Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.
Travel insurance for France
France may only be a stone’s throw from the UK – but it’s still important to make sure you get the right travel insurance ahead of your holiday.
It’s easy to compare France travel insurance quotes when you search for cover with Medical Travel Compared.
With a panel of more than 30 specialist providers, you can rest assured that there’s plenty of choice and a comprehensive level of cover available. Compare quotes today and find the right cover ahead of your French adventure.
Currently planning a trip to France? We answer all of your travel questions in our blog.
READ MORE: FAQ's About Travelling to France
Do I need travel insurance for France?
You don’t need travel insurance for France, but it’s absolutely worthwhile to have it in place.
It’s hard to prepare for or anticipate anything that could go wrong on your trip. And, while travel insurance won’t necessarily cure or resolve any issues that may arise – it can certainly help smooth any bumps you encounter along the way.
Therefore, it’s important to make sure you’re fully protected with a suitable travel insurance policy that can be sorted online in a matter of minutes.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could affect your trip, then getting the right travel insurance is an absolute necessity.
The higher the risk of you falling ill, the more important it is to make sure you’re covered – just for your own peace of mind.
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What does France travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance covering France as a destination includes a number of standard benefits from cancellation and loss of belongings to medical expenses and repatriation.
The cover will expand for certain things included within the policy on the basis of any pre-existing medical conditions you declare with your insurance provider.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you accurately inform your insurance provider about your condition – so that you get the right level of cover to suit your personal circumstances.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a romantic city break or a beach holiday on the French Riviera – it’s easy to find a policy that works for you.
Can I still use my EHIC in France?
UK citizens are able to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), launched as part of a UK/EU deal. This card will provide equivalent protection to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is being phased out.
If you have a currently valid EHIC card, you can continue to use it until it expires – but from 1st January 2021, it is only valid in the EU.
You can find out all of the information on the new GHIC card, and how to apply, over on our guide below.
Brexit Travel InsuranceTaking medication into France
Always check with your doctor, travel agent, or online to find out exactly what sort of medication can and can’t be brought into France.
However, since most common prescription drugs are permitted – as a rule of thumb, the best thing to do is to keep all your medication in its original packaging/containers with the prescription label when you travel.
In some cases, you may also need a medical note from your doctor (but check with your airline/ferry company first).
You can find out more reading Dr Sarah Jarvis' guide.
Find out moreTravel insurance for skiing in France
More often than not, you’ll need to extend your cover for skiing in France. With a winter sports travel insurance policy – you’re likely to be covered for a number of other activities in addition to skiing.
This is available for single trip, or even annually if you’re a keen skier or snowboarding enthusiast partial to a regular trip to the French slopes.
Finding the best travel insurance for France holidays
With Medical Travel Compared you can compare quotes for France travel insurance to find the best deal for you.
However, besides getting a good deal – you also want the right level of cover. We’d always prioritise what’s included within the policy itself over its price.
You never know if or when you’ll need to make a claim, so getting that part right is important.
Simply let us know the dates you’re travelling on and any pre-existing conditions you might have, and we’ll provide you access to insurance from a number of providers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
While travel insurance is not mandatory for visiting France, it is highly recommended. Having a reliable policy ensures you're protected against unexpected situations such as medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost belongings. Plus, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, the right cover can give you peace of mind throughout your trip.
Yes, travel insurance is still important even if you are not flying to France or another destination. Travel insurance covers a range of unexpected situations regardless of how you travel. Whether you're driving, taking a train, or travelling by sea, having insurance ensures you are financially protected.
Travel insurance for France typically covers:
- Medical expenses and repatriation in case of a health emergency abroad.
- Cancellation cover for unforeseen situations before or during your trip.
- Personal belongings cover for items such as luggage and gadgets.
You can also tailor your policy to include add-ons like winter sports cover if you're heading to ski in the Alps. Be sure to review the terms to find a policy that suits your needs.
Yes, a travel insurance policy for France, typically covers Corsica as it is a region of France. This means that any protections or benefits included in your policy for travel within France would also apply when travelling to Corsica.
However, it's always advisable to check the terms and conditions of your specific insurance policy to confirm cover details for your trip.
Yes, it’s essential to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance to ensure you're fully covered. Insurers need an accurate health history to offer the right level of protection. Failure to disclose could result in claims being denied. If you’re unsure which conditions to declare, feel free to reach out to us for guidance.
Most standard travel insurance policies do not include winter sports cover, so you’ll need to add this as an extra. Winter sports cover protects you in case of skiing or snowboarding accidents, as well as loss of equipment or delays due to weather. It’s a must-have if you're heading to top destinations like Chamonix or Courchevel.
* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has no medical conditions and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of January 2025. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.
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If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.