Travel insurance for France
Brits have only to hop across the channel to enjoy the cultural delights of France in the nation’s spectacular cities, or just head to a beach or rural destination and enjoy a relaxing break. Delicious cuisine, numerous museums and monuments, and reputation for romance have long made the historic country the favourite destination of many holidaymakers. When arranging a trip to France, you and your family must ensure that you are covered by holiday insurance.
Although travel insurance is not always top of the list when organising a holiday, making doubly sure you are covered gives you peace of mind and is invaluable should something go wrong. To find out more information or to get a quote feel free to call our travel insurance specialists free on 0800 033 4902 who will be more than happy to help. Alternatively you can get an online quote in just minutes by clicking below.
Cover for medical conditions
You should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you travel, the card covers you for any emergency treatment you receive at a public healthcare hospital during your trip.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance in place to cover such things as repatriation and any medical treatment not covered by the EHIC. Without a travel insurance policy, you could find yourself having to cover the cost of things like: repatriation; transport delays and cancellations; loss or theft of cash or personal belongings; having to curtail your trip due to an emergency at home; sourcing replacement medications quickly if they get lost or stolen.
France travel information
Health
The FCO Travel Advice pages recommend that you visit your health professional at least four to six weeks before your trip to check whether you need to take care of any vaccinations or other preventive measures.
Should you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 for an ambulance.
Visas
If your passport describes you as a British Citizen you don’t need a visa to enter France. If you have another type of British nationality, you should check the entry requirements on the French Foreign Ministry website and confirm with the French Embassy.
Driving in France
Driving laws in France differ from the UK. You must be over 18 years old, have a valid driving licence as well as insurance and vehicle documents.
It’s important to note that speeding offence carry heavy on the pot fines and that radar detectors and sat-navs that warn of the presence of speed cameras are illegal whether in use or not.
You are also legally obliged to carry:
- Reflective jackets for each person in the car – these must be kept inside the vehicle within easy reach
- Warning triangle
- Headlamp beam deflectors
- Breathalysers/alcohol tests
- A GB sticker.
As of 16 January 2017, all vehicles driving in central Paris in between 8am and 8pm on weekdays will need to display a ‘pollution sticker’. You can apply for a sticker now on the French Ministry of Environment website if your vehicle is registered in France. Some older vehicles don’t qualify for a sticker due to their high emissions and can’t be driven in central Paris at all during these times.
For vehicles registered outside France, a website will be available to submit applications from early February 2017.
Travelling with children
Any children under the age of 18 who are living in France and leaving the country when unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, must present the following documents at the French border: the child’s own ID card or passport; a completed AST authorisation form signed by a parent/guardian; a copy of the ID card or passport of the parent or guardian who signed the AST form.
For more information visit the French Ministry of Interior website.
Local laws
It is worth carrying a form of identity with you at all times – this can be your passport, driving license or other government-issue documents. You must be able to prove your identity either by providing documents when asked or within 4 hours at a police station.
Since 2011 it has been illegal in France to conceal your face in public places. This includes a ban on balaclavas, helmets, veils or any other garment or mask that conceals the face.
FCO advice
While the majority of visits to France are trouble-free you should be on the alert for petty street crime.
There have been several terrorist attacks in recent years with a national state of emergency extended to July 2017. The French government has launched a free app, called SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations), which is available in English and alerts users about all major security incidents.
Get all the latest travel advice from the FCO here.
Currency
- The currency in France is the Euro which can be easily obtained through currency exchange providers, banks or bureaus de change. It’s a good idea to buy your Euros well in advance as exchange rates in airports and stations can often be poor.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout France. When buying goods, you may need to show ID (driving licence or passport).
- Standard banking hours are Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm. Some banks also extend hours on one day a week, while small branches may close for the day 2pm. Some branches open on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm but if so they are usually closed on Monday.
Travel Insurance France
At Staysure, we want to give you the peace of mind to explore France worry-free, call our travel insurance team on 0800 033 4902 or get a quote online.
