September 23, 2025
All our tips for departing with peace of mind and good insurance. Such as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
In our eyes, travel insurance is essential. It represents a valuable security for any traveler, whether for a simple city trip in Europe or a long journey of several months around the world.
Without insurance, the slightest unforeseen event can cost a fortune: hospitalization abroad, medical consultation, loss of luggage, theft or flight cancellation… These unexpected expenses can quickly reach thousands of euros. Good insurance offers you peace of mind, assistance, and coverage tailored to your needs.
1. Traveling in Europe: the EHIC and banking coverage
If you are a European citizen and you are staying within the European Union:
Request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before your departure.
👉 Request your EHIC on Ameli.fr
This card attests to your rights to French health insurance and allows coverage for urgent medical care in the host country, according to its local legislation.
Note: many banks already include travel insurance in their contracts (especially with premium cards like Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold).
It is generally valid for trips of less than 90 days.
To benefit from it, you often just need to pay for the trip with the associated card.
👉 Contact your bank to check the exact guarantees (health, cancellation, civil liability, repatriation assistance).
2. Traveling Outside the European Union: A Specific Mandatory Insurance
As soon as you leave the EU, travel insurance becomes essential, and even mandatory for any stay of more than 3 months.
Why?
Social security and your French mutual insurance no longer cover your expenses abroad after 90 days.
The guarantees of bank cards are limited and often insufficient for a long stay.
Medical expenses can be exorbitant (e.g. a hospital stay in the United States can exceed €10,000 per day).
Essential points to check in your contract:
Civil liability abroad.
Cancellation / interruption of travel guarantee.
Medical assistance and repatriation.
Loss, theft or destruction of luggage.
Legal assistance.
Practical tip: keep the receipts for your travel equipment purchases and create a detailed list of your valuable items (laptop, camera, etc.) with their references. This will facilitate any possible reimbursement in case of theft or loss.
3. Which insurances to choose?
During our research, two insurers particularly stood out for their reputation among travelers:
ACS – Travel Insurance: often more advantageous for young people and those on a tight budget.
👉 Traveler reviews: Trustpilot – ACSChapka: the insurance most chosen by long-term travelers, thanks to a good coverage/price ratio.
👉 Traveler reviews: Trustpilot – Chapka
These two insurers cover the majority of needs. For extreme sports (diving, mountaineering, etc.), it is sometimes necessary to take out a specific warranty extension.
4. Do not forget the first aid kit
Insurance is essential, but having a well-equipped first aid kit completes the preparation.
You can assemble your own or opt for pre-filled models:
5. Useful resources for choosing the right travel insurance
Taking out travel insurance is not an unnecessary expense; it's a true investment to travel safely. It protects your health, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
In Europe and outside the EU, make sure to choose a coverage that is suitable for the duration, planned activities, and your personal needs.
Take care of yourself! ☺️
