Travel Insurance for France
What Americans need to know before traveling to France
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel protection plans for your trip to France. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in France like skiing, sailing and hiking.
- Plans for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip delays and lost luggage.
France comes second only to Mexico as the country Americans visit most. Paris is easy to love, of course – once you’ve ticked off the must-visit sights, there are countless neighborhoods, museums and markets to explore. As for nightlife, Paris offers everything from underground clubs to cabaret at the Moulin Rouge. France’s rivers lead to cities like Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Nice, each with a storied past to uncover. Indulging in the food and wine of Alsace, Burgundy and Champagne is a given, and art lovers wanting to walk in the footsteps of their favorite artists can do so in the rolling countryside, towns and hilltop villages of Provence – you can even have a croissant and cafe au lait at the same Arles cafe Van Gogh painted. With any luck, the worst you’ll deal with is a hangover after a night out – but it may pay to be prepared for more serious surprises with travel protection.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel protection coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to France. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Get a quote |
Travel insurance for adventure activities in France
If you’re all about getting outdoors, France has plenty on offer. In winter, hit the slopes in the French Alps, then come back in summer for hiking, climbing and paragliding over alpine valleys. Down south, the French Riviera is made for life on the water, from sailing and kayaking to swimming in clear Mediterranean coves. Ready to ride? Cycle through Provence’s countryside or take on longer routes through the Loire Valley. If you’re feeling adventurous, go canyoning in southern France, bungee jump off the highest bridge in Europe, ride horses on the beaches of Normandy or sky dive over Cannes.
Coverage for activities in France
Common insurance considerations for France
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get sick or have an accident that sends you to the hospital, you’ll be glad you purchased travel protection before you left home. Took a tumble on the ski slopes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and ended up in the hospital? Ate a seafood galette at a dodgy Parisian bistro and ended up with food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away. All World Nomads plans include non-insurance services like portable health records. This enables medical staff to access your records 24/7. Having that information available may be critical if you experience an unexpected medical emergency while travelling.
Trip cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel protection plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home. Change your mind about traveling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase the Cancel For Any Reason benefit within 7 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight) and remember to cancel no later than two days before your departure date. Additional cost, terms and conditions apply; not available to New York residents.
Emergency evacuation
If you get sick or injured and your condition is acute, severe, or life threatening and you’re far from suitable medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage may help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the maximum benefit amount, to get you to the closest suitable medical facility or to your primary residence for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having in France, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get injured or sick while you're traveling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips we recommend for traveling to France
- Book ahead for major attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower to avoid long queues and sold-out time slots
- Be mindful of pickpocketing in busy areas and on public transport, especially in Paris
- If you don’t speak French, try not to get offended at restaurants and shops if busy people get frustrated with your attempts to communicate. Use Google Translate
- Avoid locking valuables in your rental car and use luggage locks.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for France. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Americans need a visa to visit France?
Americans don’t need a visa for short stays in France (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), but must apply for ETIAS authorization before arrival. Check current requirements before you travel.
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Is France safe for tourists?
France is generally safe for travelers, though petty theft can occur in busy areas and on public transport, particularly in Paris. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow US Department of State travel advisories*. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that arise.
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What if my bags are lost or stolen?
Travel insurance benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans. Also, our non-insurance service included in every plan assists with tracking and delivering missing checked bags.
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What if my passport gets stolen in France?
World Nomads travel protection plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the plan towards the replacement of your passport or one or more other travel documents mentioned above.
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What is the best time to visit France?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be crowded, especially in Paris and along the coast.
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Can I drink tap water in France?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink across France.
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What is the best way to get around France?
France has an excellent train network, including high-speed TGV services connecting major cities. Car hire is useful for exploring rural regions like Provence and the Loire Valley.
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Do I need to tip in France?
Service is usually included in restaurant bills, so tipping isn’t expected, though rounding up or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
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What currency is used in France?
France uses the euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
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Do I need travel insurance for France?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Benefits for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness. All World Nomads plans for US residents include insurance benefits and additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid travel-related illnesses.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7: https://worldnomads-us.eclaims.csaclaims.com. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 844-207-1930 and we can assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Need destination inspiration for France?
Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
Lille and Lyon, France: Gorgeous Alternatives to Paris
Cycling the Seine From Paris to the Sea
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.