Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations in the entire world. Rich culture coupled with an interesting history have made the cityscape of Paris lively and enriched. This makes it a go-to tourist destination.
Traveling to Paris is a dream for many. Make it your reality. And as you're planning your trip, you should purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance as protection in case of any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Paris Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
You're not immune to accidents, illnesses, and injuries just because you're on vacation. If you need medical attention while in Paris, it would be extremely helpful to have a travel medical insurance plan to help cover the costs.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Paris?
You're not legally required to have health insurance to enter France. However, travel health insurance is mandatory for those applying for a Schengen visa. If you're planning to make Paris just one stop on your European vacation, you will need to purchase and show proof of adequate health insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Paris?
Paris is an alluring city, but it is not free of risk. Consider the following benefits of travel health insurance, and decide which ones you can't do without:
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Ability to extend your duration of coverage
Paris Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
As you know by now, Paris is a costly city. Cancellation of a flight or hotel booking—or the entire trip—could become a financial burden. Fortunately, trip cancellation insurance could help you recoup your losses if you find yourself having to cancel your trip at the last minute.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Paris?
Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for the full amount of your prepaid, non-refundable expenses (plane tickets, hotel rooms, tour reservations, and more) if you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy. Thoroughly review your plan's certificate wording before purchase for a full understanding of the situations that are (or aren't) covered. Rest assured that the most common reasons for cancellation (like getting sick before you leave, illness or death of an immediate family member, work-related emergencies, etc.) are usually covered under standard plans.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Paris?
Look for the following benefits in your travel insurance plan:
- Trip cancellation coverage for a covered reason
- Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
- Trip delay coverage
- Missed connection coverage
- Coverage for baggage loss
Things to Do for Travelers in Paris
The majority of tourists spend their time at the classic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But Paris has many, many other attractions you can explore. Read on to find out how to make the best of your stay in Paris.
Palace of Versailles
This palace is known for its opulent architecture and gardening style. Its large grounds and ornate apartments make it one of the most famous palaces in the world. Be sure to check out the Royal Opera House and the Hall of Mirrors inside the palace. The Hameau de la Reine–Marie Antoinette's village–also makes for an idyllic spot for tourists.
The Louvre
This article would be incomplete without mentioning the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre. This museum attracts about 10 million people each year—and for good reason. Vast numbers of paintings adorn the walls of the Louvre. Apart from this, the many Renaissance and Baroque artworks that one can find here make this museum worth a visit.
Musée d'Orsay
Another famous museum in Paris, the Musée d'Orsay holds the artworks of the French artists of the late 19th century. Yet another reason to visit the museum is the fact that it is located on the beautiful banks of the river Seine. Whether it be free-flowing brushstrokes of Monet or the flawless post-impressionism of Gaugin, the paintings in the Musée d'Orsay will entrance viewers, making even the layman appreciate art in all its majesty.
Jardin des Tuileries
On your way to the Louvre or coming back from your tour to the Place de la Concorde? Make it a point to visit this picturesque garden. A major plus point is that the Jardin des Tuileries is a public garden, meaning that no entry fee is required. Enjoy the scenic tree-lined paths and admire public art by Rodin, Maillol, and Giacometti, free of cost.
Eiffel Tower
Last but not least, the Eiffel Tower is one of the world's most famous landmarks and needs to be on your list of things to do in Paris. After all, did you even go to Paris if you didn't visit the Eiffel Tower? Known for its grandeur and majesty, the Eiffel Tower attracts approximately 7 million tourists every year. The views that the top tier of the tower offers are definitely worth the price you'll pay to reach there.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Paris
Travelers to Paris should keep the following risks in mind:
Pickpockets
Being such a popular destination for travel, Paris is crawling with pickpockets who are waiting to snatch away wallets from unwitting tourists. Be especially wary of them in large crowds. Consider wearing a money belt, and avoid flashing jewelry or other expensive items you don't want to lose.
Tobacco Smoke
For some reason or another, Paris is home to a lot of tobacco smokers. The smoke, especially at cafés, can almost become suffocating. You are prone to have breathing problems here, especially if you already suffer from a pre-existing respiratory condition. Carrying a mask along with you will be your best bet. You may not need it—but you might.
Unreliability of flights
Needless to say, there are a lot of flights going in and out of Paris. After all, 30 million tourists per year is no joke. Flights often tend to be late. In some instances, they may even get canceled, agitating tourists. This, of course, depends upon the airline you choose to fly with, the weather, the time of year, and so on.
Crowds and Protests
Both on the street and in the metro, one cannot escape the seemingly endless crowds of Paris. You've heard of bustling metropolitans, but the crowds of Paris can make a claustrophobic squirm. Avoid crowded areas, and be especially wary of protestors—you do not want to be caught up in a stampede.
Expenses
Paris is a very expensive city to travel to. Considering that it's a major metropolitan city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, you can see why Paris can be such a burden on your pocket. Be sure to pad your travel budget a little to account for this.
Before You Travel to Paris - Do This
- Read up about Parisian culture and history. Knowing about the place you're going to travel to will help you appreciate your stay there more. This is especially true for a city like Paris.
- Book tours. Don't shrug off the idea of guided tours; they're convenient, quick, and informative.
- Last and most importantly, remember to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance. Enter some basic information about your trip and travelers, compare your options, and select the plan that best matches the needs of your travel destination, your itinerary, and your budget.