Why France Belongs on Your Travel List

France is one of those rare destinations that offers something special for every type of traveller. From world famous cities and alpine adventures to sun soaked coastlines and countryside escapes, it's easy to see why France remains the world's most visited country. Few places combine history, culture, food and scenery quite so effortlessly.

Skier carving down an Alpine slope

In Paris, you can stroll along elegant boulevards lined with Belle Époque cafés, admire grand architecture and discover iconic landmarks at every turn. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame aren't simply famous attractions, they're part of the country's rich cultural identity and history. Beyond the capital, France opens up into charming villages, renowned wine regions, glamorous Riviera resorts and spectacular mountain landscapes, making every trip feel completely different from the last.

Airport departure board showing flight times

Beyond the capital, France opens up into a patchwork of distinct regions. The Dordogne is all golden limestone villages and prehistoric caves. Brittany has a coastline that could pass for the west of Ireland on a good day, rugged, moody and spectacular. The French Riviera dazzles with its azure waters. Bordeaux and Burgundy beckon wine lovers, while the Alps and Pyrenees offer skiing, hiking, and snowboarding. Add the food, the cheese, the bread, the regional cuisines and you have a destination that rewards every time you visit.

Of course, every trip, no matter how exciting, can come with unexpected setbacks. Flights can be delayed; luggage can go missing and medical emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That's where Travel Insurance comes in, giving you the confidence to enjoy your trip to France knowing you're protected.

What's Covered with Switched On Travel Insurance?

Our travel insurance for France is designed to give travellers comprehensive protection across the areas that matter most. From medical emergencies and trip cancellations to baggage protection and travel disruption, here’s a breakdown of the key cover available.

Our policy benefits include:

Please note: All cover limits shown are per person, per trip. Sub-limits apply to specific items such as single articles, valuables and cash. Please read the full Switched On Policy Wording for full terms, conditions and exclusions.

Add Ons to Tailor Your Cover in France

Skier carving down an Alpine slope

Winter Sports

Heading to the French Alps? Add Winter Sports cover to protect yourself while skiing, snowboarding and enjoying other winter activities. You'll also be covered for ski equipment, piste closure, ski hire and off-piste skiing within resort boundaries and in line with our policy terms. You can add Winter Sports protection to your policy for an additional premium.

Airport departure board showing flight times

Travel Disruption

Protect yourself against extreme events that could disrupt your trip, including terrorism, natural catastrophe and air traffic control failures.

Phone, tablet, smartwatch and tech accessories laid out flat

Enhanced Gadget Cover

Travelling with valuable tech? If you choose our Standard cover level, gadgets such as phones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches won't automatically be covered for loss, theft or accidental damage. By adding Enhanced Gadget Cover, you can protect your devices while exploring France. Premium and Ultimate policies provide gadget cover automatically, with €750 included on Premium cover and €1,000 on Ultimate cover. If you'd like a higher level of cover, you can choose to increase this too for an additional premium.

Cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea

Cruise Cover

Adding Cruise Cover increases your baggage cover to €3,500 and includes protection if you're confined to your cabin, miss excursions or your itinerary changes unexpectedly.

Golf flag on a putting green

Golf Cover

France offers a huge host of amazing courses to tackle if you're looking to play a round or two. Our Golf Cover protects your golfing equipment against loss, theft, damage or delay, which you can add to your policy for an additional premium. You'll also be covered for lost green fees if illness or injury prevents you from playing. Please read the full Switched On Policy Wording for full terms, conditions and exclusions.

What's Not Covered

As with all insurance products, some things fall outside our standard policy. Common exclusions include:

  • Travel against Foreign Affairs advice at the time of travel
  • Pre-existing medical conditions not declared at the time of purchase
  • Incidents arising from alcohol or drug misuse
  • Extreme sports and hazardous activities not listed in your policy
  • Unattended baggage in public areas
  • Losses not reported to local police within 48 hours
  • Business equipment and samples

This is not a full list of exclusions, so it's important to read the full Policy Wording before travelling to ensure you have the right level of cover for your trip to France.

