​How to get the right Schengen travel insurance for France?

Who needs travel insurance to visit France?

France is universally famous for its exquisite culture, unwavering charm, and – well, that certain je ne sais quoi. But it also happens to have a very rich and unique history. And part of that unique history is that it is one of the five founding members of the Schengen area (along with Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg).
As such, it follows the same common rules established by all Schengen Member States when it comes to visa requirements.

Let’s find out who needs a Schengen visa to enter France and what this implies in terms of travel insurance.

Who needs to apply for a Schengen visa (and, therefore, travel insurance) for France?

Depending on your nationality and on whether or not your country has signed a visa-waiver agreement with the EU, you may or may not need a Schengen visa (for stays under 90 days).

Citizens of over a hundred countries need to obtain a visa to be allowed in France (including several countries from the Maghreb, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, India, and others).

If this is your case, you will need to submit a Schengen visa application which must include several compulsory documents, including a travel insurance certificate.
This document proves that you have subscribed to travel insurance in compliance with the European Union Visa Code requirements. Without it, your visa application will be denied.

→ Travel insurance is thus mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa.

PRO TIP: Not sure if you need a visa to come to France?
Check the list of nationalities that require a Schengen visa.

How do I apply for a visa for France?

And if you do need that French visa, don’t worry! We we can help you both answer and do all of the following:

What type of visa do I need to come to France?

How to get a Schengen visa for France?

How to apply for a long stay visa for France (exceeding 90 days) ?

How to get a student visa for France?

How to get a work visa for France?

How much does a Schengen visa for France cost?

What are the travel insurance requirements to obtain a Schengen visa?

Important! According to the European Union Visa Code (Article 15), not just any plan will do.
To be granted a Schengen visa for France (or anywhere else in the Schengen area), your Schengen travel insurance must:

• Guarantee a €30,000 minimum coverage for medical expenses
• Cover emergency hospitalisation and medical care due to health issues occurring during your stay.
• Bear the costs of repatriation to your home country in case of serious health issues or even death.
• Be certified by all the countries of the Schengen area (not only France)
• Be valid in all Schengen countries (not only France)
• Remain valid during the entire duration of your stay.
• Be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries

Good news! The AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all these criteria and much more!

What if you don’t need a Schengen visa to visit France?

If you happen to be a national of one of the countries with visa-free travel agreements, such as the U.S, the U.K., Canada, and Australia, you don’t need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit France Therefore, subscribing to comprehensive travel insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended by the French authorities, the embassies of most countries around the world and mostly by common sense!

Whether you are planning a laid-back holiday with only restaurants, wine-tasting and museum visiting on the menu or if you intend on taking on the winding roads of the Tour de France circuit, wonderful memories and adventures are all you want to bring back home. Don’t let a silly or serious accident bring your holiday to a crashing end.

While France is world-famous for having a great healthcare system (along with one of the highest life expectancies in the world), medical costs for foreigners can still be relatively high. And this is especially true if you need to pay for specific medication and/or prescriptions.

Having your potential medical expenses covered by comprehensive travel insurance will mean one less thing to worry about. Not only that, but it may end up saving you thousands of euros/dollars — not to mention unnecessary stress, worry, and overall health issues — if something does go wrong.

Why choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for France?

We have been delivering affordable, comprehensive and reliable travel insurance coverage for over 65 years (and counting). As such, when it comes to experience and expertise, we’ve established a longstanding international reputation both within and outside of France. Not to mention a thorough knowledge and understanding of local culture all over the world. But if knowing a well-established and internationally experienced local is not enough, here are a few more reasons why AXA’s got your back:

• AXA Schengen visa insurance complies with all EU requirements in terms of visa obligations.
• It is certified and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries part of the Schengen area.
• It is thus automatically accepted with Schengen visa applications.
• It guarantees a coverage of minimum €30,000 and up to €2 million depending on the chosen plan.
• It covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, sanitary repatriation including in the event of death.
• It includes both civil liability and personal liability coverage.
• It includes death and disability insurance.
• Its coverage scope includes all the Schengen states, European microstates, other non-Schengen but European countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen option).
• It offers duration flexibility - from just one day, up to six months, or up to a full year

Other advantages of choosing AXA travel insurance:

• AXA is internationally renowned for its expertise in Schengen travel insurance.
• It offers 24/7 assistance thanks to its devoted teams of experienced professionals.
• Online subscription is quick and easy.
• Your Schengen travel insurance certificate is available instantaneously. You can thus immediately print and enclose the certificate with your application file, saving you precious time.
• There is no age restriction.
• 0 deductible applies to medical expenses.
• No medical check-up is required.
• It is refundable if your visa application is denied.
• It offers many additional advantages:
  • delivery of prescriptions, glasses and prosthesis,
  • daily hospitalization allowance,
  • search and rescue costs,
  • coverage of the early repatriation of the injured’s travel companions and their luggage as well as of the policy holder if they must interrupt their stay due to an emergency (such as serious illness in the family, etc.)
• It includes baggage insurance depending on the chosen plan.
• Free remote medical consultations are available with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature in English, French, and several other languages.
• AXA offers tailor-made insurance with multiple upgrade options designed to satisfy all needs and budgets.

