Do I Need Travel Insurance in France?

Do I need travel insurance in France?
Short answer: yes—travel insurance is strongly recommended for France, even though it is not always legally required. France is a safe country with excellent healthcare, but medical care is not free for tourists, and unexpected problems can become expensive very quickly without insurance.

This guide explains when travel insurance is required, when it’s optional but smart, what it actually covers in France, and how to decide what level of coverage you really need while visiting France or staying in Paris.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for France?

For Visa-Free Tourists (Short Stays)

If you are visiting France visa-free (for example, from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or many other countries), travel insurance is not legally mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

No one will usually ask to see your insurance at the airport.
However, if something goes wrong, you pay first—insurance reimburses later.

For Schengen Visa Applicants

If you need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory.

Minimum requirements:

• Valid for all Schengen countries

• Covers the entire stay

• At least €30,000 medical coverage

• Covers emergency medical care and repatriation

Without insurance, your visa application will be refused.

Why Travel Insurance Matters in France (Even Though It’s a “Safe” Country)

France’s healthcare system is excellent—but tourists are treated as private patients.

Here’s what surprises many visitors:

• Ambulance rides are not free

• Emergency room visits are billed

• Hospital stays can cost thousands of euros

• Repatriation to your home country is extremely expensive

Travel insurance is not about danger—it’s about financial protection.

What Does Travel Insurance Actually Cover in France?

A good policy typically includes:

Medical Coverage

• Doctor visits

• Emergency room treatment

• Hospitalisation

• Prescription medication

• Ambulance services

Even a simple ER visit can cost several hundred euros.

Emergency Repatriation

If you need to return home due to:

• Serious illness

• Injury

• Family emergency

This is one of the most expensive situations—and one of the most important reasons to have insurance.

Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Covers losses if:

• You must cancel due to illness or emergency

• Your trip is cut short

• Flights are delayed or cancelled

This matters more than people expect.

Theft or Loss of Belongings

Covers:

• Stolen luggage

• Lost electronics

• Pickpocket incidents

Paris is generally safe, but petty theft exists.

Is Healthcare in France Free for Tourists?

No.

France has a public healthcare system, but tourists are not automatically covered.

You will:

• Receive treatment

• Be billed afterward

Some costs may be reimbursed later—but only if you have insurance.

What About the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

If you are an EU/EEA citizen with an EHIC or GHIC, you may receive basic state healthcare in France.

Important limitations:

• It does NOT cover private healthcare

• It does NOT cover repatriation

• It does NOT replace travel insurance

Even with an EHIC, travel insurance is still recommended.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Short Trips to Paris?

Yes—especially for short trips.

Why?

• Short trips don’t reduce medical risk

• Accidents don’t schedule themselves

• Medical costs don’t care how long you stay

A 3-day trip can still result in a large medical bill.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Families or Children?

Absolutely.

Children:

• Get sick suddenly

• Have accidents more easily

• Often need urgent care

Travel insurance for families is not optional—it’s basic planning.

Do I Need Travel Insurance If I’m Careful?

This is a common myth.

Travel insurance is not for reckless travelers.
It’s for:

• Food poisoning

• Slips and falls

• Unexpected illness

• Transportation disruptions

Carefulness does not replace coverage.

What Happens If I Don’t Have Travel Insurance?

Best-case scenario:

• Nothing happens

• You “save” a small amount of money

Worst-case scenario:

• Thousands of euros in medical bills

• Stress dealing with hospitals

• Financial strain during or after your trip

The risk-to-cost ratio heavily favors insurance.

How Much Does Travel Insurance for France Cost?

Usually:

• A few euros per day

• Less than one meal in Paris

Compared to potential costs, insurance is one of the cheapest protections you can buy.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for France

Look for a policy that includes:

• At least €30,000–€50,000 medical coverage

• Emergency repatriation

• 24/7 assistance

• Coverage for theft and delays

Avoid ultra-cheap policies with major exclusions.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Avoid these:

• Assuming healthcare is free

• Relying only on credit card coverage

• Not checking policy limits

• Thinking “it won’t happen to me”

Most people who regret skipping insurance say the same thing—after it’s too late.

So, Do I Need Travel Insurance in France?

The Honest Answer

• Required? Sometimes (Schengen visa)

• Smart? Always

Yes, you should have travel insurance when visiting France.
It protects your health, your finances, and your peace of mind—so you can actually enjoy the trip.

France is a wonderful place to visit.
Travel insurance ensures one bad moment doesn’t define the whole experience.