How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance as an International Student in France

Introduction

When you’re preparing for a trip, you mostly think about the fun parts: discovering a new culture, meeting people, trying the food… Not so much about the unexpected. And yet, a cancelled flight, lost luggage, or a health issue can quickly turn things upside down.

In those moments, a good travel insurance really makes a difference. It’s definitely not the most exciting part to organise, but it can save you a lot of trouble! And if you plan to make the most of your studies in France to travel around Europe, then it’s pretty much essential.

So, which insurance should you choose? How much does it cost? And most importantly, which cover is actually useful? Let’s break it down for you ☺️

Travel insurance:  everything you need to know

What exactly is travel insurance?

It’s coverage that protects you from unexpected problems during your time abroad — whether you’re staying in France or travelling elsewhere in Europe.

Basically, it helps cover costs and provides support if something goes wrong: unexpected medical expenses, emergency return home, lost luggage… plus optional extras depending on your needs.

What does travel insurance cover?

Most travel insurance plans include:

• Emergency medical expenses on site (doctor’s visits, hospitalisation, medication)
• Assistance and repatriation if necessary
• Compensation for lost or stolen luggage
• Refund if you have to cancel or cut short your trip
• Civil liability abroad if you accidentally cause damage to someone

Travel insurance vs health insurance: what’s the difference?

Make sure you don’t mix up travel insurance with health insurance!

In most cases, travel insurance only covers sudden and unexpected illnesses (like the flu, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, appendicitis) as well as accidents such as fractures, cuts, burns, or emergency dental care.

It won’t cover pre-existing conditions or preventive / comfort care: check-ups, vaccines, teeth cleaning, contraception, screenings, etc.

For those, you’ll need health insurance (or a European Health Insurance Card – EHIC if you’re from an EU country).

💡 Want to understand how medical coverage works in France? Check out our dedicated article on healthcare in France.

How much does travel insurance cost in France?

The price mostly depends on the length of your stay, your age, the coverage you choose, and the countries included. Generally, expect to pay between €30 and €60 per month.

Don’t rush into the cheapest option — some might look appealing at first but have very limited cover. Take your time comparing plans to find the one that suits you best.

Is travel insurance mandatory to study in France?

No, travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s highly recommended if you plan to travel around Europe while studying in France.

Best Travel Insurance Options for International Students

There’s no shortage of providers out there (SafetyWing, Allianz Travel, April…), but for international students we particularly recommend Chapka and Heymondo — with a special mention for Faye and Freely if you’re coming from the US.

Heymondo — Ideal for short stays (< 3 months)

• Competitive rates and plans designed for short trips or stays under three months
• Medical cover, repatriation, trip cancellation, lost/stolen luggage
• Easy-to-use mobile app to manage claims and contact assistance 24/7
• More info on their coverage → heymondo.fr

Chapka — Two plans depending on your nationality

Cap Academy — For non-European students, for stays from a minimum of one month up to a maximum of 24 months (12-month contract renewable once). Valid for studies or internships.

• 24/7 assistance and repatriation
• Medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad up to €150,000, plus coverage in your home country
• Emergency dental cover up to €600
• Luggage cover up to €3,000. Compensation for flight delays
• Coverage for a family member to visit if you’re hospitalised for a long period and emergency return in case of a family crisis
• Note: 12-day waiting period if you take out the policy from abroad
  
  

Cap Student — For European students, for stays up to a maximum of 24 months. Valid for studies or internships.

• 24/7 assistance and repatriation
• 100% coverage for medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad
• Emergency dental care
• Luggage cover up to €2,000
• Coverage for a family member to visit if you’re hospitalised for a long period and emergency return in case of a family crisis
• Optional cover for study interruption up to €15,000 and damage to equipment entrusted during an internship
• Note: If you were already insured with Chapka and renew without a break → no waiting period. First-time subscription from abroad → 12-day waiting period.
  
  

📌 Also good to know: If your parents or friends are visiting you from outside the Schengen Area, they can take out Cap Schengen (Chapka) before travelling. This is for tourist stays under three months, covering medical emergencies and repatriation. Make sure they sign up before arriving in France.

US students: Faye

If you’re American, we highly recommend checking out Faye:

• Faye is aimed at US residents and have excellent online reviews (4.7/5 on TrustPilot from over 2,000 ratings)
• Coverage tailored to the specific needs of US students abroad

Managing your travel insurance policy

What documents do you need to sign up?

As an international student, you’ll usually need:

• Valid ID: Passport or identity card
• Proof of stay or study: Enrollment certificate in a French institution or student visa
• Travel details: Dates and planned destinations

These allow the insurer to assess risks and offer the right coverage.

What to check before you sign up?

Before choosing, make sure you check:

• The covered area: France only or all of Europe?
• 24/7 assistance, ideally in multiple languages
• Deductibles and hidden fees
• Cover for risky activities (skiing, water sports… if you plan to do them)

What to do if something happens or to make a claim?

If you have an incident:

1. Call your insurer as soon as possible using their assistance number
2. Gather all supporting documents (receipts, photos, official papers)
3. Send your claim within the deadlines stated in your contract

The sooner you act, the better!

How to cancel or update your policy?

If you want to cancel or change your policy:

• Cancel: Send a registered letter to your insurer with your policy number and reason for cancelling. Check the notice period (often around 30 days)
  
• Update: If you extend your stay or change countries, contact your insurer to update your policy

The key is to keep your policy up to date. If anything changes, let your insurer know quickly to avoid surprises.

What other types of insurance should you consider?

Alongside travel insurance, don’t forget:

• Health insurance: As mentioned above, essential for getting your medical costs reimbursed in France.
• Home insurance: Mandatory to protect your student accommodation against damage (fires, water damage, etc.).

We get it — dealing with insurance isn’t exactly the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it’s essential if you want to enjoy your stay in France with peace of mind 😉

Conclusion

Choosing travel insurance might not be the most thrilling part of your trip, but it’s a key step to leaving worry-free. There are plenty of student-friendly options out there, and you should be able to find the right fit quite easily!

Our advice? Take the time to compare different providers before making your choice, and don’t hesitate to chat with other international students — word-of-mouth is often the best way to find good recommendations.

Good luck! ✌️