The departure with good travel insurance!
In our view, travel insurance is essential. It represents valuable protection for any traveler, whether for a simple city trip in Europe or a long journey of several months around the world.
Without insurance, the smallest unexpected event can cost a fortune: hospitalization abroad, a medical consultation, lost luggage, theft, or flight cancellation… These unexpected expenses can quickly run into thousands of euros. Good insurance, on the other hand, offers you peace of mind, assistance, and coverage suited to your needs.
Several factors to consider in order to adapt your travel insurance
It is good to know that many banks already include travel insurance in their contracts (especially with high-end cards like Visa Premier or Mastercard Gold). However, the maximum coverage period is only 90 days, sometimes less. So for a trip that is meant to last longer, you will need to take out additional insurance!
Traveling in Europe: the EHIC and banking coverage
If you are a European citizen and you are staying in the European Union:
Request the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before your departure.
This card certifies your entitlement to French health insurance and provides coverage for urgent medical care in the country of stay, in accordance with local legislation.
As mentioned in the preamble, many banks already include travel insurance in their contracts (notably with premium cards such as 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 coverage (health, cancellation, liability, repatriation assistance).
Traveling outside the European Union: specific mandatory insurance
Which insurance to choose?
During our research, two insurers stood out particularly for their reputation among travelers:
ACS – Travel insurance: often more advantageous for young people and small budgets.
Recommended for short stays, controlled budgets, and travel in Europe.
Advantages
Attractive price : particularly appealing if you’re traveling on a budget.
Simple and effective for Europe : coverage for hospitalization, assistance, and repatriation is well suited to stays in Europe.
Good overall reputation : many positive reviews on Trustpilot that highlight responsiveness and standard claims handling.
Suitable for young travelers and short trips : a sensible option for those leaving for a few weeks, especially in Europe.
In short: if you’re traveling to Europe for a short trip, ACS provides solid coverage without unnecessary extra cost.
Disadvantages
Limited coverage outside Europe : even if some coverages work internationally, they are often less comprehensive than insurance designed for long stays outside Europe.
Less suitable for extended trips : if you plan to stay abroad for a long time (South America, Asia, Oceania), you may quickly find your coverage limited.
Generally short contract duration : designed for trips lasting a few days to a few weeks, not necessarily up to several months.
In summary: ACS does well what it is designed for when the trip is short and/or in Europe. For longer or itinerant trips outside Europe, you may be limited in certain aspects of coverage or assistance.
Traveler reviews :
Chapka: the most chosen insurance by long-term travelers, thanks to a good coverage/price ratio.
Designed for long-duration, itinerant travel outside of Europe (e.g., South America)
Advantages
Excellent coverage for long stays (+ a few weeks) : the benefits are designed for trips lasting several months.
Very suitable outside Europe : especially for South America, Asia or Oceania, where care is sometimes more complex or more expensive.
Good level of health, assistance, repatriation and sports activities coverage : often broader than what is offered by “short-term” insurance.
Large community of long-term travelers who chose it : more than 3,000 reviews on Trustpilot indicate an experience that is generally positive over time.
In practice: if you’re leaving for several months, whatever the continent, Chapka provides more robust coverage, designed for the frequent unexpected events of long-term travel.
Disadvantages
More expensive than ACS for short stays : you pay for “long-term insurance”, even if your stay is brief.
May be too comprehensive if you only stay a few weeks in Europe : some coverages and options only become useful in broader contexts.
Complexity of the plans : with more coverage sometimes comes a longer reading of the terms to fully understand all the limits.
In short: Chapka is often the most relevant choice for long trips outside Europe, including in South America. If you're traveling for a shorter time or only in Europe, the cost may be higher than necessary.
Traveler reviews :
These two insurers cover the majority of needs. For extreme sports (diving, climbing, etc.), it is sometimes necessary to purchase a specific warranty extension.
Insurance is essential, but it's better not to have to use it!
Our advice is to have a suitable medical kit to complete your preparations. You can put together your own or opt for pre-filled models:
Decathlon first aid kit (47 pieces)
EVNC-Secours hiking first aid kit
Ecomed Securimed first aid kit
Taking out travel insurance is not an unnecessary expense, but a real investment in safe travel. It protects your health, your belongings, and your peace of mind.
In Europe as well as outside the EU, make sure to choose coverage suited to the duration, planned activities, and your personal needs.
Do you want to continue to learn about the best way to prepare for your trip?
We offer you three other articles related to preparing for a long trip. You know that you need to equip yourself properly for a journey of such duration, but you must also plan the administrative aspects, take care of your health, and anticipate potential problems. After all, it is better to be prepared for everything to fully enjoy your trip!
