From the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-soaked Riviera, France is a destination that draws tourists and travellers visiting family alike. Whether you’re sampling world-class wine in Bordeaux, stepping inside the grand castles of the Loire Valley or skiing the snowy peaks of Chamonix, every region has something unforgettable to offer. To enjoy all with confidence, make sure you’re protected with travel insurance from 1Cover…It's the One thing you need when One thing goes wrong.
Healthcare in France is excellent, but it can be costly for visitors. This policy takes care of hospital bills, emergency help at any hour, ambulance fees and medical evacuations if you need it.
Whether your bags go missing at Charles de Gaulle Airport, or your belongings are stolen during a market visit in Nice, you’re protected every step of the way with cover for luggage and personal effects stolen, lost or damaged during travel.
France is one of the world’s premier ski destinations. If you plan to hit the slopes in the French Alps or the Pyrenees, add our Winter Sports Pack to your policy to ensure you are fully covered on and off the mountain.
If your trip to France is interrupted by unexpected emergencies you’ll have peace of mind knowing your expenses are protected. Choose your level of cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits for pre-paid travel arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances.
Losing a passport in Lyon or travellers' cheques in Marseille can be stressful. This cover helps with the cost of replacing passports, travel papers and other essential documents so you can keep moving.
While travel insurance is not legally required for travel to France, it is strongly recommended for anyone visiting France. It can help protect you against unexpected medical expenses, lost belongings, trip cancellations or emergencies that could otherwise be costly to manage overseas.
If you fall ill while in France, you can contact our 24/7 emergency assistance service for guidance and support. Depending on the situation, cover may include hospital bills, outpatient treatment, ambulance costs or even evacuation if it’s medically necessary.
Please refer to the PDS and policy schedule and check if your sickness or injury is a claimable event and is covered. If you are hospitalised, treated as an outpatient, or if the total cost of the treatment will exceed $1000, please contact our emergency assistance service as soon as possible to obtain their prior approval.
In circumstances where the claim is approved, we can then provide written guarantees of payment of reasonable expenses for emergency hospitalisation that may be required while you are in France.
Yes, if you want to extend your policy while you’re in France, the easiest way to do this is via the Policy Manager.
You'll need your policy number (available in the email confirming your policy) and a few other simple details. Login and extend your trip, add destinations, or buy add-ons/extras.
Make sure you extend your policy before it expires (please keep in mind Australian AEST/AEDT as we are Sydney based).
If you have trouble, you can email us at [email protected]
Please note that there may be instances where a policy extension is not available.
If you are robbed while you’re in France, you should report the theft to the police or the nearest local authority immediately. You will also need to obtain a written report to be used as a supporting document for your claim.
France is one of the world’s most visited destinations, but like anywhere, there are things to keep in mind. Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas such as the Paris Metro, around the Eiffel Tower and at major train stations. Be cautious of scams around popular landmarks, where people may try to sell fake tickets or demand signatures for petitions. In winter, driving conditions in alpine regions can be hazardous without the right equipment, and medical emergencies are not free for tourists.
If you are entitled to be reimbursed by the bus line, airline, shipping line or rail authority you were travelling on when the loss, theft, misplacement or damage occurred, then your travel insurance may not cover you.
However, if you are not reimbursed the full amount of your claim, we will assess your claim and you may be entitled to be paid the difference between the amount of your loss and what you were reimbursed, up to the limit of your cover (allowing for depreciation due to age, wear and tear). Learn more about what to do if you have a travel incident.
No, New Zealand has reciprocal health care agreements with some countries in Europe, France is not one of these countries. Reciprocal health care agreements provide health care in some circumstances, but will not cover all health care needs - in particular emergency assistance and repatriation, costs of medicines and dental care. Find out more here.
If you are planning to visit any of the countries in the Schengen Area, including France, for more than 90 days within a 180-day period, you will need to obtain a visa. If you are travelling for a purpose other than business, visiting friends and family, tourism or a holiday, participating in a cultural or sports event, necessary transit, an official visit, medical reasons, such as surgery or another treatment, short-term study, or research you will need to obtain a visa. Read our full guide here.
When you apply for a policy you need to tell us where you are travelling to. The premium you pay for the policy depends on your destination(s).
If you're travelling to multiple countries, you need to nominate the countries when you are applying for cover.
If you’re going on a cruise, you must select the appropriate cruise region for where you are travelling and pay an additional premium for travel on a cruise vessel by purchasing the Cruise Pack. If you don't purchase a cruise pack, you won't be covered while on the ship. There is, however, no cover under any sections of the policy when you are on a cargo ship or freighter.
