What is the insurance for welcoming foreigners to France?

Since France is part of the Schengen area, it requires travelers from countries or foreign states outside this zone to be covered by a Schengen insurance.

Just as this traveler must possess a valid visa for the entire duration of their stay, they must also be covered by insurance guaranteeing a certain level of coverage, particularly concerning health.

If you plan to travel to France from a non-Schengen country, consider all the administrative aspects of your upcoming stay. A visa application will be necessary, and this must be accompanied by a Schengen insurance certificate, ensuring your coverage for the entire duration of your stay.

Schengen insurance can cover a trip to French territory

If you are a citizen of a country not belonging to the Schengen area, you will need to have appropriate insurance to travel in France.

By visiting the following page, you will find useful information:  How to choose your Schengen insurance?

France is no exception; like each of the 29 member countries of this zone, it requires Schengen insurance to travel in compliance with European regulations. Moreover, an insurance certificate is required as soon as you submit your Schengen visa application.

This point is not trivial; it highlights the mandatory nature of this insurance and guarantees that its holder will be covered for the entire duration of their stay on French territory.

Note that to travel to France from abroad (outside the Schengen area), it is necessary to take out an insurance policy designed to cover the entirety of the stay, in accordance with current regulations.

What guarantees does Schengen insurance offer?

Depending on the type of contract subscribed, there are differences, particularly regarding the amount of coverage guaranteed.

Nevertheless, some points are common to all the plans offered:

• Coverage of medical expenses abroad.
• Coverage in case of hospitalization.
• Repatriation for health reasons or in case of death.
• Assistance in case of loss or theft of documents.
• Coverage up to 30,000 euros.
• Family reunification in case of hospitalization.
• 24/7 assistance.

The most important aspect is health. To ensure that travelers do not incur any expenses in case of a health problem, Schengen insurance covers these costs.

However, it is possible to extend the coverage of your insurance policy by opting for a more comprehensive plan. Thus, the amount of coverage that can be covered may increase, as well as the guarantees related to potential damages or accidents (road accident, ski accident, etc.).

Schengen insurance is intended for stays covered by a visa

Schengen insurance cannot cover a foreign national already residing within the Schengen area. It is only intended to cover trips that require obtaining a Schengen visa.

Therefore, upon submitting the visa application, the insurance certificate is the first supporting document to provide for processing the application. It is essential to obtain this insurance before applying for the visa.

This is one of the points that require vigilance regarding the choice of insurance: if the contracted policy is not recognized at the level of the Schengen countries, the visa application may simply be denied. Therefore, be sure to address yourself to authorized insurance companies such as AXA, for example.

Do all travelers going to France need to be covered by insurance?

Although some countries have established visa exemption agreements, all travelers are advised to choose insurance that meets the requirements of the destination country.

In short, even travelers for whom this insurance is not mandatory have every interest in contracting one to ensure their protection during their stay. In case of health problems or accidents, they will be exempt from upfront medical expenses, which can often be exorbitant.

For travelers required to obtain a Schengen visa, they must provide a valid insurance certificate for the entire duration of their upcoming stay.

Although it is mandatory for some travelers, it is wise to choose good insurance, even if the current regulations do not impose it. Moreover, what is true for traveling to France is also true for the entire Schengen area. An insurance recognized in France will also be recognized in the other 28 member countries.

To travel to France with peace of mind and proper coverage, Schengen insurance is a suitable, reliable, and safe means of ensuring adequate protection throughout your trip.

To explore the topic further:

How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?

How to obtain Schengen insurance for a long-stay visa?

What is the best insurance for the Schengen visa?

How to find Schengen insurance that covers expenses up to €30,000?

What is the age limit for Schengen visa insurance?

How to obtain a Schengen insurance certificate?

Is Schengen visa insurance mandatory?

Is it mandatory to take Schengen visa insurance to come to France?

Nationals of non-Schengen countries whose nationality requires obtaining a visa to enter the Schengen area, which includes France, are required to attach a certificate of international medical insurance to their visa application file. Without this insurance, their visa for France will be refused. 

What must a Schengen visa insurance cover to come to France?

To be accepted when applying for a visa for France, the travel medical insurance must meet several mandatory criteria: coverage of medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000 - repatriation guarantee - a validity period equivalent to that of the stay - coverage for all Schengen countries and be recognized by the French consular authorities. 

How to obtain a travel insurance certificate to apply for a visa for France?

After taking out insurance for France, a paper or digital certificate is issued. The original or a copy of this document must be attached to the visa application file for France.