Do You Need Travel Insurance for Spain? Risks and Costs to Know
takayuki
Nomadrista
Traveling to France Without Insurance? Risks and Medical Costs You Should Know
takayuki
A trip to France offers unforgettable experiences, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to world-class cuisine and charming cafés.
Enjoying fresh croissants in Paris or exploring scenic towns across the country makes France one of the most captivating travel destinations.
What happens if you get sick or injured during your stay in France?
Food poisoning, especially from raw oysters, is one of the most common illnesses among visitors.
Estimated medical costs if you get food poisoning
- Doctor’s consultation: about €50–€200
- Hospitalization: about €700–€2,000 or more
If you do not have medical insurance in France, you must cover all medical expenses yourself.
To avoid unexpected financial burdens, securing proper travel medical insurance before your trip is strongly recommended.
No,1
SafetyWing
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$56.28 (not including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$250,000
Emergency Transportation
$20,000
Dental treatment
$1,000
Flight delays
$200
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
Without
Standby time
0 hours
No.2
World Nomads
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$220.43 (not including the US)
・$265.07 (including US)
・$265.07 (including US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$500
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$2,500
Standby time
72 hours
No.3
Heymondo
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$113.05 (not including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$450
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$1,700
Standby time
72 hours
The following online travel insurance options offer easy sign-up and comprehensive coverage suitable for travelers to France.
Contents
Medical Standards and Costs in France
France is known worldwide for its excellent medical standards.
With a strong national health insurance system and universal healthcare, residents can receive high-quality medical services at relatively low costs.
However, foreign visitors are not covered by France’s public health insurance system, meaning all medical expenses must be paid out of pocket.
Below are some typical medical costs to help you understand what to expect.
| Approximate Medical Costs | |
|---|---|
| General consultation | €30–€100 |
| Emergency room visit | €100–€200 |
| Prescription medication | €10–€50 |
| Ambulance service | Base fee €60 + €2 per kilometer |
| Hospitalization (per day) | Private room: €760 ICU: €1,700 |
As shown above, medical expenses in France can be quite high, especially if hospitalization is required.
Is Health Insurance Required When Entering or Staying in France?
Some countries require travelers to show proof of health insurance when entering.
For example, in the Czech Republic, visitors must present valid health insurance upon entry and carry the certificate with their passport throughout their stay. Failure to do so may result in fines.
» Which Countries Require Travel Insurance to Enter?
At present, France does not require health insurance for entry or short-term stays.
However, purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended for several important reasons:
- Coverage for high medical costs in emergencies
- Protection against theft or loss of belongings
- Compensation for trip interruptions or cancellations
- Coverage for emergency repatriation
Beyond medical protection, travel insurance also helps you deal with unexpected problems such as flight delays or lost luggage.
To avoid major financial risks and travel disruptions during your trip to France, securing proper insurance before departure is highly recommended.
High Medical Expense Cases in France
High Medical Expense Cases in France
If you get injured or fall ill while sightseeing in France, you may face surprisingly high medical costs. Here are some real examples of situations where expenses can become significant.
1. Broken Bone from a Fall in Paris
If you break a leg while exploring Paris, the estimated medical costs are:
- Emergency transportation: €350
- Surgery: €12,000
- Hospitalization (5 days): €3,500
- Rehabilitation: €1,500
Total cost: €17,350
*Depending on the location, additional helicopter transport fees may also apply.
2. Severe Food Poisoning from Seafood
Food poisoning caused by raw or contaminated seafood can sometimes require emergency care. Estimated costs:
- Emergency transportation: €250
- Hospitalization (3 days): €2,100
- Consultation and testing: €600
- Treatment and medication: €500
Total cost: €3,450
*Serious symptoms may require a longer hospital stay, increasing the overall cost.
3. Surgery After a Bicycle Accident
If you fall while riding a bicycle and fracture your collarbone, the costs may include:
- Emergency transportation: €200
- Surgery: €9,500
- Hospitalization (4 days): €2,800
- Rehabilitation: €1,200
Total cost: €13,700
*Even during regular sightseeing, having travel insurance is important to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
It’s Not Too Late! Online Travel Insurance Options You Can Still Apply For
If you are planning a trip to France—or are already in France—here are three travel insurance services that you can easily sign up for online:
- SafetyWing
: A cost-effective insurance plan that can be purchased the same day. You can also enroll while abroad with no waiting period. - World Nomads
: Provides extensive coverage, including medical insurance and protection against theft. Ideal for travelers who want broader coverage. - Heymondo
: Offers plans designed for long-term travelers, with medical coverage options of up to $10,000,000.
Subscribing to travel insurance helps you stay prepared for unexpected situations during your trip.
To avoid high medical bills or other travel-related problems, consider getting insurance now and enjoy your trip to France with peace of mind!
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is a popular and affordable overseas health insurance option, offering excellent coverage at a reasonable price.
If you are already in France, you can sign up online instantly with no waiting period, making it extremely convenient for travelers.
SafetyWing Features
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Coverage available from as short as 5 days
- No waiting period when enrolling from abroad
- 24/7 live chat support
- Coverage for flight delays and lost luggage
- Simple online quote and application process
The specific insurance coverage details are provided below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $1,000 |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 |
| Flight delays | $200 |
| Theft of passports | $100 |
| Car Accident | $250,000 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $250,000 |
| At the time of death | $20,000 |
SafetyWing provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage for a monthly premium of just $56.28.
You can also adjust the coverage period to match your travel dates, making it even more affordable.
If you want a cost-effective and comprehensive travel insurance plan, SafetyWing is an excellent choice.
Get your travel insurance quote on the SafetyWing website now.
World Nomads
World Nomads offers some of the most comprehensive travel medical insurance on the market.
With an easy online application and flexible plans based on your destination and length of stay, it is a reliable choice for travelers who want strong protection.
Features of World Nomads
- Premiums vary depending on the destination
（e.g., $265.07 for a 4-week plan that includes the U.S.) - Medical coverage up to $5,000,0000 (or unlimited)
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support via phone and email throughout the year
The detailed coverage information is as follows:
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Medical Transportation and Repatriation | $5,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $2,500 |
| Flight delays | $500 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $15,000 |
The 4-week premium is $215.38, which is slightly higher than average, but it provides medical coverage of up to $5,000,000 or even unlimited.
Visitthe World Nomads website to get a quote customized to your travel plans.
Heymondo
If you’re planning a longer stay abroad, Heymondo offers excellent value.
By choosing a 3-month plan, you can lower the monthly premium, and some plans include medical coverage of up to $10,000,000.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective 3-month plans ideal for long-term travelers
- Premiums vary depending on your destination
- Medical coverage limits of $5,000,000 or $10,000,000
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 customer support available by phone or email
The specific coverage details are as follows:
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Extended Overnight Expenses | $1,800 |
| Emergency Transportation | $5,000,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $1,700 |
| Flight delays | $450 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $100,000 |
Heymondo offers several insurance plans, and the details above refer to the standard Travel Insurance Top plan.
Depending on the plan you choose, you can access medical coverage of up to $10,000,000.
For accurate pricing, visit the Heymondo website and get a personalized quote!
Are you looking for the best travel insurance?
The following page features a carefully selected list of popular insurance plans for digital nomads and international travelers, along with a clear summary of each plan’s features and benefits.
Which travel insurance is best for you?
Best Travel Insurance: Our Top Pick Is SafetyWing at $56/Month
You’re sure to find a plan that’s perfect for you. Check them out and start preparing for your next trip!
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
