Travel Insurance for France
France’s mix of culture, cuisine, and iconic scenery makes it a dream destination, but it helps to be aware of common travel concerns. Choosing travel insurance for France can help you navigate these situations with greater confidence.Do You Need Travel Insurance for France?
Travel insurance is not required for France, but it is recommended due to common travel disruptions (U.S. Department of State). According to On Call International*, crowded areas see opportunistic theft, labor strikes can impact flights and rail service, and the terrorism threat underscores the importance of emergency and trip interruption coverage. Travel insurance helps fill these gaps so you can travel with greater peace of mind.
Will Domestic Insurance Work in France?
Your U.S. health insurance may not provide protection while traveling in France, so it’s important to review your policy before departure.
According to Medicare.gov, Medicare coverage generally stops at the U.S. border, except in very limited situations. Travelers who depend on Medicare usually require supplemental insurance to receive medical benefits overseas, a restriction common across many U.S.-based health plans.
To help address these gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages travelers to consider purchasing travel medical insurance. Since healthcare systems and costs in France can be quite different from those at home, having appropriate coverage can help travelers prepare for the unexpected.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?
When you compare travel insurance for France, you’ll see that plans generally fall into two main types: comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance. Understanding how these coverage options differ can help you choose the plan that best supports your trip.
A comprehensive trip protection plan is designed to safeguard your prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses—such as flights, hotels, and excursions—while also offering some medical coverage for unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergency medical evacuations. This type of plan is best suited for travelers who prioritize financial protection from disruptions like cancellations or delays that could result in lost payments or extra costs.
For example, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey comprehensive trip protection plan can reimburse you for covered trip cancellations or interruptions, helping you recover non-refundable costs if your travel plans change for a covered reason.
In contrast, travel medical insurance primarily focuses on covering medical emergencies that occur while you’re abroad. These policies also include some travel benefits, such as coverage for lost checked baggage or travel delays.
With Atlas Travel insurance, travelers can access Air Doctor, a service that provides connections to telehealth consultations, in-clinic appointments, or even in-hotel medical visits while overseas. These flexible plans allow you to choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, trip duration, and budget.
Travel Medical Insurance
Atlas Travel
Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.
Highlights
- Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Emergency Dental
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Lost Checked Luggage
- NO Trip Cancellation
- Pre-existing Conditions Generally Excluded**
Trip Protection Plans
Atlas Journey
A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.
Highlights
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Missed Connection
- Medical: Accident and Sickness
- Emergency Evacuation
- Baggage Damage or Loss
- Pre-existing Conditions Waiver Available**
Why Choose WorldTrips for Your France Travel Insurance?
Great trips are shaped by discovery, not by dealing with the unexpected. With WorldTrips, you can travel with confidence knowing your journey is supported by dependable coverage and years of international experience.
Global Expertise
For over 30 years, WorldTrips has protected more than five million travelers worldwide, including families, students, and professionals. As part of Tokio Marine HCC, we combine financial strength with a longstanding reputation for reliability. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best reflects our stability and dedication to providing trusted travel protection.
Customizable Coverage
Every trip is different, which is why we offer a range of plans, suitable for different needs. WorldTrips offers flexible plans that can be customized to include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re taking a short vacation, studying abroad, visiting loved ones, or planning an extended journey, you can choose the plan that best fits your itinerary and budget.
24/7 Global Assistance
When you travel with WorldTrips, you’ll have access to medical providers in more than 190 countries and 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our team can help arrange emergency medical evacuations, connect you with local doctors, and help you find care wherever you are. Through our partnership with Air Doctor, you can also schedule virtual consultations or in-person visits quickly and easily with eligible plans.
Transparent Claims Process
Travel insurance should be easy to understand and use. WorldTrips offers a straightforward online claims process designed to make reimbursements smooth.. Our policies are written clearly and we provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase, so you’ll be able to see what’s covered and what’s excluded—helping you travel with confidence from start to finish.
Here’s what our customers have to say:
- “Knowing we had a safety net in place in case of any medical emergencies, travel mishaps, or unexpected issues allowed us to fully relax and enjoy our time exploring. It's hard to put a price on that feeling of security when you're traveling in a foreign country. The WorldTrips policy was easy to understand and gave us confidence that we would be taken care of if anything went wrong. Highly recommend for worry-free travel!” - Pim
- “Wonderful service. So helpful and proactive in helping me get the right insurance cover for my student athlete son. Lovely to have a human answering the phone straightaway - and a kind understanding human to boot!” - Claudia
At WorldTrips, we strive to help you handle the unexpected obstacles, so you can focus on your travels.
Healthcare in France
According to On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State France has reliable medical care throughout the country, and many doctors speak English. Interpreter services are commonly available in major hospitals. Travelers should bring needed prescription medications, along with backup doses, in original packaging. Physicians in France may require the original prescription from your home doctor if you need a refill, so carrying copies is a good idea.
If medical care becomes necessary, WorldTrips gives you the freedom to see any provider for eligible services with no network restrictions. You will pay at the time of treatment and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Keep the following documents when filing your claim with WorldTrip:
- Itemized medical bills that include diagnosis details
- Medical records and prescription information
- Receipts for all payments made
- A doctor’s note if your condition affected your travel plans
Visa & Entry Requirements for France
France is part of the Schengen Agreement, so U.S. travelers do not need a visa for visits under 90 days. You must carry photo ID and be able to present it at a police station within four hours if asked. Many travelers carry a passport copy and keep the original secured.

“WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.”
Stay alert in crowded places.
Petty theft is the most common risk for travelers. Thieves often work in pairs, using distraction tactics near train stations, tourist sites, and busy pedestrian corridors. Keep valuables zipped and closed; avoid leaving items on café tables.
Mind specific transit risks.
Authorities have noted violent assaults on Paris RER Line B between the airports and central stations, as well as on RER Line D to the Stade de France. If you use these routes, travel with awareness, especially late at night, and keep belongings concealed. Police are often deployed at both transport hubs and major attractions and can assist if needed.
Expect protests and strikes.
Demonstrations are common and can turn confrontational with little notice. Strikes, especially in the transport sector, can cause significant delays. If you encounter unrest, leave the area promptly and monitor local updates before heading to stations or airports.
Reduce vehicle risks.
Car break‑ins are more frequent in some northern areas and in isolated parking locations. Keep doors locked, windows up, and valuables out of sight. Avoid unsupervised campgrounds and dark, isolated parking spots. If you are involved in an accident, do not leave until details are exchanged and the situation is resolved.
Use public transport correctly.
Paper tickets must be validated in the provided machine before boarding. Carry identification; if requested by police, you must be able to present your ID at a station within four hours.
Understand the terrorism context.
France continues to face a terrorism threat from both transnational and extremist actors. Remain aware at large gatherings, transport hubs, places of worship, and popular venues. Follow instructions from security personnel if an incident occurs.
Watch the weather.
France can experience flooding, landslides, and seasonal wildfires that affect air quality and travel. On beaches, heed flag systems and swim only in designated areas with lifeguard presence when available.
WorldTrips provides a variety of travel insurance options for France to suit your travel needs. Every plan includes customizable coverage, global protection, and 24/7 emergency travel assistance. Get a quote today and find the plan that’s right for you!
* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International
** Pre Existing Condition Definitions
Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.
Comprehensive Trip Protection
(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)
Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication
Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.
Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage
Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.
If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.
Travel Medical Insurance
(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)
Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.
Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.
An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.
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WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. WorldTrips international travel medical insurance products are underwritten through binding authorities with TMHCC (CI) Insurance SPC Ltd and Houston Casualty Company (HC).