Visa applicants need travel insurance to visit France, while U.S. citizens enter without visas, but should protect against medical emergencies and trip disruptions. MoneyGeek's analysis found plans ranging from $43 to $171 for a week-long $2,500 trip.
Best Travel Insurance for France
France requires €30,000 travel insurance for visa applicants, while U.S. citizens can visit visa-free but should consider coverage.
Find the best travel insurance for France below.
Updated: December 29, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Visa applicants must have travel insurance with €30,000 minimum medical coverage to enter France, while U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Travel insurance for France costs $43 to $171 for a week-long $2,500 trip, with budget plans meeting basic visa requirements and premium options offering comprehensive protection.
MoneyGeek scored IMG LX highest overall at 88.5 out of 100 for its extensive coverage limits, though Tin Leg Basic offers the best value at $43 for travelers prioritizing affordability.
Best Travel Insurance Companies and Plans for France
We analyzed travel insurance plans for France using three criteria: cost, coverage and company stability. These five plans offer the best combination of affordability and protection for different traveler needs, from budget-conscious visitors to those seeking comprehensive coverage.
IMG | LX | 88.5 | $171 | $500,000 | $1,000,000 |
Tin Leg | Basic | 71.4 | $43 | $50,000 | $200,000 |
Generali | Standard | 71.2 | $73 | $50,000 | $250,000 |
BHTP | ExactCare Value | 68.6 | $69 | $15,000 | $150,000 |
Travelex | Essential | 67.0 | $62 | $10,000 | $50,000 |
These plans scored highest in our analysis, balancing affordability with comprehensive coverage. IMG LX leads with an 88.5 score for extensive protection, while Tin Leg Basic offers exceptional value at $43 for budget travelers.
Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
Tin Leg
- Plan: Tin Leg Basic
- Price: $43 for a $2,500 trip
- Emergency medical: $50,000
- Evacuation: $200,000
- Best for: Travelers needing basic Schengen visa-compliant coverage at the lowest price
Best Budget-Friendly Schengen Coverage
Travelex
- Plan: Travelex Essential
- Price: $62 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: Up to 100% of trip cost
- Emergency medical: $10,000
- Evacuation: $50,000
- Best for: Visa applicants seeking affordable coverage that meets all Schengen requirements
Best for Visa Compliance
BHTP
- Plan: BHTP ExactCare Value
- Price: $69 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: Up to $20,000
- Emergency medical: $15,000
- Evacuation: $150,000
- Best for: Travelers prioritizing straightforward Schengen visa approval without complications
Best Balanced Coverage
Generali Global Assistance
- Plan: Generali Standard
- Price: $73 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: Up to $50,000
- Emergency medical: $50,000
- Evacuation: $250,000
- Baggage: $1,000 (no deductible)
- Best for: Travelers wanting comprehensive coverage beyond basic visa requirements.
Best Premium Protection
IMG
- Plan: IMG LX
- Price: $171 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: Up to $150,000
- Emergency medical: $500,000
- Evacuation: $1,000,000
- Baggage: $2,500
- Cancel for any reason: Optional upgrade available
- Best for: Travelers seeking maximum protection and comprehensive coverage throughout France and the Schengen area
Travel Insurance Cost Comparison for France
Prices vary significantly by trip cost, with premiums increasing as your non-refundable expenses grow. This comparison shows how costs scale across different trip values for a 30-year-old California traveler taking a seven-day October trip.
Tin Leg | Basic | $43 | $61 | $97 |
Tin Leg | Platinum | $61 | $80 | $120 |
Travelex | Essential | $62 | $202 | $481 |
World Trips | Escape | $64 | $143 | $300 |
Tin Leg | Economy | $68 | $149 | $311 |
BHTP | ExactCare Value | $69 | $151 | $316 |
Nationwide | Essential | $69 | $215 | $507 |
Generali | Standard | $73 | $140 | $275 |
AXA | Silver | $74 | $132 | $248 |
IMG | Lite | $76 | $162 | $333 |
Pricing for a 30-year-old traveler from California taking a seven-day trip in October. All costs rounded to whole dollars.
Travel insurance premiums increase with trip cost since higher trip values mean larger potential reimbursements for cancellations or interruptions. Plans offering minimal coverage, like Tin Leg Basic, maintain relatively low premiums across all trip costs. Comprehensive plans with higher coverage limits show steeper price increases as trip costs rise.
What Affects Travel Insurance Costs for France?
Travel insurance costs for France vary depending on your trip details and coverage choices. These factors affect your premium and reveal opportunities to save money.
Trip Cost | $2,500 trip: $43-$73; $10,000 trip: $97-$333 | Choose coverage matching actual non-refundable expenses |
Traveler Age | Travelers 60+ pay 50-100% more than younger adults | Compare senior-specific plans for better rates |
Coverage Limits | Basic $10,000 medical: $43; Premium $500,000: $171 | Visa applicants need minimum €30,000; others can choose based on risk |
Family Size | Individual plans cost more than family policies | Get single policy covering all travelers |
Booking Timing | Purchase within 10-21 days of deposit for pre-existing waivers | Buy early for maximum benefits at same cost |
Optional Add-Ons | CFAR adds 40-60% to premium | Skip upgrades you won't use |
Do You Need Travel Insurance for France?
Non-U.S. citizens requiring Schengen visas must show proof of insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage. U.S. citizens don't need visas for stays under 90 days, but travel insurance protects you from costly medical care and trip disruptions.
