🔎 Recap
No time to read everything? No worries — here’s the key info you need about travel insurance in France.
Why do you need travel insurance while studying in France?: To protect yourself from unexpected situations (medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage), and to travel with peace of mind — in France and across Europe.
What does travel insurance usually cover?: Medical care abroad, repatriation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, civil liability…
How much does it cost?: It depends on the length of your stay, your destination(s), and the level of coverage. Expect to pay between €20 and €50 per month for standard coverage.
What are the best options for students?: For international students, we recommend Chapka, Heymondo, or SafetyWing.
Introduction
When you plan a trip, you usually focus on the fun stuff: discovering new cultures, meeting people, trying the food… Rarely do we think about the unexpected. But a cancelled flight, lost suitcase or health issue can quickly turn into a headache.
That’s where travel insurance comes in. It’s not the most exciting thing to sort out, but it can really save you from a lot of stress. And if you’re planning to explore Europe during your time in France, it’s practically a must-have.
So, which insurance should you choose? How much does it cost? And what coverage do you actually need?
Let’s break it all down — no stress, no jargon 😊
Travel Insurance: What You Need to Know
What 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… You can even add optional coverage depending on your needs.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
Most travel insurance plans include:
- Medical costs (doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions).
- Emergency repatriation.
- Compensation for lost or stolen luggage.
- Refunds for cancelled or shortened trips.
- Civil liability (if you accidentally harm someone or damage something).
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in France?
Prices vary based on the length of your stay, your age, the countries included, and the level of coverage. On average, expect to pay between €20 and €50 per month.
Take your time comparing offers. Some plans may look cheap at first glance but offer very limited coverage. A slightly more expensive plan could give you way better protection.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to Study in France?
If you’re from the EU, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may cover basic healthcare in France. But it doesn’t include everything — like repatriation or civil liability.
If you’re from outside the EU, travel insurance is strongly recommended — especially if you plan to travel around Europe during your time in France.
Other Types of Insurance to Keep in Mind
In addition to your travel insurance, here are a few others you might need:
- Health insurance: Essential for getting reimbursed for medical care while studying in France. Learn more about the difference between compulsory coverage and complementary insurance in our guide on student health insurance in France.
- Housing insurance: Required if you’re renting an apartment or living in student housing.
- Civil liability insurance: Covers damage you may unintentionally cause to others — at home, on campus, or elsewhere.
We get it — sorting out insurance isn’t the most exciting task. But once you’ve got it covered, it’s one less thing to worry about during your stay.
Start planning your stay in France with the Student Hub 🙌
Best Travel Insurance Options for International Students
For Short Stays (< 3 Months)
Cap Schengen (Chapka)
- Budget-friendly and compliant for short stays in Europe.
- Up to €60,000 in medical coverage.
- Repatriation included.
- Ideal for visa applications.
- From €0.99/day, with instant certificate after sign-up.
- Simple, flexible, and great for short trips.
- Student-friendly pricing.
- Mobile app to manage your contract and claims.
- 24/7 assistance and essential medical coverage.
For Longer Stays (> 3 Months)
Cap Student (Chapka)
- Designed for international students in France or Europe staying long-term.
- Up to €300,000 in medical coverage (hospital stays, emergency dental care).
- Includes civil liability, luggage theft, and accidents.
- Perfect for students without French Social Security or looking for additional coverage.
- Flexible, modern coverage for international students.
- Global health coverage — ideal for nomadic students or interns abroad.
- Monthly renewal, no long-term commitment.
- International support for emergencies like medical evacuations.
- A reliable choice with comprehensive coverage and student-focused services.
- Plans tailored for international students — medical care, hospital stays, repatriation.
- Fast reimbursements and multilingual support.
- Trusted global provider with extensive guarantees.
- Full coverage (medical care, civil liability, assistance).
- 24/7 worldwide assistance.
- Flexible plans for academic stays or internships.
These providers offer a wide range of plans and prices suited to international students. Take time to compare and pick the one that fits your needs and budget best!
Managing Your Travel Insurance
What Documents Do You Need to Sign Up?
To get travel insurance as an international student, you’ll usually need to provide the following documents:
- Valid ID (passport or national ID).
- Proof of enrolment or student visa.
- Travel dates and destination(s).
These documents help the insurer assess the risks and offer coverage that fits your situation.
What Should You Check Before Signing Up?
- Coverage area: France only, or all of Europe?
- 24/7 multilingual support.
- Deductibles and hidden fees.
- Coverage for high-risk activities (skiing, water sports, etc.).
What Should You Do If Something Happens or You Need to Make a Claim?
In case of a claim, follow these steps:
- Call your insurer as soon as possible using their emergency line.
- Gather all required documents (receipts, photos, official reports).
- Submit your claim within the deadlines stated in your contract.
The sooner you act, the easier it will be!
How to Cancel or Update Your Contract
- To cancel: Send a registered letter with your contract number and reason. Check the notice period (usually 30 days).
- To update: If your plans change (you extend your stay or travel to other countries), contact your insurer to update your policy.
The key is to keep your contract up to date. Always inform your insurer of major changes to avoid unexpected issues.
Conclusion
Sorting out travel insurance might not be the most exciting part of your student life, but it’s one of the most useful. With so many plans designed for international students, it should be easy to find one that suits you.
Our advice? Take the time to compare your options, ask questions if needed, and talk to other international students — word-of-mouth is often the best way to find good recommendations 😉
