A trip to France is a luxurious experience filled with beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich history. Spending dreamlike moments at world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum in Paris, and leisurely enjoying an authentic croissant at a café, will surely capture your heart with the charms of France!
On the other hand, what would happen if you got injured or sick during your trip to France?
Common Illnesses During Trips to France
- Food poisoning from raw oysters!!
→ For consultation only: Around €50 to €200
→ If hospitalization is required: €700 to €2000 (and potentially higher in some cases)
In addition, to prepare for unexpected injuries or illnesses, it’s recommended to purchase adequate health insurance before your trip to France.
The following travel insurance options can be easily purchased online and offer comprehensive coverage:
This page introduces the importance of medical insurance for traveling in France and some recommended travel insurance services that can be conveniently purchased online.
Medical Standards and Costs in France
France’s medical standards are globally recognized as exceptionally high.
The country has a well-developed health insurance system and a universal healthcare system, allowing citizens to receive high-quality medical services at relatively low costs.
However, high medical costs can become a burden if you’re uninsured.
Below are some general examples of medical expenses to give you an idea.
| Item | Approximate Medical Costs |
| General Consultation | €30~€100 |
| Emergency Room Visit | €100-€200 |
| Prescription | €10~€50 |
| Ambulance Service | Base fee (€60) + travel distance fee (€2/km) |
| Hospitalization Cost (per day) | Private Room: €760 ICU: €1700 |
As mentioned above, to avoid the burden of unexpected illness or injury, we recommend purchasing medical insurance during your stay in France.
Be particularly aware that medical expenses can become quite high if hospitalization is necessary.
Is Health Insurance Required When Entering or Staying in France?
When traveling abroad, some countries require proof of health insurance as part of the entry conditions.
For example, in the Czech Republic, travelers are required to show proof of health insurance upon entry and must carry the insurance certificate along with their passport at all times during their stay. If violated, fines may be imposed.
Reference: Which countries require travel insurance when entering the country?
However, for the following reasons, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance:
- Coverage for high medical costs in case of emergencies
- Coverage for theft or loss risks
- Coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations
- Coverage for emergency repatriation
In addition to medical expenses coverage, travel insurance is highly beneficial as it helps protect you against various risks, such as flight delays or travel-related issues.
To avoid unexpected incidents during your trip to France, it’s best to secure appropriate insurance in advance.
High Medical Expense Cases in France
In France, if you get injured or fall ill while sightseeing, you may face high medical bills. Let’s look at some specific cases where high costs can arise:
Case 1: Broken Bone from a Fall in Paris
If you break your leg while sightseeing, the treatment costs would be as follows:
- Emergency transportation: €350
- Surgery cost: €12,000
- Hospitalization (5 days): €3,500
- Rehabilitation cost: €1,500
→ Total: €17,350
In some locations, additional helicopter transportation costs may apply.
Case 2: Food Poisoning from Seafood Leading to Emergency Hospitalization
The cost of hospitalization for food poisoning caused by seafood:
- Emergency transportation: €250
- Hospitalization (3 days): €2,100
- Consultation & Testing: €600
- Treatment & Medication: €500
→ Total: €3,450
In severe cases, hospitalization duration may increase, leading to higher costs.
Case 3: Surgery and Hospitalization from a Bicycle Accident
In the case of falling off a bicycle and breaking your collarbone while sightseeing:
- Emergency transportation: €200
- Surgery cost: €9,500
- Hospitalization (4 days): €2,800
- Rehabilitation cost: €1,200
→ Total: €13,700
It is advisable to have insurance even while moving around for sightseeing.
It’s Not Too Late! Online Travel Insurance Services Available
For those planning a trip to France or already staying in France, here are three travel insurance services that are easy to sign up for online:
By subscribing to travel insurance, you can prepare for a range of unexpected events during your trip.
To avoid facing high medical costs or unforeseen troubles, consider purchasing insurance now!
1. Safety Wing
Popular for its cost and coverage, Safety Wing is a highly convenient overseas health insurance service that allows anyone already in France to sign up online immediately, with no waiting period.
Safety Wing Features
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Coverage periods starting from 5 days
- No waiting period when signing up from abroad
- 24/7 live chat support
- Coverage for flight delays and lost luggage
- Easy to get a quote and apply
Specific details about the insurance are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, complications of pregnancy. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $1,000 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve the onset of acute pain (sudden and unforeseen). |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 | Costs for emergency transport to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Medical Return | $5,000 | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to the death of a family member. |
| Lost Checked Baggage | $3,000 | Compensation if baggage is not found after 10 days of being reported lost (maximum $500 per item). |
| Flight Delay | $200 | Meals and accommodation expenses for delays exceeding 12 hours (up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days). |
| Passport Theft | $100 | Costs for reissuing a passport or visa in case of theft. |
| Auto Accident | $250,000 | Accidental automobile accidents occurring while possessing a valid license and wearing safety equipment. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $250,000 | Circumstances necessitating return due to family death or similar reasons. |
| In the Case of Death | $20,000 | Costs for transporting remains back to Japan (up to $10,000 if buried locally). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective and comprehensive travel insurance, try Safety Wing.
Start by getting a quick quote!
Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!
2. World Nomads
World Nomads provides some of the most comprehensive travel medical insurance, with an easy online application process and flexible plans tailored to your destination and duration of stay.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance premiums vary by destination
(e.g., $265.07 monthly for a 4-week policy covering the United States). - Medical coverage limits up to $5 million (or unlimited).
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage.
- 24/7 support (phone/email) is available every day of the year
The specific coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, emergency ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Medical Transportation | $500,000 | Costs for emergency transportation to an equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Return | $500,000 | Costs associated with emergency return due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Baggage Coverage | $2,500 | Coverage for theft, damage, or loss of baggage that occurs during travel. |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Compensation for additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred due to flight cancellation or delays over 12 hours. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $3,500 | Costs for returning due to family illness or death. |
| In the case of Death | $15,000 | Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan, or costs for local burial. |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
This plan provides reliable coverage against any accidents or illnesses that may arise during your travels.
Check the World Nomads official website to get an insurance quote tailored to your travel schedule.
3. Heymondo
If you’re planning an extended stay, Heymondo offers excellent value. By choosing a 3-month plan, you can reduce your monthly premium, and they provide plans with up to $10 million in medical coverage.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective 3-month plans for long-term travelers.
- Premiums vary depending on the destination country.
- Medical coverage limit of $5 million (or $10 million).
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage.
- 24/7 support (phone/email) is available.
The specific coverage details are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Extended Stay Costs | $1,800 | Emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Medical Transport | $5 million | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,700 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to family bereavement. |
| Flight Delay | $450 | Meal and accommodation expenses for delays over 12 hours (maximum $100 per day for 2 days). |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Circumstances requiring return due to family death, etc. |
| In the Case of Death | $100,000 | Transportation costs to return the body to Japan (up to $10,000 for local burial). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
Heymondo offers various insurance plans, and the above describes the standard plan (Travel Insurance Top).
For detailed premium information, check the Heymondo official website for a quote!
Thank you for reading until the end!
If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for yourself, check out the link below for more details.
The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month].
We’ve carefully selected popular insurance services for nomads traveling abroad, summarizing the features and benefits of each plan in an easy-to-understand format.
You’re sure to find the perfect plan for you, so be sure to take a look!
