- The best travel insurance plans for France
- Is it currently safe to travel to France?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter France?
- Why take out travel insurance for France?
- What Travel Insurance for France Should Cover
- What is the cost of travel insurance for France?
- How can you pay less for your travel insurance to France?
- Does my current insurance cover me in France?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for France: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for France covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost baggage.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Canadians going to France, but is highly recommended to cover potential high costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare is excellent but costly; a hospital night can exceed $1,500 CAD without insurance.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for France typically costs between $30 and $60 CAD.
5. Other useful info : Canadian citizens are exempt from a Schengen visa for stays of less than 90 days.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 42 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for France.
The best travel insurance plans for France
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M $ CA | Our top pick for France thanks to its high medical cover. - generous hospital/repatriation limits - comprehensive crisis cover - flexible cancellation |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M $ CA | A reliable policy for travel in France. - strong 24/7 emergency helpline - included cancellation protection - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 770k $ CA | A practical offer for tourists looking for value in France. - solid medical ceiling - emergency help - competitive price |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.2M $ CA | An all-round solution for France with broad protection. - repatriation included - hospitals and clinics covered - large travel area |
| Globe Partner | 460k $ CA | Basic but effective for France, ideal for shorter or low-risk trips. - medical and hospital care - civil liability - repatriation |
| Globe Traveller | 770k $ CA | Good for essential protection and short stays. - covers basics for France - quick claims process - straightforward conditions |
- generous hospital/repatriation limits
- comprehensive crisis cover
- flexible cancellation
- strong 24/7 emergency helpline
- included cancellation protection
- no deductible
- solid medical ceiling
- emergency help
- competitive price
- repatriation included
- hospitals and clinics covered
- large travel area
- medical and hospital care
- civil liability
- repatriation
- covers basics for France
- quick claims process
- straightforward conditions
Is it currently safe to travel to France?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to France to exercise a high degree of caution because of the elevated terrorism threat and increased security operations across the country.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: Attacks or attempted attacks have occurred in public spaces, notably Paris metro stations and major tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower. Be alert for pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded transport zones.
- Health risks: No vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but routine immunizations should be up to date. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in some rural zones, especially during spring and summer, and you may need to pay for medical care in advance.
- Legal requirements: French law requires you to carry valid ID at all times. Failure to show ID during a police check, particularly at border crossings or during Vigipirate alerts, may result in fines or detention.
- Cultural awareness: Avoid public protests and be mindful of emergency sirens or announcements in urban settings. Tariffs for taxis vary, and scams affecting tourists have been reported, particularly at Charles de Gaulle airport and around major city stations.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in France.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter France?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Canadian citizens travelling to France.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended because healthcare costs—especially in private clinics in cities like Paris or Lyon—are the responsibility of foreign visitors. The Canadian public health system does not cover medical expenses abroad, including hospital stays or emergency repatriation from France.
According to our data, 50% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to France. While the country has a high-quality healthcare system, the potential cost of care and upfront payment requirements in private facilities remain key concerns for foreign nationals.
Why take out travel insurance for France?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to France.
In France, while the public hospital system (AP-HP in Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou) provides high-quality care, foreigners often need to pay up front and are not eligible for the public health coverage. Private clinics like Clinique Ambroise Paré in Neuilly-sur-Seine can charge even higher rates, especially for emergencies or surgery without local insurance.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in France.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Clinique Ambroise Paré | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 3,000 € (4,400 $ CA) | 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,000 € (2,950 $ CA) | 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 25,000 € (36,900 $ CA) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 5,000 € (7,400 $ CA) | 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for France Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and surgery fees in facilities such as AP-HP or Clinique Ambroise Paré. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 50,000 $ CA. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Pays for transport back to Canada in severe cases. Choose a limit of at least 35,000 $ CA. |
| 💊 Emergency medication | Includes pharmacy costs for acute illnesses or injuries. A limit of 2,500 $ CA is recommended. |
| 🚨 Personal liability | Protects you if you damage property or accidentally harm someone. We advise a limit of 700,000 $ CA. |
| 🧳 Baggage theft, loss, and delay | Compensates for baggage theft, loss or delays at airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle. Look for at least 1,500 $ CA per trip. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation or interruption | Refunds non-recoverable costs if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for serious reasons. A limit of 2,000 $ CA is sensible. |
| 🩺 Civil unrest and natural disasters cover | Provides assistance or evacuation in case of civil events or natural hazards. No fixed limit, but check for inclusion. |
| ☎️ 24/7 emergency assistance | Access to a support centre for guidance at all hours, including translation if needed. No specific limit but must be included. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 50,000 $ CA.
Choose a limit of at least 35,000 $ CA.
A limit of 2,500 $ CA is recommended.
We advise a limit of 700,000 $ CA.
Look for at least 1,500 $ CA per trip.
A limit of 2,000 $ CA is sensible.
No fixed limit, but check for inclusion.
No specific limit but must be included.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually comes with low reimbursement limits and many exclusions. For full and reliable protection, compare top choices on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
What is the cost of travel insurance for France?
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 18 $ CA |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 33 $ CA |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 48 $ CA |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 97 $ CA |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for France is influenced by several elements. Key factors include your age, the duration of your trip, the level of medical and repatriation coverage you choose, and any additional options like trip cancellation. Understanding these is crucial for securing appropriate coverage.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow can you pay less for your travel insurance to France?
