Travel Insurance (Info for expats)
Unlike the UK, getting hold of a decent travel insurance policy in France is no easy matter. Most French people rely upon the State system, their private health schemes and their credit card travel insurance to cover them. In many cases this is enough, but not always…
For countries within the European Union, full reciprocal health agreements are in place and although one may be required to pay some costs while in the country, these will be fully reimbursed by the French social security system on presentation of receipts. A European Health Insurance card is required - see Useful Links opposite.
Outside of Europe, France has reciprocal health agreements with many countries. If a reciprocal agreement is in place then health care will be provided within that country and the costs will be reimbursed by the French social security system with an individual’s private health scheme topping up the rest (to their standard percentage limits). This is not as good as it sounds however, as the reimbursement will only match the price of the procedures in France and as such may not reflect the actual costs incurred. Anything else would need to be covered by a travel insurance or the individual themselves.
Most French people rely upon their credit card for travel insurance, but finding out the level of cover can be very difficult. For guidance, in April 2007 the Mastercard Europcard offered €11 000 worth of medical cover per person, per event and per year (whatever that means!), with a Gold Mastercard offering €155 000. These cards normally also include full repatriation cover.
Where there is no reciprocal health agreement in place the total bill will rest with the travel insurance company. In countries such as Japan and the US the figures above are not high enough to offer sufficient cover. For example, the UK government’s “Know before you go” web site suggests 1 000 000 US Dollars worth of medical and repatriation cover for trips to the US.
Unfortunately there are a lack of travel insurance companies in France and those that do exist offer what appears to be inadequate cover (but I’m no expert!) Below are some of the best that I have found. The quotes and medical cover figures are for a 2 week policy for the US/Japan (April 2007).
AVA - €81
Medical cover up to €500 000. Hospital expenses are paid directly.
http://www.ava.fr/contrats/sante.asp?sid=%7B6486201B-B986-4DC5-9DD0-BA0BCF9CA874%7D
WorldNomad - €38.85 (Linked to Lonely Planet)
Medical cover up to €250 000. Hospital expenses are not paid directly.
http://www.worldnomads.com/pricesandbenefits.aspx?Country=FRA
ELVIA (Mondial Assistance) - €83
Medical cover up to €150 000.
http://www.elvia-online.com/produits/solution-assistance.html?&partner=C75883
EuropeAssist - €78
Medical cover up to €152 500. Hospital expenses are paid directly.
http://www.europ-assistance.fr/front/produit.do?exec=clinOeil&code=P_ATV
UPDATE - August 2007
Whilst researching this article I came across a UK based insurance company offering insurance for both UK and European Union residents. This company is offering a staggering 5 000 000 UK Pounds of medical and repatriation cover.
Worldwide Insure - €73 (One Year Policy)
