can help you understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Consider Your Specific Travel Risks When Buying Coverage
You should consider location-specific risks like pickpocketing and wildfires, as well as personal risks based on your age and any pre-existing conditions when purchasing coverage. You should also assess all the activities you have planned, as you may need specialized coverage for cruising, skiing, or biking.
Determine How Much Coverage You Need
We recommend at least $100,000 in Emergency Medical coverage and $200,000 in Medical Evacuation coverage for travel to France. Costs due to a medical emergency can quickly add up and typically have to be paid upfront for reimbursement later (except for cases like a medical evacuation that are too expensive to pay out-of-pocket and require immediate treatment). Some travel insurance policies will front the payment on your behalf, helping you avoid expensive upfront bills.
Is Travel Insurance for France Worth It?
If you’re traveling to France in 2026, travel insurance can be well worth it. At the least, you should consider medical travel insurance to protect you against catastrophic medical costs in case of an emergency.
A comprehensive travel insurance policy can provide financial protection against common disruptions, like delayed and cancelled flights, lost luggage, and cancellations and evacuations due to a natural disaster. For a cost of around $35 per day, you can cover thousands of dollars in expenses if something goes wrong.
FAQ: France Travel Insurance
Is France Safe to Visit?
Yes, but travel alerts can change at a moment’s notice, so be sure to stay informed. France is currently under a heightened national security alert. Keep an eye on updates via Travel.State.Gov.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for France in 2026?
Yes, but travel alerts can change at a moment’s notice, so be sure to stay informed. France is currently under a heightened national security alert. Keep an eye on updates via Travel.State.Gov.
What Documents Are Required to Travel to France?
You need a valid passport to enter France. Note: if you’re a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa unless you’re staying 90 days or longer.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport to Travel to France?
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting France for stays under 90 days, but all travelers need to have a valid passport to travel to France.
Does U.S. Health Insurance Work in France?
Generally, U.S. health insurance is not accepted in France. Therefore, it’s best to buy travel medical insurance.
Does France Require COVID Insurance?
No, there is no specific requirement for COVID insurance. However, all travel insurance plans on Squaremouth include coverage for COVID-related expenses.