Compare travel insurance for France
Brits have close ties to France, not least because we’re so close geographically – less than 21 miles apart in places. We can help you find the right travel insurance for your trip across the channel.
Brits have close ties to France, not least because we’re so close geographically – less than 21 miles apart in places. We can help you find the right travel insurance for your trip across the channel.
Do I need travel insurance for France?
It’s not compulsory, but travel insurance for a trip to France offers cover if you have an accident, fall ill, lose your luggage or have your passport stolen, for example.
While we all hope for a smooth holiday, many travel insurance providers can give you assistance via 24-hour helplines if something does go wrong.
How much does travel insurance for France cost?
To be covered for a trip across the channel, you’ll need European travel insurance. Travel insurance for France can cost from as little as £6.25 for a week’s holiday[1]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.
The cost of your individual policy depends on personal circumstances. Including your age, medical history and even your holiday plans. If you’re going skiing or mountain climbing in France, for example, you’ll probably need to pay a bit more.
[1]Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20-year-old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of October 2024.
Customers with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. However, you should always declare any medical conditions and tell your insurance provider the truth, because if you give false information your claim could be rejected. When you declare medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.
If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers that may be able to offer quotes.
What will France travel insurance cover?
Here’s what to look for when you compare France travel insurance:
- Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – if you have an accident, fall seriously ill or need a medically escorted flight back to the UK from France, this cover is vital.
- Holiday cancellation – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for a reason covered by your insurance, you could claim to recover any resulting costs.
- Flight disruptions - some travel insurance policies will cover you if your flight is cancelled, but you may find there are conditions attached, so be sure to check your policy.
- Ferry or train cancellation – if you’re travelling by ferry, for instance from Dover to Calais, or by train via the Eurostar, check that your policy covers for cancellation or delays on these modes of transport.
- Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and passports - make sure your France travel insurance policy has enough baggage cover to reimburse you if needed.
Policies and cover levels vary between providers, so check the terms and conditions carefully before choosing a policy for you and your family.
What won’t my French travel insurance cover?
There are a few things to watch out for that your travel insurance probably won’t cover, including:
- Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions - if you need cover for pre-existing conditions, you might have to pay more for your insurance. When you use Compare the Market, any medical conditions that you’ve declared will be covered by the policies we show you.
- Alcohol-related incidents - if something happens when you’re under the influence of excessive amounts of alcohol, it’s unlikely that your policy will cover you.
What activities will I be covered for?
When choosing your travel insurance for a trip to France, it’s important to consider the activities you plan to do. Here are some key activities and what you should know about them:
- Extreme sports – France offers a variety of extreme sports, such as bungee jumping off the Souleuvre Viaduct in Normandy and paragliding in Chamonix. Make sure your policy covers these high-risk activities.
- Adventure sports – if you’re into adventure sports, you might enjoy rock climbing in the Verdon Gorge or canyoning in the Pyrenees, but this will often require additional cover.
- Water sports – coastal regions such as the French Riviera are perfect for water sports. If you plan to surf in Biarritz or paddleboard in Nice, water sports insurance should offer the cover you need.
- Winter sports – planning to hit the slopes in the French Alps? Activities such as skiing and snowboarding in resorts such as Chamonix and Val d'Isère are considered high-risk, so check that your travel insurance covers this to protect you if you suffer an injury or lose any equipment.
- Golf – France boasts some of Europe’s finest golf courses, such as Le Golf National near Paris and Terre Blanche in Provence. If you’re planning a golfing holiday, specialist golfing insurance can offer extra cover for your equipment.
Do I need a visa for France?
If you’re a British citizen, you can stay in France without a visa for up to 90 days. However, if you’ve visited any other countries in the Schengen region in the 180 days leading up to your visit to France, this counts towards your 90-day visa-free limit. If you’re there for any longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the French Embassy.
Don’t forget to check that your passport has at least three months to run after the date you intend to leave France. Your passport must also have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before your arrival date.
If you’re travelling to France after the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) with a UK passport, you’ll need to apply for authorisation to enter Schengen area countries. You’ll have to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a EUR7 fee, as part of the authorisation process.
You’ll be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints or a photo, when you arrive. This new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace the current system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. The exact date for the implementation of the new system had not been finalised at the time of writing.
More details about the entry requirements for France can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC/EHIC?
Yes, you should still consider travel insurance even if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that hasn’t yet expired. These cards give you access to state-provided medical treatment in France but won’t cover private healthcare or repatriation, which you may need in an emergency (more on this in ‘Healthcare’, below).
It’s also important to note that neither a GHIC nor an EHIC gives you any of the non-medical cover that a travel insurance policy does, such as cancellation or possession cover.
You can apply for a GHIC for free via the NHS website.
Healthcare
Most medical services in France require payment, so travel insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring you're covered for any medical expenses while on holiday.
