Best Travel Insurance Options for France in 2025
- The best travel insurances for France
- Is it currently safe to travel to France?
- Travel insurance requirements for a French visa
- Why you should consider travel insurance for France
- Travel insurance coverage for France
- The cost of travel insurance for France
- How to Pay Less for Travel Insurance in France
- Will my current insurance cover me in France?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for France: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for France covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, luggage loss, and personal liability while travelling.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians visiting France, but highly recommended for medical and financial risks.
3. Healthcare cost: Healthcare in France is expensive; a hospital night for foreigners averages AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,500.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for France typically costs between AUD 40 and AUD 70 per person.
5. Good to know: Insurance should cover the Schengen Area if you plan to visit neighbouring European countries during your trip.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, assisting over one million travellers each month. After reviewing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our specialists share here everything you need to know to select the best travel insurance for France.
The best travel insurances for France
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Ideal for AU travellers in France, it covers high medical costs and major unexpected events. - high limit - repatriation - no deductibles |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Trusted cover, especially for urgent care or cancellations. - 24/7 assistance - trip cancellation - simple exclusions |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800k | Useful for short tourism in France. Provides essential protection against main medical risks. - emergency assistance - good cover - affordable |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Good for longer visits, reliable for serious incidents abroad. - broad cover - repatriation - hospital benefits |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480k | Recommended for basic needs and frequent moves. - medical care abroad - repatriation - civil liability |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800k | Sufficient for budget trips to France with essential guarantees. - emergency medical - fast process - capped coverage |
- high limit
- repatriation
- no deductibles
- 24/7 assistance
- trip cancellation
- simple exclusions
- emergency assistance
- good cover
- affordable
- broad cover
- repatriation
- hospital benefits
- medical care abroad
- repatriation
- civil liability
- emergency medical
- fast process
- capped coverage
Is it currently safe to travel to France?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advises Australian travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting France due to the current security situation.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: France remains on heightened terrorist alert, especially in public places such as markets, transport hubs, landmarks, or during major sporting or cultural events. For example, bag checks and visible police or military patrols are now common in areas like Paris railway stations and around the Eiffel Tower.
- Health risks: medical care in France is of a high standard, but health services must be paid for in full and can be expensive for non-residents. Routine outbreaks of measles are reported, so proof of immunisation is recommended.
- Legal obligations: you must carry photo identification at all times, as French police conduct random ID checks. Failure to present a valid passport can lead to fines or temporary detention.
- Urban crime and scams: pickpocketing and theft are a risk in crowded places including metro lines and tourist zones. Incidents of fake police officers requesting to see identity documents or wallets have been reported to Australian authorities.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in France.
Travel insurance requirements for a French visa
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian travellers to obtain a visa or enter France for short stays of up to 90 days.
Travel insurance is still highly recommended, as France has a very expensive healthcare system and there is no reciprocal health agreement with Australia. Insurance helps cover high medical costs, emergency repatriation, and unexpected incidents during your stay.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to France. This is mainly because of the high cost of emergency care and the strict requirement to pay medical fees upfront.
Why you should consider travel insurance for France
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to France.
Healthcare costs in France can be high, especially in private clinics such as the American Hospital of Paris or Hôpital Privé Claude Bernard in Metz. Foreigners, including Australians, often pay more in private facilities, where a simple hospitalization or emergency surgery quickly becomes expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in France.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at American Hospital of Paris | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | €3,400 (AUD 5,620) | Up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | €2,000 (AUD 3,310) | Up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | €15,000 (AUD 24,800) | Up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | €6,000 (AUD 9,930) | Up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage for France
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital fees, consultations, and outpatient care in case of illness or accident. We recommend a limit of at least AUD 500k due to high costs in Paris and major clinics. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation & repatriation | Covers ambulance, medical transfers, and repatriation to AU if required. A limit of AUD 200k is advised, as return flights and medical airlifts can be expensive. |
| 💊 Prescription medicines | Reimburses the cost of doctor-prescribed medicines obtained in France. We advise a reimbursement limit of AUD 2k for medication. |
| 🛄 Baggage and valuables | Compensates loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal items during travel. For France, a minimum cover of AUD 2.5k is prudent. |
| 🛑 Trip cancellation or curtailment | Covers non-refundable costs if your trip is cancelled or interrupted for valid reasons. Select a limit of AUD 7.5k, especially during busy travel seasons or for special events. |
| 👨⚖️ Personal liability | Provides legal and compensation cover if you cause injury or property damage to a third party in France. A minimum limit of AUD 1M is strongly advised. |
| 📞 24/7 assistance | Offers round-the-clock emergency helplines and English-speaking assistance while in France. Always ensure this service is included in the policy. |
We recommend a limit of at least AUD 500k due to high costs in Paris and major clinics.
A limit of AUD 200k is advised, as return flights and medical airlifts can be expensive.
We advise a reimbursement limit of AUD 2k for medication.
For France, a minimum cover of AUD 2.5k is prudent.
Select a limit of AUD 7.5k, especially during busy travel seasons or for special events.
A minimum limit of AUD 1M is strongly advised.
