Visa applicants need travel insurance to visit France. U.S. citizens enter without visas but need coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions. Plans cost $43 to $171 for a week-long $2,500 trip in 2026.
Best Travel Insurance for France (2026)
France requires €30,000 travel insurance for visa applicants. U.S. citizens can visit visa-free but need coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions.
Find the best travel insurance for France below.
Updated: July 3, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Visa applicants must have travel insurance with €30,000 minimum medical coverage to enter France. U.S. citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Plans with $50,000 or more in medical coverage meet Schengen visa requirements. Tin Leg Basic ($43) and Generali Standard ($73) are the most affordable qualifying options. Travelex Essential and BHTP ExactCare Value on this page do not meet the medical threshold.
MoneyGeek scored IMG LX highest at 89 out of 100. Tin Leg Basic at $43 is the strongest value among Schengen-compliant plans.
Best Travel Insurance Companies and Plans for France
We analyzed travel insurance plans for France using three criteria: cost, coverage and company stability. Plans are ranked by MoneyGeek score. Schengen visa applicants must verify their plan meets the €30,000 medical coverage minimum before purchasing.
IMG | LX | 89 | $171 | $500,000 | $1 million |
Tin Leg | Basic | 71 | $43 | $50,000 | $200,000 |
Generali | Standard | 71 | $73 | $50,000 | $250,000 |
BHTP | ExactCare Value | 69 | $69 | $15,000 | $150,000 |
Travelex | Essential | 67 | $62 | $10,000 | $50,000 |
Premiums for a 30-year-old California traveler taking a seven-day October trip. Schengen minimum: €30,000 (~$33,000) in medical coverage.
IMG LX leads with an 89 score and $500,000 in medical coverage. Tin Leg Basic costs $43 with $50,000 in medical coverage and meets Schengen visa requirements.
Schengen Visa Medical Coverage Compliance
IMG LX | $500,000 | €30,000 required | Yes |
Generali Standard | $50,000 | €30,000 required | Yes |
Tin Leg Basic | $50,000 | €30,000 required | Yes |
BHTP ExactCare Value | $15,000 | €30,000 required | No |
Travelex Essential | $10,000 | €30,000 required | No |
Your Next Step:
Get your real quotes from trusted insurance providers.
Visa applicants must submit a compliant policy (one meeting the €30,000 medical coverage minimum) with their Schengen visa application. U.S. citizens entering France visa-free are not subject to this requirement but should choose plans based on their medical risk tolerance.
Tin Leg
Best Value Schengen-Compliant Coverage
Tin Leg Basic costs $43, the lowest price among plans that meet the Schengen €30,000 medical threshold. Tin Leg Basic provides the minimum coverage MoneyGeek recommends for France at the lowest Schengen-compliant price. At a MoneyGeek score of 71, Tin Leg Basic ranks as the strongest value option for budget-conscious travelers who still need Schengen-compliant coverage.
- Plan: Tin Leg Basic
- Price: $43 for a $2,500 trip
- Emergency medical: $50,000
- Evacuation: $200,000
- Meets Schengen minimum: Yes
- Best for: Budget travelers who need Schengen visa-compliant coverage
Travelex
Best for U.S. Travelers Who Don't Need a Visa
Travelex Essential provides trip cancellation coverage and 24/7 travel assistance at $62. With $10,000 in medical coverage and $50,000 evacuation, it falls below the Schengen visa threshold. Travelex Essential suits U.S. citizens entering France visa-free who want basic trip cancellation and delay protection without paying for higher medical limits. A MoneyGeek score of 67 reflects its limited coverage depth.
- Plan: Travelex Essential
- Price: $62 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: 100% of trip cost
- Emergency medical: $10,000
- Evacuation: $50,000
- Meets Schengen minimum: No
- Best for: U.S. citizens entering France visa-free who want trip cancellation coverage at a low cost
BHTP
Best for Affordable Trip Protection (Visa-Free Travelers)
BHTP ExactCare Value provides $20,000 in trip cancellation coverage and travel delay benefits at $69. With $15,000 in medical coverage, it does not meet the Schengen visa requirement. BHTP suits U.S. citizens who enter France visa-free and prioritize trip cancellation protection over high medical limits. A MoneyGeek score of 69 reflects adequate but limited overall coverage.