If you have a GHIC or EHIC with you, you can access state-provided healthcare – however, this isn’t free. Instead, costs are covered by the state and through patient contributions. Regardless, you may have to pay up front for some treatments, with the French national insurance fund (CPAM) reimbursing you later for some of your costs.
Risks of travelling in France
While France is generally a safe destination, it's important to be aware of potential risks:
- Crime – petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can be an issue in tourist hotspots and on the Paris Metro. Always stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
- Natural disasters – France has sometimes suffered from flooding and wildfires, particularly in the south. For example, severe flooding in the Aude region in 2018 caused significant damage and loss of life. Always stay informed about local weather conditions and follow any advice from local authorities.
- Terrorism – France has previously been the target of terrorist attacks and, while such incidents are rare, it's important to stay alert and follow any security advice from local authorities and the UK Foreign Office.
Driving
Driving in France can be a great way to explore the country, but there are some key differences to be aware of:
- Car insurance – if you’re planning on taking your car across the channel on the ferry to get around France, check whether you need European car insurance and European breakdown cover. If your existing insurance doesn’t cover you abroad, you’ll need to take out extra cover.
- Driving side – in France you drive on the right-hand side of the road, which can take some getting used to, particularly at roundabouts and junctions. It may be useful to practise on quieter roads before setting out on any long journeys.
- Drink driving – the legal blood alcohol limit in France is much lower than in the UK – 0.05% compared to the UK’s 0.08%. For new drivers with fewer than three years’ experience, the limit is even lower at 0.02%. Penalties for drink-driving can be severe, so it may be best to avoid drinking altogether if you intend to drive.
- Documents – when driving in France, you must carry your driving licence, vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance and your passport as proof of ID.
- Equipment – it’s a legal requirement to have a warning triangle and a reflective jacket in your vehicle at all times. It’s also illegal to have a device that is capable of detecting speed cameras and warning drivers of their location – you could face a fine of EUR1,500 if you’re caught with one. Drivers can’t use headphones or headsets, including for phone calls or listening to music.
- UK sticker – since 2021 you can no longer use a GB sticker on your car; you must now display the letters 'UK' on your vehicle when driving in France.
- Low-emission zones – some French cities, including Paris, have low-emission zones where you need a Crit'Air sticker to drive. You can order a Crit'Air sticker online before your trip. Do make sure you apply well in advance as it may take a few weeks to arrive.
- Toll roads – many motorways in France are toll roads. Toll fees can be paid by cash, card or an electronic toll tag.
Other travel tips
Fortunately, there isn’t too much to worry about when visiting one of our closest neighbours, but here are a few things to know:
- Currency – the euro (EUR). Check with your bank to find out about any ATM and overseas card charges before you go.
- Language – English is widely spoken in big cities but if you speak some French, your effort will be appreciated. Dust off those school-aged skills and give it a go.
- Vaccines – if you’re up to date with your jabs and boosters, you should be okay.
- Tipping – restaurants and bars include a 15% service charge, so there’s no need to leave more. But if your service was especially good, tips are very welcome.
- Cultural etiquette – the French value politeness and formality. Always greet with a "Bonjour" (good day) or "Bonsoir" (good evening) when entering shops or restaurants. It's also customary to say "Merci" (thank you) and "Au revoir" (goodbye) when leaving.
- Dining customs – meals are an important part of French culture. Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, and many shops and businesses close for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Dinner is usually served later in the evening, around 7-9pm.
- Public holidays – be aware of French public holidays, as many businesses and attractions may be closed. Major holidays include Bastille Day on 14 July and All Saints' Day on 1 November.
Where can I compare travel insurance quotes?
Funny you should ask! Just tell us what you need and we’ll compare a wide range of travel insurance providers to make sure you get the right level of cover for your trip. Bon voyage!
Compare nowFrequently asked questions
Do I need travel insurance if I’m driving to France?
However you’re getting there, it’s well worth considering buying travel insurance for your trip to France. That’s because travel insurance covers far more than the journey there and back: it also covers healthcare and medical expenses, your belongings and accommodation.
If you’re taking your own car to France, you'll also need the right car insurance. All UK car insurance policies provide you with third-party cover for driving in Europe, but some may limit how long you’re covered for – 90 days in a year, for example. See more on European driving insurance.
You may also want to consider breakdown cover. Check whether your policy includes roadside assistance and any other features you might find useful – for example, would you want your vehicle brought back to the UK if it couldn't be repaired?
You’ll need to abide by other rules, too, including displaying a UK sticker, and carrying a fluorescent jacket and warning triangle in case of breakdown.
Do I need travel insurance for a day trip to France?
When you compare travel insurance with Compare the Market, you must select at least a one-night stay to find a policy. If you're looking for insurance for a day trip, you may need to look for a specialist provider.
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This article is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by AI. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.