Travel insurance when in France
What you need to know about travel insurance for a trip to France
- Trusted by:
Trusted by:
- Baggage and personal effects theft
- Rental car coverage and road safety
- Getting the most out of activities cover
- Medical emergencies
- What is overseas medical cover
One of Europe’s cultural capitals, France offers many varied experiences – from the azure waters of the French Riviera to a quiet café down an alley in Lyon, or the surprises that await you in the Louvre. But for surprises of the unpleasant kind – a delayed connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, pickpocketing on the Metro, or a tumble down the ski slopes in Chamonix – World Nomads is here to back you up.
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.
All World Nomads travel insurance plans have some coverage for theft, or if a carrier has lost your checked in luggage, depending on your Country of Residence and your chosen plan.
However, with any insurance plan, limits, conditions and exclusions may apply. For example, if you have simply misplaced your bags or if your gear gets damaged. Generally, you need to be able to show that you took reasonable care to look after your things.
Tips for keeping your gear safe:
- Before you travel to France, keep a copy of your receipts or other proof of ownership, as you’ll need to provide this with any claim if your things are stolen.
- Always carry your electronics and valuables with you and lock your gear up in a secure location when you can’t take it with you.
- In high-volume tourist areas and automated service stations, protect your PIN. If possible, use ATMs in more controlled and supervised areas such as banks, shops and shopping centers.
Tips for making a baggage and personal effects claim:
If general, you will need a police report, or some other kind of report from an authorized representative (e.g., a property irregularity report from the airline or bus company if your bags were checked in), to validate baggage/gear claims.
- If you need any help as a result of theft, you can contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team.
- Need to know what documentation you’ll need to get for a claim?
- If your stuff is stolen, follow the steps in our handy guide to make a claim
- If your passport is stolen, don’t panic – we can help
- If the airline loses your bags, or they are delayed, you may be able to make a claim if you have the information outlined in this guide
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 help whether you’re navigating lane changes on the périphérique (ring road) around Paris or bumping along a country road with the following benefits:
- Rental car coverage for theft and damage insurance excess is available on select plans (benefits depend on your Country of Residence and/or your choice of a Standard or an Explorer plan)
- Our multi-lingual Emergency Assistance Team is at your service 24/7 to get you through a medical emergency or if you need emergency evacuation.
Tips for a safe and fun road trip in France:
- In addition to breakdowns or accidents, theft can happen anywhere – even the countryside isn’t immune to rental car break-ins, so be sure to take care of your belongings
- Don't forget to stop regularly for breaks to beat fatigue. Motorways have aires (approved roadside parking areas), which can be as simple as a picnic spot or a service center with more amenities.
Going on an outdoor adventure?
The diversity of France’s geography means that there’s a beach, river canyon or snow-capped peak for every adventurer and every skill level. World Nomads travel insurance policies are built for adventure, and our policies can cover more than 150 activities, sports and experiences including cross-country and alpine skiing, hiking and mountain biking.
Getting the most out of activities cover
- Some activities may require you to use specific safety gear or to be accompanied by a licensed guide, so check your policy for any conditions.
- Be sure read the exclusions section of your policy closely. Activities such as mountaineering, search-and-rescue missions, and those above a certain elevation may not be covered.
- 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.
- If the activity you want to do isn’t listed, or if you have 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. All World Nomads policies offer some cover for overseas medical, and you can make a claim for reimbursement for these medical expenses (less any excess, which may apply), even if you’re still traveling.
What is overseas medical cover?
Having a policy with World Nomads also means you have access to our Emergency Assistance team, who are here to support you 24/7. They can help you find the nearest medical centre, and if it’s more serious they can arrange for an emergency evacuation, and set up direct payments to the medical facility if needed, so you can focus on your recovery.
Tips for making a claim for overseas medical:
- If you need to make a medical claim, follow this guide for all the information you will need to submit with your claim.
- 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 asked for additional documentation. We may ask you for the medical bill, but also proof of payment.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All 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
Love photography, filming or sport?
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.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.