What is the best AXA travel insurance plan for you?

Which plan you choose will depend on the nature of your trip. Are you going to France for business, pleasure, or both? Are you traveling solo or with family? How far are you going, how long do you plan to stay, and how adventurous do you plan to be? Whatever the case, AXA has a comprehensive plan for you:

• AXA Schengen Basic offers standard and efficient coverage to obtain your Schengen visa.
  This travel insurance option meets all the mandatory requirements, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as in the 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).
   
• AXA Schengen Essential provides complete and reliable coverage at an affordable price. Another perfect choice to obtain your Schengen visa.
  Not only does it meet all visa requirements and is valid in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates, but it also offers coverage in all the EU countries as well as the UK.
   
• AXA Schengen Premium is THE all-inclusive plan allowing you to obtain your Schengen visa and to travel stress-free all over Europe.
  Its coverage is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK.
   
• AXA Schengen Annual is the ideal yearly travel insurance plan for frequent travellers to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.
  One contract for a full year of travel coverage across Europe!
  It is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK
   

What should you do if you are injured or ill while in France?

Don’t worry - AXA Schengen Insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you.
In case of a medical emergency, you should contact the AXA Schengen call centre at the number provided on your insurance policy. Our medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7. They’ll also help you find the medical centre closest to your location and best suited to your situation.

When you call, be sure to have the following information on hand:

• The number of your policy (which begins with “SCH”).
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (and the details of the people that can be contacted locally on your behalf).
• Your reference number (which will be given to you when you first call the AXA platform)

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep any bills/invoices and enclose them with your file.

Practical information and safety tips for traveling in France

Capital:

The capital of France is Paris (aka the City of Light, the City of Love, and the Capital of Fashion).

Currency:

France is a member of the Eurozone; hence, the official currency throughout France is the Euro (€).

Safety:

France is generally safe — especially outside of its larger cities. However, you should still take sensible precautions against possible street and/or car crime.
For example, don’t keep your passport, credit cards, and other valuables in the same place. Use inside compartments in bags whenever possible, and keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars. Stay alert around tourist attractions and cash points. Thieves and pickpockets particularly operate on the Paris metro. You should also be careful when visiting the Stade de France. Gangs are known to operate in the area and violent assaults have occurred nearby.

PRO TIP: For more information, read our safety tips when travelling to Europe.

Public transport:

Public transport in France is of a superb standard, so it’s relatively easy to get around the whole country without a car. Paris has an extensive Metro network, with Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Rennes, and Toulouse also boasting their own rapid transit systems. Most major cities in France have connections to the high-speed network, making this the most popular and efficient mode of French public transportation. Buses and coaches are also good ways to travel through the country — especially for connections from air or rail to mountainous areas. And France also has excellent rail and road links with its Schengen and EU neighbours.

Opening hours:

The standard shopping day in France, from Monday to Saturday, starts at 9 a.m. and finishes at 7 p.m. Most large stores and shopping malls will remain open all day, but smaller establishments often close between 12 and 2 pm for lunch (and this can include shops, banks, and offices). This may be extended during the summer months — particularly in the south (due to the heat). Beware also of shops closed on Mondays which is more common than you may imagine, particularly outside of Paris.

Driving license:

Your license should be recognized in France for as long as it is valid — but you should check the expiry date just in case. However, in certain cases, your driver’s license may have to be accompanied by an official translation in French (or an international driving license).

PRO TIP: Take a look at our article on which driving licenses are accepted in Europe.

Restaurants:

As sometimes shops and services close down for lunchtime, restaurants open up. Most restaurants offer service between 12pm and 2.30pm, and 7.30pm and 9.30pm. In cities, however, you may find restaurants remain open later.

You might find these articles interesting:

• Ten charming places to visit less than 100 km from Paris
• A complete guide to a perfect and unique trip to Paris
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for France from India?

FAQ

Does AXA’s Schengen travel insurance cover French overseas territories?

It does not, as they are not in the Schengen Area. Overseas French territorial communities include Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyane, Reunion Island, Mayotte, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, the Wallis and Futuna Islands, and French Polynesia.

What happens if my Schengen visa for France application is denied?

While Schengen visa fees are not refunded if your visa application is denied, AXA will reimburse your travel insurance subscription provided you supply adequate supporting documents such as your letter of refusal stating the reasons why your request was denied.

In which language must the supporting documents of my visa for France application file be written in?

All documents enclosed with your application file must be written in French. Documents in other languages must be translated by a certified translator.

Where do I apply for a Schengen Visa for France?

Depending on your country of residence, you will have to hand in your visa application and compulsory documents (including a travel insurance certificate) either to French consular services or to a certified visa application center.