- Plan: BHTP ExactCare Value
- Price: $69 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: $20,000
- Emergency medical: $15,000
- Evacuation: $150,000
- Meets Schengen minimum: No
- Best for: U.S. citizens entering France visa-free who want higher trip cancellation limits at a mid-range price
Generali Global Assistance
Best Balanced Schengen-Compliant Coverage
Generali Standard costs $73 and meets Schengen requirements with $50,000 medical and $250,000 evacuation. At a MoneyGeek score of 71, it matches Tin Leg Basic on overall quality while adding $50,000 in trip cancellation coverage and baggage protection without a deductible. These are features Tin Leg Basic doesn't include at the same price point.
- Plan: Generali Standard
- Price: $73 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: $50,000
- Emergency medical: $50,000
- Evacuation: $250,000
- Baggage: $1,000 (no deductible)
- Meets Schengen minimum: Yes
- Best for: Travelers who want Schengen-compliant coverage with trip cancellation and baggage protection
IMG
Best Premium Protection
IMG LX scores highest in MoneyGeek's analysis at 89 out of 100, driven by the strongest medical coverage ($500,000) and evacuation limits ($1,000,000) among all evaluated plans. At $171 for a $2,500 trip, IMG LX costs four times more than Tin Leg Basic but provides ten times the medical coverage. Travelers heading to the French Alps, visiting rural areas, or wanting maximum protection choose IMG LX for the evacuation limits alone.
- Plan: IMG LX
- Price: $171 for a $2,500 trip
- Trip cancellation: $150,000
- Emergency medical: $500,000
- Evacuation: $1,000,000
- Baggage: $2,500
- Cancel for any reason: Optional upgrade available
- Meets Schengen minimum: Yes
- Best for: Travelers who want the highest coverage limits or plan to visit the French Alps and remote areas
Travel Insurance Cost Comparison for France
Premiums increase with trip cost. Pricing below is for a 30-year-old California traveler taking a seven-day October trip. Travelers 60 and older pay 50% to 100% more than younger adults for the same coverage.
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 |
Your Next Step:
Get your real quotes from trusted insurance providers.
Pricing for a 30-year-old California traveler taking a seven-day October trip. Costs rounded to whole dollars.
Higher trip values mean larger reimbursements for cancellations or interruptions. Plans with minimal coverage, like Tin Leg Basic, maintain low premiums across all trip costs. Plans with higher coverage limits show steeper price increases as trip cost rises.
What Affects Travel Insurance Costs for France?
Trip cost | $2,500 trip: $43-76; $10,000 trip: $97-507 | Choose coverage matching actual nonrefundable expenses |
Traveler age | Travelers 60+ pay 50-100% more than younger adults | Compare senior-specific plans for better rates |
Coverage limits | Basic coverage: $43-62; Premium $500,000: $171 | Visa applicants need minimum €30,000. Others choose based on risk tolerance. |
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 |
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 need Schengen visa insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage. U.S. citizens don't need visas for stays under 90 days, but insurance covers costly medical care and trip disruptions.
France's healthcare system provides high-quality care, but private clinics require immediate payment from foreign visitors. Emergency medical evacuations to the U.S. cost $50,000 or more without insurance.
Trip cancellation coverage protects non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels and prepaid tours if you can't travel due to illness, injury or family emergencies.
France Travel Risks That Make Insurance Valuable
Pickpocketing in Paris: Pickpockets target the Louvre and Eiffel Tower most heavily, but Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur are also high-risk areas. Baggage coverage reimburses emergency passport replacement costs and cash advances if your wallet is stolen. Claims for stolen belongings are among the most common France insurance claims.
Train and airline strikes: France averages several transport strikes per year, with disruptions most common in summer and during labor disputes. Delays of six to 12 or more hours strand travelers at Charles de Gaulle and other major airports. Trip delay coverage reimburses hotel costs and meals. If strikes force early returns, trip interruption pays for unused accommodations.
French Alps evacuation: In the French Alps, helicopter evacuation is regularly needed in the Chamonix valley and around Val d'Isère. Air ambulance transport from Alpine ski areas to Paris hospitals costs $50,000 or more. Plans with at least $200,000 in evacuation coverage protect against this risk.
Heat waves and weather closures: Severe summer heat waves close outdoor attractions and disrupt travel across France. Trip cancellation covers prepaid activities canceled due to extreme weather. Cancel for any reason upgrades offer maximum flexibility when conditions are uncertain.
