Tips on buying travel insurance to France

DON'T risk travelling without insurance, it could cost you a lot more in the long run.

It is possible to buy policies from many companies but if you keep a number of points in mind then you can easily compare and get the best deal.

Here Columbus Direct offer some simple and clear advice.

* Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, this will ensure that you are covered for cancellation and curtailment.

* Always shop around. Buying travel insurance direct from a specialist is usually better value than going to a travel agent or bank etc.

* Does the insurance company have a Claims Charter?

* Check the levels of excess on the policy.

* It is important to be covered for medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment of the trip, money/documents and baggage. Other areas of cover usually include delay, missed departure, loss of passport, legal expenses and assistance services.

* The E111 form is no longer valid. Its replacement the European Health Insurance Card is free and can be applied for online or over a Post Office counter. It is designed to provide free or low cost medical treatment in Europe and only covers emergency treatment. The full cost of treatment is unlikely to be covered and travellers often have to pay a large percentage of the medical bill.

* Check the levels of cover and make sure they suit your particular circumstances. Be wary of paying excessive premiums for unnecessary cover.

* Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and any hazardous activities/sports you may be undertaking. Failure to do so could mean that you are not covered if something goes wrong. This is important for any holiday you may be going on, e.g. winter sports/summer holiday.

* Make sure your policy covers the full length of your trip.

* Is cancellation cover enough to cover the cost of your trip?

* Check that any expensive items you are taking away (e.g. video camera, jewellery) are covered either by your travel insurance or some other form of policy e.g. home contents.

* If going on a winter sports holiday, check that the policy covers off-piste skiing, snowboarding, ski pack and ski equipment.

* If you go away three or more times a year, investigate the benefits offered by an annual multi trip policy. It will probably work out cheaper than buying several single trip policies.

* If buying an annual policy, is the maximum trip duration enough for your needs?

* Read the small print. Under the ABI code of practice you are entitled to full refund within 14 days of purchase if the terms and conditions do not suit your requirements.

Visit the Columbus Direct website.

Comments

[brian thomas gunnell]

i have just shuffled unsuccessfully through your travel insurance listing,one needs to be under 65 and/or residentin the uk.do you have any suggestions?

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Brian

I'm afraid the insurance tips I offer were aimed at British people heading to France

You may find it difficult to buy travel insurance from a UK company whilst resident in France.

And if anyone can help Brian please leave a comment below.

[Martin]

Hi

I want to stay in a property in france for holiday this year - they are asking that I provide property insurance - "d'assurance multirisques habitation" - do you know where I could get this cover in the UK?

thanks

Martin

[Margaret lamont]

We are resident in France and wish to travel next January to Africa (Kenya) for three weeks. My husband has pre-existing conditions. Can you recommend an insurance company who can help us we are both over 60

[Craig Mcginty]

Hi Margaret, many thanks for your comment.

I think you may need to speak to someone directly due to the issues you raise - you don't want to find yourself travelling without proper cover.

To get an idea of what's available do a search on the words "assurance voyages" in Google and you will see a number of sites.

Hope this helps, Craig

[Jennifer Blashak]

I would like basic travel health insurance for France, for the duration of my working holiday visa for a year.
Can you suggest some plans that are fairly reasonable.

Thank you

Jennifer

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Jennifer
Is difficult to give a definitive answer as I am not sure where you are from.

If you are from the UK/EU you will have some protection via the European Health Insurance card, or EHIC.

Although it is very much "in case of emergencies", and if you are paying taxes during your work then you should be registered with the French system, and then look for top-up insurance.

If you are from outside the EU then you are most probably best chatting with your employer, as different countries may have different arrangements with France.

Drop in on your embassy website in France as a starter.

All the best
Craig

[Alister]

Hi Craig,

Would you suggest I need to purchase travel insurance for a one day 'booze cruise'?

Thanks for your time.