Given that it’s barely more than 20 miles from the Kent coast on the other side of the English Channel, it’s easy to see why France is one of the most commonly visited foreign destinations for Britons.
Millions of people make the trip to France every year, because it has a little bit of everything: the romance of Paris, the sun on the Cote d’Azur, the traditional culture of the countryside, the superb skiing in the French Alps, and much more. Its rich and varied terrain also makes it a popular destination for sports travelling, ranging from hiking and kayaking, through to the cyclists who want to emulate their heroes from the Tour de France.
Although it may seem like a straightforward place to plan a trip, there’s more to bear in mind than you might think. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know ahead of a trip to France, from healthcare to travel risks, and highlight why travel insurance for France from the UK is so important.
The basics
To begin, let’s cover off the basic things you need to know about entering France and being in the country day-to-day:
COVID-19
While the strictest restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic are now thankfully behind us, there are still some rules and regulations in place in some countries at the time of writing.
There are no longer any restrictions on entering France from the UK based on a person’s vaccination status or test result. However, there is still currently a legal requirement to self-isolate if you start showing symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive; this requirement demands that you extend your stay in France at your own expense if needed to complete your isolation period. Additionally, a few towns and cities may still require masks to be worn on public transport, even though these rules are no longer in force nationally.
As has been the case throughout the pandemic, these rules are likely to change over the course of 2023. The travel advice page for France on the UK Government website is an essential read for the latest information before you travel.
Immigration
While UK visitors to France can still travel freely, it has become slightly more complex as a result of Brexit. Firstly, each British passport holder must get their passport stamped upon entry and exit to France, which can lead to increased waiting times for immigration at Channel ports and Eurostar terminals. Additionally, there is now a limit of 90 days within any 180-day period for any British national to stay within the Schengen free travel zone that covers much of Europe.
Additionally, at some point in 2023, it is expected that UK nationals will have to start applying for visa waivers to enter all European Union countries, including France. The ETIAS scheme will work in a similar way to the ESTA scheme for entry to the United States: travellers will have to apply for a visa waiver online and pay a nominal fee in advance of their travel. You should keep a close eye on ETIAS-related developments to see when the new rules come into effect.
Currency
France uses the euro as its national currency. While you should be able to use your normal credit or debit card while you’re away, there could well be charges levied for making card payments, or for withdrawing cash for ATMs. Make sure you check these likely charges out with your bank or credit card company before you go.
Language
The French have a reputation – often undeserved – for stubbornness towards those who can’t or won’t speak French, especially if they speak English instead. While this can be the case in certain places, particularly in Paris, French people are generally understanding and helpful if you don’t speak the language. However, knowing a little French can go a long way, so it can be worth taking some time to learn a few basic phrases that you might use, e.g. in shops, restaurants, hotels or when using public transport.
Travel risks
Overall, France is a very safe country, and certainly no more or less safe than other countries in western Europe, including the UK. Nonetheless, if you’re travelling as a tourist, there are a few things to bear in mind:
Street crime
While not a major problem in France, petty street crime like pickpocketing can be a problem in major cities like Paris and Marseille, and especially in areas where tourists are likely to visit and congregate. It certainly can’t do any harm to take precautions with valuables such as your passport, your wallet/handbag, and your mobile phone.
Accident and injury
If you’re travelling for sports and leisure activities in France, then there is naturally a risk of an accident in which you and/or your companions suffer injuries. In this event, make sure you know how to alert the emergency services (call 112 for English-speaking help) and that you’re covered for all the help you need – which may go beyond your European Health Insurance Card (see below).
Disruption
As with travel to any country, there is always the risk that your travel plans could be disrupted. There could be issues on the trains, bad weather causing delays on the ferries, or delays and cancellations to your flights. While much of this may be beyond your control, taking out travel insurance can help you make alternative arrangements without ending up substantially out of pocket.
Why is travel insurance for France so important?
France has a very good, advanced healthcare system across the country which is more than capable of treating you should you fall ill or suffer an injury during your trip. However, this care can come at a substantial price.
All British travellers are entitled to (and should carry) a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Post-Brexit, these are being replaced with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that works in the same way. These cards entitle you to free state-provided medical care that you might need over the course of your trip, but they don’t cover absolutely everything.
This is especially important for those who are travelling for sports and leisure activities. If you suffer a minor injury or need a short stay in hospital, then the relatively light level of medical care required will probably be covered by your EHIC or GHIC. But in the event of a more serious situation, this is not the case: complex surgery, air rescue, long stays in hospital and repatriation will not be covered, and can be extremely expensive.
If you or a companion has suffered a serious illness or injury, the last thing you need is to have the added stress of medical bills that can run into many thousands of pounds. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to take out travel insurance specific to your chosen activity before you travel, so that you’re covered for every eventuality.
Get sports travel insurance with SportsCover Direct
Whatever you have planned for your next trip to France, make sure you have the best-quality sports travel insurance in place before you set off. At SportsCover Direct, we have over 30 years’ experience insuring people just like you on their French adventures, helping them get the most from their break with peace of mind that they’re covered if something goes wrong.
Our sports travel insurance policies include cover for yourself if you get ill or injured (including private medical cover and repatriation), help if your luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, and support in the event that your travel arrangements are disrupted. Available at competitive rates and through flexible payment plans, take a look at everything our policies have to offer here.