Yes, you can. If you choose a lower excess, it means you'll pay less if you need to claim, but you'll pay a little bit more upfront.
We have a policy called Frequent Traveller which allows you to take as many trips under one policy for 12 months and enjoy comprehensive cover on each one. There is a limit to the maximum length of each trip on these policies. You can travel to one or more destinations with this policy.
Find out more about our annual travel insurance policies here.
Laptop computers, cameras, mobile phones…they’re all things we need on at home and on holiday. That’s why you can choose a bit of extra protection for your can’t-live-withouts. All you need to do is include and specify certain high-value items that aren't automatically covered when buying your policy.
Note: the items cannot be older than 12 months, and you can't specify items like jewellery, watches, bicycles and watercraft (apart from surfboards).
In the event of a terrorist attack or political unrest, there is no cover for cancellation fees and lost deposits, disruption of journey or alternative transport expenses.
However, if you do get caught up in an unforeseen event while you are in France and you are injured, cover is available for all necessary medical/hospital expenses.
Yes, you can add cover for rental vehicle insurance excess to your policy. This means if your hire car in France is stolen or damaged, you can be reimbursed up to the policy limit for the excess charged by the rental company.
Yes, you can get cover for a range of adventure activities by adding the Adventure & Sports Pack to your policy. This option extends your protection to activities like hiking in the Pyrenees, cycling through Provence, mountain biking, kayaking, zip-lining and even paragliding, provided they fall within the policy conditions
You must select the Winter Sports Pack add-on when booking your policy to be covered for any winter sports activities. This is a popular addition for people visiting ski areas in France.
We provide cover for off-piste skiing and snowboarding as long as it is within designated areas of ski resort boundaries on groomed terrain that are open and patrolled by the ski resort.
Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of Paris, enjoying wine tastings in Bordeaux, relaxing on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, or hitting the slopes in the Alps, our tailored insurance helps keep you protected every step of the way, so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.If you're looking for the best possible coverage for your next French adventure, look no further than our comprehensive policies.
| Policy Benefit | Comprehensive/ Frequent Traveller |
|---|---|
|
Medical |
|
|
Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance^ |
Unlimited |
|
Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses^* |
Unlimited |
|
Includes Dental Expenses (per adult)^ |
$1,000 |
|
Resumption Of Journey^* |
$3,000 |
|
Hospital Cash Allowance^* |
$5,000 |
|
Permanent Disability^* |
$25,000 |
|
Loss of Income^* |
$10,400 |
|
Luggage |
|
|
Credit Card Fraud & Replacement |
$5,000 |
|
Includes Travel Documents & Traveller's Cheques |
Yes |
|
Theft Of Cash |
$250 |
|
Luggage & Personal Effects |
$15,000 |
|
Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses |
$250 |
|
Cancellation |
|
|
Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses* |
$2,000 |
|
Includes Family Emergency* |
Yes |
|
Includes Emergency Companion Cover* |
Yes |
|
Cancellation Fees & Lost Deposits* |
Unlimited |
|
Disruption Of Journey* |
$2,000 |
|
Alternative Transport Expenses^ |
$5,000 |
|
Ancillary |
|
|
Personal Liability# |
$5 million |
|
Domestic Pets^* |
$500 |
|
Domestic Services^* |
$500 |
|
Rental Vehicle Insurance Excess#* |
$5,000 |
Overseas Emergency Medical Assistance: Includes 24-hour emergency medical assistance, ambulance fees, medical evacuations, funeral arrangements, and messages to family and hospital guarantees.
Overseas Emergency Medical And Hospital Expenses: Cover if you are injured or become sick overseas, including; medical, hospital, surgical and nursing.
Dental Expenses: Cover for your emergency dental treatment for the relief of sudden and acute pain to sound and natural teeth.
Additional Accommodation & Travel Expenses: Cover for additional travel expenses if you cannot travel because of an injury or sickness (whilst overseas).
Family Emergency: Cover for additional travel expenses if your travelling companion, or a Relative of either of yours, dies unexpectedly, is disabled by an injury or requires hospitalisation.
Emergency Companion Cover: Cover for additional travel and accommodation expenses if your travelling companion cannot continue their Journey because of an injury or sickness.
Resumption Of Journey: Cover for the cost of airfares for you to resume your journey if you return home because of the unexpected death or hospitalisation of a relative of yours.
Hospital Cash Allowance: Hospital Cash Allowance
Permanent Disability: A permanent disability benefit is payable for total loss of sight in one or both eyes or loss of use of a hand or foot (for at least 12 months, and which will continue indefinitely) within 12 months of, and because of, an injury sustained during your journey.