If you're travelling against the advice of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, your policy will not be valid. Always check ireland.ie before departure.

Before You Go – France Essentials

Currency

France uses the Euro, so there’s no need to exchange currency if you’re travelling from Ireland. Card payments are widely accepted across France, from major cities like Paris and Nice to smaller towns and villages. However, it’s still worth carrying a small amount of cash for local markets, cafés, rural areas or smaller independent restaurants where card payments may not always be preferred. ATMs are easy to find throughout the country, including at airports, train stations and tourist hotspots.

The official language is French. In major cities, tourist areas, hotels and airports, you’ll usually find that English is widely understood and spoken. However, locals always appreciate visitors making an effort with a few simple French phrases such as bonjour (hello), merci (thank you) and s’il vous plaît (please). A little politeness goes a long way and can make interactions feel much warmer and more welcoming.

France uses a 230V supply with Type E plugs, which feature two round pins. Irish plugs are not compatible with French sockets, so it’s important to pack a European travel adapter before you go. Many hotels also provide USB charging points or universal sockets, but it’s always best to check in advance if you’re travelling with multiple devices.

Travel Insurance for Every Type of Trip to France

City Breaks & Weekend Escapes

Planning a few days in Paris, Lyon or Bordeaux? Travel insurance can help protect against unexpected cancellation costs, delayed flights and lost baggage, so your short break doesn’t turn into an expensive setback.

France is one of Europe’s top ski destinations, with resorts such as Val d’Isère, Chamonix and Méribel attracting thousands of skiers each year. By adding Winter Sports cover, you’ll benefit from protection for ski equipment, piste closure, ski hire and more while enjoying the slopes.

From Mediterranean cruises departing Marseille to scenic river cruises through Burgundy, adding Cruise Cover gives additional baggage protection and cover for missed excursions, cabin confinement and itinerary changes.

Phone, tablet, smartwatch and tech accessories laid out flat

Medical Care in France

France has a great healthcare system. Both public and private medical facilities are available throughout the country. Irish travellers should carry a valid Irish-issued EHIC card, alongside their Switched On Insurance policy documents, when travelling in France.

Your EHIC gives you access to medically necessary state healthcare on the same basis as French residents. However, healthcare in France often works on a reimbursement basis, meaning you may need to pay upfront and claim some costs back later.

It’s important to remember that an EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It does not cover private treatment, repatriation to Ireland, travel disruption or lost belongings, which is where your Switched On Travel Insurance policy helps protect you.

With your Switched On Insurance policy, you’ll also have access to Air Doctor, giving you fast and convenient medical support while abroad. Through the Air Doctor app, you can quickly find trusted local doctors, book appointments and access treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. For more information, see our dedicated Air Doctor page.

Cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean Sea

Emergency Numbers in France

Before travelling, it’s a good idea to save important emergency numbers in your phone. In any serious or life threatening situation, dial 112, the universal European emergency number, which will connect you to the appropriate emergency service in France.

Other useful emergency numbers include:

  • 15 – Medical Emergency Services (SAMU)
  • 17 – Police
  • 18 – Fire Brigade

If you require emergency medical assistance during your trip, Switched On Insurance customers should contact our 24/7 Emergency Medical Helpline for support. Our team will be able to advise you on what to do and help ensure you get the right treatment at the right place.

Whether you’re planning a romantic Paris city break, a family holiday on the French Riviera, a skiing adventure in the Alps or a countryside escape through the Dordogne, Switched On Insurance helps you travel with confidence. With flexible cover options, emergency medical protection, Air Doctor support abroad and cover for over 120 sports and activities, you can focus on enjoying France while we help protect you against the unexpected.

Ready to go? Get a quick quote online today and find the right level of cover for your trip.