Travel Insurance & Assistance Services for France Trips

Key Takeaways

• U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays in France under 90 days, but travel insurance helps cover gaps that domestic health plans typically leave.
• Most standard health insurance does not cover emergency medical evacuation or out-of-pocket hospital costs in France, which is where travel insurance proves its value.
• Plans can help protect against trip disruptions common in France, including transportation strikes and flight delays.
• Generali Global Assistance offers three tiers (Standard, Preferred, Premium) with medical coverage limits ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 per person.
• Purchase coverage at the time of booking your France trip to maximize protection on non-refundable costs like rail passes and tours.

Whether you're exploring Paris, skiing the French Alps, or touring Provence, travel insurance with assistance services may help protect your trip and provide peace of mind. Travel Protection for France helps cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel delays, helping you travel with confidence.

Traveling to France: What Do You Need?

Passport

Your passport should have at least 3 months of validity, preferably 6 months. There should also be one blank page to stamp in the passport. U.S. emergency passports are not accepted for entry into France.

Visa

U.S. citizens can enter France for tourism or business without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Have proof of funds available in case it's requested at entry.

Travel Insurance

France doesn't require travel insurance for entry, but it's worth having. Medical care abroad isn't covered by most U.S. health plans, and non-refundable trip costs add up quickly. A travel protection plan helps cover the gaps, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, travel delays, and more.

Why Travel Protection Matters for France

Travelers from outside the Schengen Area applying for a French visa must show proof of travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 (approximately $32,000). U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days, but medical emergencies abroad can still result in unexpected expenses that domestic health insurance typically doesn't cover.

Travel disruptions affect even well-planned itineraries. France experiences periodic transportation strikes, particularly affecting trains and flights. Flight delays, missed connections, and weather-related cancellations can leave travelers facing additional costs for meals, accommodations, and rebooking fees. Travel protection helps safeguard your prepaid travel costs when covered events disrupt your plans.

Travel Medical Coverage for France Trips

France has quality healthcare, but international visitors typically pay out-of-pocket unless they have coverage. Emergency room visits typically cost €100-300, while hospital stays can reach thousands of euros per day. Medical and Dental Coverage helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and urgent care if you become ill or injured.

Emergency Assistance & Transportation coverage can help address situations where you need transport to a better-equipped facility or medical evacuation home. According to the US Department of State, medical evacuation by air ambulance back to the United States can cost from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on where you are and your health condition

Generali Global Assistance's plans include 24/7 multilingual travel assistance to help locate English-speaking providers, coordinate direct payment with hospitals when possible, and guide you through the claims process.

Arranging Medical Care in France

If you need medical care, call the assistance number on your insurance card or plan documents before seeking treatment when possible. The assistance team can direct you to appropriate facilities, help with language barriers, and arrange direct billing in some cases. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports. French doctors typically provide detailed documentation, which helps with claims processing.

For emergencies, go directly to the nearest hospital (look for "Urgences" signs) and contact your insurer afterward.

Choosing the Right Coverage Limit

Generali Global Assistance offers three plan levels with Medical and Dental coverage: Standard ($50,000 per person), Preferred ($150,000 per person), and Premium ($250,000 medical). All three plans include 100% Trip Cancellation coverage for covered events. Where they differ is in Emergency Assistance and Transportation, Medical and Dental, and other benefit limits. The Premium Plan offers the highest coverage across these categories.

Your age, health status, and planned activities should guide your decision. Older travelers often benefit from higher limits. The Premium Plan includes coverage for pre-existing conditions if certain requirements are met, making it worth reviewing carefully if that applies to you.

A few add-ons are worth noting. Rental Car Damage coverage (not available to Texas residents)  is included in the Premium Plan and is available as an add-on for Standard and Preferred— relevant if you're driving in Paris or through the French countryside. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is available at an additional cost on the Premium Plan only, for travelers who want broader protection regardless of cancellation reason*.

When to Buy

The best time to purchase travel protection is as soon as you book your trip. Buying early helps maximize available coverage options, particularly for non-refundable expenses like museum passes, rail reservations, and tour admissions. If you're booking flights and accommodations, consider purchasing your plan the same day. Pay particular attention to any prepaid, non-refundable costs, as those are the expenses most worth insuring.

Why Buying Travel Protection Early Is A Smart Move

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Trip Cancellation coverage may reimburse pre-paid, non-refundable costs if covered events prevent travel before departure. Trip Interruption coverage applies when you must cut short a trip already in progress. Both coverages require that the cancellation reason  falls under your plan’s list of covered events.

Common Reasons for Trip Cancellations

Covered reasons typically include:

• Documented illness or injury
• Immediate family emergencies
• Severe weather or natural disasters
• Jury duty or required work reassignment
• Job loss or travel supplier bankruptcy
• Announced strikes (depending on purchase date)

General concerns about safety or simple changes of mind don't qualify unless you have CFAR coverage. Review your specific plan documents for the complete list of covered reasons.

How Reimbursement Works

If you need to cancel your trip, contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process. You'll submit documentation showing your pre-paid expenses (receipts, booking confirmations, invoices) along with proof of the covered event that caused the cancellation. The insurer reviews your claim against your plan's covered reasons and reimburses eligible expenses up to your coverage limits. Processing typically takes 13 business days (Our average claims processing time) after receiving complete documentation, though complex claims may require additional time.

Tips for Safety and Preparation in France

Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, insurance card, plan documents, and emergency contacts. Store copies separately from originals. Program these numbers in your phone: U.S. Embassy in Paris (+33 1 43 12 22 22), local emergency services (112), and your insurer's 24/7 assistance line.

If your passport is lost or stolen, file a police report immediately, then contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Your travel assistance service may help coordinate appointments and temporary travel documents, though the embassy handles actual replacement.

Pickpocket and Scam Prevention

Paris metro lines 1 and 4, the Eiffel Tower area, and the Sacré-Cœur are frequent targets for pickpockets. Keep bags in front of you on crowded trains. Decline petitions or friendship bracelets from strangers—these are common distraction tactics. Divide cash and cards between multiple pockets.

How Much Does Travel Protection for France Cost?

Generali Global Assistance's plans typically cost 4-10% of your total trip cost. Your age significantly affects pricing—travelers over 60 typically pay higher premiums due to increased medical risk.

Get a quote based on your specific trip details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel to France

Do I Need Travel Insurance if I Do Not Need a Visa for France?

U.S. citizens don't need insurance to enter France for tourism, but you remain responsible for all medical expenses and lost prepaid costs without coverage. Review France-specific coverage considerations to understand your options.

What Coverage Should I Look for as an American in France?

Coverage should  include emergency medical ($50,000+ recommended), emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption, and baggage protection. If you're traveling during winter months for skiing, verify that your plan offers coverage for winter sports activities.

Does Travel Insurance Cover Lost or Stolen Belongings in France?

Generali Global Assistance Baggage coverage has per person limits (often $250-500) and requires police reports filed within 24 hours. Coverage typically excludes cash, gift cards, and items left unattended.

Help Protect Your France Adventure with Generali Global Assistance

With over 30 years of protecting travelers, Generali Global Assistance provides travel protection plans supported by 24/7 Assistance Services. Our three plan levels let you choose the right plan that fits your needs and budget.

Get a free quote and travel knowing you have peace of mind.

*Note: Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage is not available to residents of New York. Certain requirements must be met to qualify.

B006992402, 1106002603