Always ensure this service is included in the policy.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards usually only covers basic needs and includes low limits or many exclusions. Choose a trusted insurer with comprehensive guarantees. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for France
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 40 – AUD 60 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 65 – AUD 95 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 90 – AUD 140 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 170 – AUD 240 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of travel insurance in Australia depends on several factors: the traveller’s age, trip duration, destination, type of coverage, and cancellation flexibility. Additional inclusions or pre-existing medical conditions can also impact premiums. It’s essential to consider these aspects when choosing your policy to ensure value for money and adequate protection on your journey.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Travel Insurance in France
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to France while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | High medical costs in France, especially for emergencies, require suitable reimbursement limits to avoid large expenses. | Select only the essential covers and adjust deductibles to lower your premium, but always meet minimum recommended medical limits. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Some insurers raise prices for older travellers, affecting affordability, especially for extended stays in France. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. Compare several quotes for those over 60 to get the best price. |
| 📆 Duration of stay | Longer trips mean higher risks, thus more expensive insurance, especially in busy French cities or regions. | Select a policy that matches the exact duration of your trip. Avoid rounding up your days unnecessarily. |
| 👫 Number of travellers | Group or family rates can yield savings, especially if several people travel together to France. | Look for policies with family or group pricing, which can be more cost-effective than individual contracts. |
| 🌎 Geographic coverage | The region selected must include France, possibly other countries if travelling in Europe. | Only choose Europe or Schengen zone coverage if you don’t need worldwide insurance. This keeps your premium more affordable. |
| 💳 Payment method | Some AU payment cards offer limited travel cover for France, but with lower ceilings and exclusions. | Review included card insurance conditions first, then buy additional cover only to fill the gaps in protection. |
| ⚠️ Pre-existing medical conditions | Declaration may impact premiums, particularly for older travellers or those with chronic health concerns. | Compare insurers’ rules regarding declared conditions. Specialized providers sometimes offer competitive options for these cases. |
Will my current insurance cover me in France?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage, such as credit card insurance or your public health system, can protect you during a trip to France. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in France? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | No, never | No cover for medical or hospital care, no repatriation, no assistance abroad | Travel insurance offers AUD 500,000+ in medical coverage and full repatriation |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, nib) | Yes, partly | May reimburse some health costs after return, excludes repatriation and emergency evacuation | Travel insurance covers medical, hospital, ambulance, cancellation and evacuation abroad |
| Classic credit card (Commonwealth Bank Low Rate, ANZ First, Westpac Lite) | Yes, partly | Medical cover under AUD 20,000, excludes cancellation or valuable item loss | Travel insurance provides AUD 500,000 medical and full trip and baggage cover |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, NAB Signature, Westpac Altitude Black) | Yes, partly | Medical cover under AUD 140,000, capped trip delay, limited lost bags coverage | Travel insurance includes trip cancellation (AUD 7,500+) and 24/7 emergency help |
Example
While skiing in the French Alps, Jacob from Australia fractured his spine. The emergency airlift and hospital treatment totalled AU$42,000. His Westpac Platinum card covered only AU$2,500, and Medicare provided nothing. With no dedicated travel insurance, Jacob had to pay AU$39,500 out of pocket—a devastating blow for an unexpected accident.
Expert advice
Always check your current insurance’s terms, exclusions, and limits. Essential situations, like trip interruption due to a family member’s illness or death, can be excluded. Carefully read all conditions to avoid surprises while overseas. Ultimately, having dedicated travel insurance suited to your trip is safer and offers true peace of mind for Australian travellers.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in France. However, your passport must be valid, and you may be subject to biometric controls and border checks. For longer stays, or for other purposes such as work or study, you must apply for the appropriate French visa in advance.
Do I need a visa to travel to France?
Australian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in France. However, your passport must be valid, and you may be subject to biometric controls and border checks. For longer stays, or for other purposes such as work or study, you must apply for the appropriate French visa in advance.
How do I purchase travel insurance for France?
1/ Compare: Use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to review offers and find the best price for your needs.
2/ Check cover and exclusions: Make sure the policy covers health care and repatriation expenses commonly required in France, reading the exclusions closely.
3/ Buy online: Complete your purchase securely on the insurer’s website.
4/ Receive your certificate: You will receive confirmation by email, which you can present if requested by authorities.
What are typical travel insurance prices for France from Australia?
For a one-week trip, prices commonly range from AUD 35 to AUD 60 per person, depending on your age and level of cover. A month-long stay for a 35-year-old generally costs between AUD 95 and AUD 140. Prices increase for older travellers or if you opt for more extensive coverage or lower deductibles.
What should I do if I need medical assistance in France?
If you need urgent medical assistance in France, call 112 for emergency services or visit the nearest hospital. Contact your insurer’s assistance hotline as soon as possible to receive guidance, confirm coverage, and start any necessary claims. Keep all medical receipts and documents for reimbursement.
Are there travel insurance exclusions I should be aware of for France?
Most travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, risky activities (such as extreme sports), incidents related to intoxication, and unlawful behaviour. Some policies may not cover strikes, civil unrest, or certain valuables. Always check your insurer’s policy wording for specific limits and exclusions for travel to France.
Does travel insurance for France also cover other European countries?
Many travel insurance policies that cover France also include the entire Schengen Area or all of Europe. Always check the policy to confirm the geographical coverage, especially if you plan to travel across multiple countries during your trip.