What Travel Insurance Covers in France
France travel insurance addresses four risks that standard U.S. health plans don't cover: private clinic upfront payment requirements, Alpine evacuation costs, transport strike disruptions and Schengen visa compliance for visa applicants. Budget plans include $10,000 to $50,000 in medical coverage. Higher-tier plans include $100,000 to $500,000.
Emergency medical | Hospital care, doctor visits, prescriptions and dental emergencies | $10,000–500,000 |
Trip cancellation | Prepaid costs if you cancel before departure due to illness, injury, family death or natural disasters | 100% of trip cost |
Trip interruption | Unused costs and return transport if you leave early | 100–150% of trip cost |
Medical evacuation | Transport to adequate medical facilities or back to the U.S. | $100,000–1 million |
Baggage loss | Lost, stolen or damaged luggage and belongings | $500–3,000 |
Baggage delay | Necessities if luggage is delayed 12–24 hours | $200–750 |
Cancel for any reason | Optional upgrade that reimburses 50–75% of costs for any reason | 50–75% of trip cost |
Schengen visa plans require €30,000 minimum medical coverage, 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 six to 12 hours. Trip delay coverage reimburses hotel costs and meals. If strikes force you to return early, trip interruption pays for unused accommodations.
Lost documentsPickpockets target tourist sites like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. Travel insurance covers emergency passport replacement costs up to $500, plus cash advances if your wallet is stolen.
Medical evacuationsSerious injuries in rural areas like the French Alps require emergency transport to specialized facilities or repatriation to the U.S. Without coverage, you'll pay $50,000 or more for medical evacuation from remote Alpine regions.
Weather disruptionsWinter storms close Alpine ski resorts while heat waves shut outdoor attractions across Paris and southern France. Trip cancellation covers prepaid activities. Cancel for any reason coverage offers maximum flexibility.
How to Choose Travel Insurance for France
- 1
Match coverage to trip cost
Calculate total nonrefundable expenses (flights, hotels, tours, tickets) and select trip cancellation limits that cover the full amount. Higher trip costs require higher coverage limits.
- 2
Consider your visa status and health needs
Schengen visa applicants need at least €30,000 (~$33,000) in medical coverage. Tin Leg Basic, Generali Standard and IMG LX all meet this threshold. Travelers relying on Medicare for domestic coverage need higher-tier medical coverage abroad since Medicare does not cover international care.
- 3
Act fast for pre-existing condition coverage
The pre-existing condition waiver applies when you buy within 10 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. Review each plan's eligibility requirements before purchasing, since waiver terms vary across providers.
- 4
Add 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 or add it as an upgrade.
For most France trips, Tin Leg Basic at $43 is the right starting point: $50,000 medical and $200,000 evacuation at the lowest price among Schengen-compliant plans. Schengen visa applicants should choose Tin Leg Basic or Generali Standard, both of which meet the €30,000 medical threshold. Travelers heading to the French Alps or wanting maximum protection should choose IMG LX at $171.
France Travel Insurance: FAQ
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 need coverage for medical emergencies and trip protection.
Plans cost $43 to $171 for a week-long $2,500 trip. Prices vary by coverage limits and traveler age. Tin Leg Basic starts at $43. IMG LX costs $171. Travelers 60 and older pay 50% to 100% more than younger adults.
French consulates require €30,000 in medical coverage, including emergency care, hospitalization and medical repatriation. Your policy must cover the entire Schengen area for your complete stay. Tin Leg Basic, Generali Standard and IMG LX all meet this threshold.
All five plans on this page require purchase before departure. A few medical-only plans from other providers allow post-departure purchase, but you'll lose trip cancellation coverage and pre-existing condition waivers.
Standard U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare, provide limited or no international coverage. Check with your insurer before traveling and consider travel medical insurance for France trips.
How We Chose the Best France Travel Insurance
MoneyGeek evaluated travel insurance plans for France using a scoring methodology that weighs cost, coverage, company stability and claims service based on 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 with $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 24/7 support received the highest marks in this category.
Plans scoring 85 or higher offer excellent value. Scores between 70 and 85 offer 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 (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.
He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.
Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.
Mark holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He started his career in financial risk management at State Street and is also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.