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to France while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip duration | Longer stays increase costs. Make sure to cover only the exact dates you are in France. | Buy insurance tailored exactly to your travel dates, not longer than needed. |
| 🧑 Traveller’s age | Age affects premiums, especially for seniors. Some providers penalize those over 65. | If you are over 62, consider Heymondo, which does not increase its prices for seniors. |
| 🩺 Level of coverage | High benefits mean higher premiums, but minimum amounts are required by French authorities. | Choose the minimum you need to avoid unnecessary extras. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Group or family policies are often cheaper per person than individual plans. | Look for family or group discounts rather than separate contracts. |
| 🗺️ Geographical coverage | Some plans cover Europe only, which is less expensive than worldwide coverage. | Opt for Europe or Schengen-only plans instead of worldwide coverage for a better price. |
| 💳 Payment options | Some providers give discounts for online payment by card or for annual policies. | Pay online or choose single-payment; annual coverage can be cheaper for frequent travel. |
| 🏥 Pre-existing conditions | Coverage for existing health issues costs more. | Disclose only necessary pre-existing conditions to avoid inflated premiums. |
Does my current insurance cover me in France?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current public or private health insurance, or credit card coverage, is sufficient for a trip to France. Unfortunately, these options very often offer only limited protection or are not recognized.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in France? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health, RAMQ, OHIP) | Never | No medical expenses, hospital, or repatriation abroad. | Travel insurance reimburses up to 1M $ CA+ for medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation. |
| Private health insurance (Blue Cross, Green Shield) | Limited coverage | Some emergency medical fees abroad, basic coverage, max 10,000 $ CA. No repatriation. | Travel insurance offers 1M $ CA+ for emergencies, hospital, and full repatriation, often with support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | Emergency care only, hospital fees max 15,000 $ CA, rare baggage or cancellation cover. | Travel insurance covers 1M $ CA+ medical, repatriation, baggage, trip interruption, and no advance payment needed. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Gold Amex, World Elite MC) | Limited coverage | Medical cover up to 100,000 $ CA, partial trip or baggage, no guarantee of 24/7 assistance. | Travel insurance reimburses 1M $ CA+, trip cancellation, hospitalization, and guaranteed local assistance. |
Example
While skiing in the French Alps, Mark's severe leg fracture required a helicopter rescue and surgery, costing C$38,000. His premium Visa Infinite card's insurance was insufficient, and his provincial plan covered almost nothing. Without proper travel insurance, he was personally liable for over C$30,000 for his unfortunate fall.
Expert advice
Many credit cards and provincial health plans exclude key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in France within any 180-day period. However, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. For longer stays or specific reasons, check the Schengen and French consular rules.
How do I purchase travel insurance for France?
First, compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check which coverages and exclusions apply, making sure medical and repatriation protection meets France's requirements. You can buy your policy online. After payment, you’ll receive your insurance certificate, which you may need to show at the border.
What are the main risks covered by travel insurance in France?
Travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, repatriation, accident or illness support, and personal liability. Plans often include coverage for trip interruptions, theft of baggage, and 24/7 assistance. Confirm that your policy limit is at least 44,000 $ CA for medical and repatriation expenses.
Is travel insurance really checked at the border in France?
Yes, French border officials can request proof of valid travel insurance when you enter France. This proof must show coverage for medical, hospital, and emergency repatriation expenses. Some airlines or Schengen state consulates may also request to see your insurance certificate before boarding or granting entry.
Can I buy travel insurance after departure for France?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada and before your trip starts. Some online insurers do allow purchase after departure but restrictions and waiting periods may apply. Always check the start date for coverage and buy in advance for compliance and full protection.
What happens if I need medical help in France without travel insurance?
Without travel insurance, you must pay out of pocket for all care, which can be very expensive, especially in private clinics. Some hospitals may require immediate payment before treatment. Travel insurance ensures that you are reimbursed or that bills are covered directly, avoiding financial hardship abroad.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in France within any 180-day period. However, your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. For longer stays or specific reasons, check the Schengen and French consular rules.
How do I purchase travel insurance for France?
First, compare options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Carefully check which coverages and exclusions apply, making sure medical and repatriation protection meets France's requirements. You can buy your policy online. After payment, you’ll receive your insurance certificate, which you may need to show at the border.
What are the main risks covered by travel insurance in France?
Travel insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, repatriation, accident or illness support, and personal liability. Plans often include coverage for trip interruptions, theft of baggage, and 24/7 assistance. Confirm that your policy limit is at least 44,000 $ CA for medical and repatriation expenses.
Is travel insurance really checked at the border in France?
Yes, French border officials can request proof of valid travel insurance when you enter France. This proof must show coverage for medical, hospital, and emergency repatriation expenses. Some airlines or Schengen state consulates may also request to see your insurance certificate before boarding or granting entry.
Can I buy travel insurance after departure for France?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada and before your trip starts. Some online insurers do allow purchase after departure but restrictions and waiting periods may apply. Always check the start date for coverage and buy in advance for compliance and full protection.
What happens if I need medical help in France without travel insurance?
Without travel insurance, you must pay out of pocket for all care, which can be very expensive, especially in private clinics. Some hospitals may require immediate payment before treatment. Travel insurance ensures that you are reimbursed or that bills are covered directly, avoiding financial hardship abroad.
On the same topic