Loss Of Income: A weekly loss of income benefit is payable if you become disabled within 30 days of an injury you sustained during your journey, and you are still unable to work more than 30 days after returning to New Zealand.
Credit Card Fraud & Replacement: Cover for the replacement cost of your credit cards lost or stolen from you during your journey, and loss resulting from fraudulent use.
Travel Documents & Traveller's Cheques: Cover for the replacement cost of your travel documents including passports, travel documents or travellers cheques lost or stolen from you during your Journey.
Theft Of Cash: Cover for the following items stolen from your person; banknotes, cash, currency notes, postal orders and money orders.
Luggage & Personal Effects: Cover for luggage and personal effects stolen, lost or damaged during travel. Common claims include luggage, personal effects, cameras, spectacles and a computer.
Luggage & Personal Effects Delay Expenses: Cover to purchase essential items of clothing and other personal items following Luggage delayed and Personal Effects being delayed, misdirected or misplaced by your carrier for more than 12 hours.
Cancellation Fees And Lost Deposits: Covers cancellation fees and lost deposits for pre-paid travel arrangements due to unforeseen circumstances neither expected nor intended by you, and which are outside your control, such as; sickness, injuries, strikes, collisions, retrenchment and natural disasters.
Disruption Of Journey: Cover for additional meals and accommodation expenses, after an initial 6 hours delay, if your Journey is disrupted due to circumstances beyond your control.
Alternative Transport Expenses: Cover for additional travel expenses following transport delays to reach events such as; a wedding, funeral, conference, sporting event and pre-paid travel/tour arrangements.
Personal Liability: Cover for legal liability including legal expenses for bodily injuries or damage to property of other persons as a result of a claim made against you.
Rental Vehicle Excess: Cover for the excess payable on your rental vehicle's motor vehicle insurance resulting from the rental vehicle being; Stolen, crashed or damaged and/or cost of returning the rental vehicle due to you being unfit to do so.
1. Rich History & Iconic Landmarks: From the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame in Paris to the castles of the Loire Valley and Normandy’s D-Day beaches, France is packed with historic sites that go far beyond what most Kiwi's experience at home.
2. World-Class Food & Wine: France is a dream for foodies—think croissants in a Parisian café, cheese in the Alps, oysters in Brittany, and wine tasting in Bordeaux or Champagne. It’s a full culinary experience, not just a meal.
3. Art & Culture: France is home to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and countless other museums and galleries. Whether you're into Monet or modern street art, there's inspiration around every corner.
4. Effortless Travel Around Europe: Once you're in France, high-speed trains and budget airlines make it super easy to hop to places like Spain, Italy, Germany, or Switzerland—perfect if you're coming all the way from New Zealand.
5. Diverse Landscapes: France offers everything: Mediterranean beaches, Alpine ski resorts, lavender fields in Provence, and medieval towns like Carcassonne. It’s like visiting several countries in one.
1. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months after your departure date, as some airlines will not let you board, and some countries won't let you enter. Always err on the side of caution here and ensure your passport has a long validity date.
2. Transportation troubles happen often, strikes are relatively common and train delays and cancellations may affect your itinerary. Use apps like SNCF Connect or Citymapper to keep abreast of any issues.
3. Pickpockets are a real threat in France, especially in tourist hotspots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the metro. Don't let yourself be distracted from your belongings, and invest in anti-theft bags for your trip.
4. Etiquette in France is different to that in New Zealand, it is important to take your time at meal times, always say “bonjour” and “au revoir” in stores, keep quiet, the French value quiet conversation, especially in public places like cafés or the metro and don't be surprised when you are greeted with a kiss on the cheek.
5. Language is key, many French people do speak English, however, not everyone will, even in touristy areas, it is important to make an effort to learn a few phrases to be polite. These will also help in the case that you meet people who don't speak French, which may be more common in more rural areas outside the major cities like Paris.
6. Sundays are quiet in France, many shops and restaurants close, especially local businesses. Plan accordingly if you need to shop or eat out, likely only more expensive tourist traps will be open for business.
7. Public transport is efficient but planning ahead is key. In big cities like Paris, the metro is reliable and easy to use, but if you are travelling intercity book your TGV train tickets in advance.
France has so much to offer, from cultural highlights to everyday adventures. With 1Cover Travel Insurance, you can relax knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens. Get a quote today and enjoy your French journey with confidence.
Hitting up the famous French slopes? Check out our guide to skiing and snowboarding in Europe and don't forget to add your Winter Sports Pack.
Our expert travel writers have built your ultimate French itinerary. Check out the One thing you should (and shouldn't) do in France.
We always recommend you read the PDS, but this page will give you an overview of what travel insurance will cover in France.
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