Compare travel insurance for France
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Key things to know for travel insurance for France
- GHIC/EHIC Limitations: While valid in French public hospitals, the GHIC does not cover the 20–30% "ticket modérateur" (co-payment), the €20 daily hospital fee, or any treatment in private facilities.
- New Border Controls (EES): As of early 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational; travellers must provide biometric data (fingerprints/facial scans), and border officials may request proof of travel insurance to verify cover for emergency costs.
- High Repatriation Costs: State-provided healthcare does not cover medical transport to the UK; private air ambulances from France typically cost between £4,500 and £12,000, making comprehensive insurance essential.
- Critical Policy Exclusions: Standard travel insurance is invalidated by injuries sustained while intoxicated, accidents related to undisclosed pre-existing conditions, or participating in high-risk sports like skiing without specific winter sports add-ons.
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Compare Travel Insurance for France
While France may be a short trip across the English Channel, and both the EHIC and GHIC cards are valid there, travel insurance can still help protect yourself from unexpected emergencies. It can do what neither the GHIC nor EHIC can’t, and that’s protect you from the following:
- Having to pay thousands of pounds in medical costs if you fell ill or got injured
- Having to pay to replace your lost or stolen luggage
- Paying for essentials if your trip was disrupted
Also, due to the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS, French border guards at the Eurotunnel and ferry ports can legally request proof of travel insurance. Although this isn’t that common, not having travel insurance could potentially end your trip before it starts.
France is arguably one of the most appealing destinations for UK residents, with over 9 million Brits visiting the country in 20241. It’s not a surprise, as France has so much to offer, including:
- Wine tasting
- The Eiffel Tower
- Lavender Fields
- The French Riviera
- The French Alps
But getting travel insurance before you go, can be the difference between enjoying all of these things stress free vs. worrying about unforeseen events.
What does travel insurance for France cover?
Medical care | A GHIC is only valid in French public hospitals. Having travel insurance can mean that you can access more, and higher quality hospitals if needed, without having to pay the full bill, which can be expensive. |
Repatriation (being flown back to your home country) | If you’re badly injured and need to be flown back to the UK, a private air ambulance can cost anywhere between £4,500—£12,000. Travel insurance can help cover the cost of this. |
Luggage and Personal Belongings | In large cities in particular, it’s not uncommon to lose your belongings, or have them stolen. Travel insurance can cover you if this happens. It can also cover you for or loss or damage during your flight/train/ferry. |
Travel disruption | Delays and cancellations are common when travelling into France. Whether it be strikes on the Eurotunnel, or problems at Charles de Gaulle airport. |
Cancellation (You’re unable to travel) | If you’re unable to go on your trip because of injury, illness, or an emergency, you’re more likely to get a refund if you have travel insurance. |
Why you might need travel insurance for France
It’s now common, as of early 2026, that you may be asked for proof of your travel insurance when entering France as part of the EES2 (EU Entry/Exit system) You’re not legally required to have travel insurance, but it could make getting into the country a lot easier.
It also gives you peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to pay the 20—30% charge, also known as the ticket modérateur, and the daily €20 hospital fee.
What is not covered by travel insurance for France?
High-risk activities | If you plan to go skiing in the French Alps, you’d need to get a specific activity add-on, for example, winter sports, that will cover you for this. The same goes for other fun, but high-risk activities such as rock climbing, skydiving and mountain biking. |
Non-emergency care | Travel insurance is specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does not cover routine check-ups, elective surgeries, or cosmetic treatments. |
Intoxication | If you become ill, or get injured, as a result of taking illegal drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, your policy will be invalidated. |
Not disclosing pre-existing conditions | It’s important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions you have. If you were to become ill, or get injured as a result of a pre-existing medical condition, your claim will be rejected. You will then have to pay the medical bill in full. |
How much is travel insurance for France?
France is one of the most affordable destinations when it comes to travel insurance, this is mainly because it falls into the Europe/Region 1 bracket, which doesn’t include more expensive destinations such as the USA.
Some of the other factors that affect the cost of travel insurance include:
- The duration of the trip - Longer trips increases the risk of you making a claim, which often leads to higher travel insurance costs.
- The planned activities during the trip - If you plan to do riskier activities such as skiing, hiking or mountain biking, it’s more likely the cost of the premium will be higher.
- Age - Your age can affect the price of your cover. Costs will increase at certain age milestones, such as 65 and 75. This is because insurers tend to see older people as a higher risk.
- Medical history - Insurers often see people with pre-existing conditions as higher risk customers, so the price may increase.
- Single Trip vs Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) policies - The price of your travel insurance can also be affected by whether you choose a single trip or annual multi-trip policy.
How to find affordable travel insurance for France
- Check the "Forfait" Cover - Check if your policy covers the forfait journalier hospitalier—a mandatory daily bed fee of €20 in France. Since state healthcare only covers about 80% of hospital costs, this "forfait" can add up quickly.
- Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions - It’s important to tell your insurer about your pre-existing medical conditions, so you can find the right cover, no matter how minor it may seem to you. This can save you tens of thousands of pounds in medical costs simply because you were fully transparent.
- Select "Europe Only" - If you have an annual multi-trip policy and are only visiting the French mainland or French territories you don’t need worldwide cover, which makes your premium significantly cheaper.
- Use your GHIC: Many insurers will waive your medical excess if you use your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) at a French public hospital.
Compare travel insurance quotes now to find the best policy for your trip to France.