Travel insurance when in France
What you need to know about travel insurance for a trip to France
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Europe’s cultural capital offers some unexpected surprises: a sand dune among pines, a bistro down a side street, masterpieces squirreled away in a chateau. But for surprises of the unpleasant kind – a delayed connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport or pickpocketing on the Metro – World Nomads can back you up with travel insurance benefits and an Emergency Assistance Team behind you.
Should I consider travel insurance for a trip to France?
For residents of many countries, France doesn’t require travelers to have travel insurance to enter for short trips (exception: Schengen visas.) But does that mean that you don’t need travel protection? For the most part, you can spend your days promenading along the River Seine or shushing down the slopes of Mont Blanc. But if you twist your ankle or take a tumble on the slopes, it helps to be prepared for the inconnu (that’s ‘unknown’ in French). A travel insurance plan with a basket of protections – from emergency medical to baggage and personal belongings – may be able to prevent a little snafu from becoming a catastrophe that wipes out your savings.
Baggage and personal effects theft
Petty crime and the theft of personal belongings can be common in Europe, especially in popular destinations or crowded transport hubs.
With a World Nomads policy, if your personal effects get stolen, you may get covered for the depreciated value of your items, up the maximum amount specified in your policy (scan the schedule of benefits for an overview of coverage).
Missing documentation is one of the top reasons why claims are delayed (and the reason why your payout doesn’t arrive in your bank account). Always report the crime to the police and/or your travel provider, such as an airline, hotel or tour operator, as you’ll need to provide this paperwork to us when you file your travel insurance claim. You may be also be asked to show proof of ownership. Don’t have the right docs? Read our Help Center article on what to do in this case scenario.
Rental car coverage and road safety
While you might consider road trips to be safer than bungee jumping or sky diving, road-based travel comes with its own set of risks. World Nomads is here to be your roadside companion. Rental car coverage is available only on select plans (benefits depend on your Country of Residence and/or your choice of a Standard or an Explorer plan), our Emergency Assistance Team is at your service 24/7 to get you through a medical emergency or help you with referrals for roadside assistance. Whether you’re navigating lane changes on the périphérique (ring road) around Paris or bumping along a country road, there’s nothing worse than getting into an accident with no one to guide you.
In addition to breakdowns or accidents, theft can happen anywhere – even the countryside isn’t immune to rental car break-ins. If this happens to you, be ready to show proof of ownership for your stolen items and check your policy for any exclusions. These could be anything from cash and antiques to prescription glasses and pets.
Adventure activity coverage
The diversity of France’s geography means that there’s a sandy beach, river canyon or snow-capped peak for every adventurer and every skill level. World Nomads travel insurance policies cover a range of activities from cross-country and alpine skiing to hiking and mountain biking. We also cover some water-based activities, including scuba diving and sea kayaking.
Some of these activities may require you to use specific safety gear or to be accompanied by a licensed guide, so check your policy for any conditions or contact our customer service department. You’ll also want to read closely the exclusions section of your policy. Activities such as mountaineering, search-and-rescue missions, and those above a certain elevation may not be covered.
Check out our Help Center article about adventure sports coverage to ensure that your activities are included. Additional premiums may apply, depending on your Country of Residence. Your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan may also determine what activities are covered. Any questions? Contact us.
Medical emergencies
While French nationals benefit from a universal health care system, travelers from outside the EU may be out of pocket if they get into a cycling accident on a country road or get sick from a steak tartare or unpasteurized cheese.
Many care providers accept only cash and ask you to pay upfront for any treatment. For the most part, you’ll need to obtain a feuille de soins (a medical treatment form) and submit the document to your primary insurer before submitting your claim with us. Depending on your country of residence, you may be able to get a cash advance from World Nomads to help pay for your bills before you get any services or treatment.
Medical claims can be complicated, and you may be able to be asked for additional documentation. We may ask you for the medical bill, but also proof of payment. What’s worse than a medical emergency? When you must navigate a crisis in an unfamiliar language. World Nomads 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team can offer basic translation and interpreter services, so you can speak to doctors or pharmacists, handle admin-related issues at the hospital, or deal with other situations that could arise. You may also need pre-authorizations for medical procedures or evacuations. So, make sure you contact the EA team – or have someone call them on your behalf – as soon as possible.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
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Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
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Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.