France's healthcare system is expensive for foreigners. Private clinics require immediate payment. Emergency medical evacuations to the U.S. can cost $50,000 or more without coverage.
Trip cancellation coverage matters most when you've booked expensive hotels or prepaid tours. Coverage protects non-refundable expenses like flights and accommodations if you can't travel due to covered reasons.
What Travel Insurance Covers in France
France travel insurance handles medical emergencies, trip disruptions, lost belongings, and evacuation needs. Budget plans cap medical coverage at $10,000-$50,000. Premium plans provide $100,000-$500,000.
Emergency Medical | Hospital treatment, doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency dental | $10,000 to $500,000 |
Trip Cancellation | Prepaid costs if you cancel before departure due to illness, injury, family death, natural disasters | Up to 100% of trip cost |
Trip Interruption | Unused costs and return transport if you leave early for covered reasons | 100% to 150% of trip cost |
Medical Evacuation | Emergency transport to appropriate facilities or back to U.S. | $100,000 to $1,000,000 |
Baggage Loss | Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and belongings | $500 to $3,000 |
Baggage Delay | Funds for necessities if luggage delayed 12-24 hours | $200 to $750 |
Cancel For Any Reason | Optional upgrade reimbursing 50-75% of costs for non-covered cancellations | 50% to 75% of trip cost |
Schengen visa plans require €30,000 medical coverage minimum, emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage valid across all Schengen countries.
Coverage for Common France Travel Scenarios
Transportation strikes
France's train and airline strikes frequently delay departures by 6-12 hours. Trip delay coverage reimburses hotel costs and meals. If strikes force you to return early, trip interruption pays for unused accommodations.
Lost documents
Pickpockets target tourist sites like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Travel insurance covers emergency passport replacement costs up to $500, plus cash advances if your wallet is stolen.
Medical evacuations
Serious injuries in rural areas like the French Alps may require emergency transport to specialized facilities or repatriation to the U.S. Without coverage, you'll pay tens of thousands for medical evacuation.
Weather disruptions
Winter storms can close Alpine ski resorts while heat waves shut down outdoor attractions. Trip cancellation protects prepaid activities, with cancel for any reason coverage offering maximum flexibility.
How to Choose Travel Insurance for France
- 1Match coverage to trip cost.
Calculate total non-refundable expenses (flights, hotels, tours, tickets) and select trip cancellation limits that cover the full amount. Higher trip costs require higher coverage limits for complete protection.
- 2Consider your visa status and health needs.
Visa applicants need minimum €30,000 medical coverage. Visa-exempt travelers can choose lower limits based on risk tolerance. Medicare doesn't cover international care, so travelers relying on Medicare should get comprehensive medical coverage.
- 3Act fast for pre-existing condition coverage.
Most insurers waive pre-existing condition exclusions if you buy insurance within 10 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. The waiver covers complications from stable conditions. Review eligibility requirements before purchasing.
- 4Add adventure coverage if needed.
Standard policies exclude skiing, rock climbing, and water sports. If you're heading to the French Alps or participating in adventure activities, choose plans with included adventure coverage (World Nomads, Tin Leg) or add it as an upgrade.
France Travel Insurance: FAQ
Does France require travel insurance?
France requires travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage for Schengen visa applicants. U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers aren't legally required to have insurance, but you'll want coverage for medical emergencies and trip protection.
How much does travel insurance for France cost?
You'll pay $43 to $171 for a week-long $2,500 trip. Prices vary by coverage limits and traveler age. Budget plans like Tin Leg Basic start at $43, while comprehensive plans like IMG LX cost $171 for extensive protection.
What's the minimum medical coverage for a French visa?
French consulates require €30,000 (approximately $33,000) in medical coverage, including emergency care, hospitalization, and medical repatriation. Your policy needs to cover the entire Schengen area for your complete stay.
Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in France?
Buy before you leave. Most insurers won't sell you coverage once you've departed. A few medical-only plans allow post-departure purchase, but you'll miss out on trip cancellation coverage and pre-existing condition waivers.
Does my health insurance cover me in France?
Most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, provide limited or no coverage for international healthcare. Check with your insurance provider about international coverage before traveling and consider supplemental travel medical insurance.
How We Chose the Best France Travel Insurance
MoneyGeek evaluated travel insurance plans for France using a comprehensive scoring methodology that weighs cost, coverage, company stability, and claims service. We weighted each component by its importance to travelers.
Cost (40%): Plans with lower premiums for comparable coverage receive higher cost scores. Our cost analysis examined pricing for a standard scenario: a 30-year-old California resident taking a seven-day France trip with $2,500 in trip costs. Lower-cost plans scored up to 100 points, with prices scaled proportionally across all evaluated plans.
Coverage (30%): Emergency medical coverage limits, medical evacuation protection, and baggage coverage determine this score. Plans offering $50,000 or more in emergency medical coverage and $200,000 or more in evacuation protection scored higher. The coverage score weighs medical and evacuation coverage at 40% each, with baggage protection accounting for 20%.
Company Stability and Service (30%): Company financial strength comes from AM Best ratings. Claims service quality reflects customer support availability, digital tools, and claims processing capabilities. Companies with A- or better ratings and comprehensive 24/7 support received the highest marks in this category.
Plans scoring 85 or higher offer excellent overall value. Scores between 70 and 85 indicate solid coverage at competitive prices. Below 70, you're getting limited coverage or paying too much.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.