Travel with safety in mind: Explore France 2024

May 21, 2024

Every four years, the eyes of the world turn to a single host nation for the biggest multi-sport event of the year. In 2024, France will host this international athletic extravaganza, with millions of spectators anticipated to attend in venues in Paris and across the country. The competitions will take place from July 26 through September 8, with dozens of sports and thousands of athletes. Venues for the events are mainly held in Paris and Ile-de-France Region (Seine-et-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, Les Yvelines and Versailles), with additional events held in Bordeaux, Châteauroux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Saint-Étienne. In every location, there are countless ways to enjoy local culture as well as the world-class competition.

Travel smart: Protect your summer adventure with travel medical insurance and travel protection

If you are among the legions of fans headed to France to watch games and enjoy the festivities and ceremonies that come with the international event, consider a travel insurance plan to protect your investment. While France is known to have excellent health care, UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip plans provide an additional layer of protection with medical coverage for emergencies or injuries.

In addition, these plans offer a 24/7 Emergency Response Center that can help with finding appropriate, quality care in your specific location, assist if items are lost (such as travel documents or baggage), and even cover your costs for non-refundable expenses like flight tickets if a last-minute itinerary change or illness prevents you from going. 

Planning your trip

If there are particular sporting events you want to attend or specific countries you want to see compete, plan and book as far in advance as possible. Major sporting events such as this international competition attract millions of attendees, so it’s crucial to plan and book your travel arrangements ahead of time. This includes flights, accommodation, and event tickets. By doing so, you can secure the best deals and ensure availability.

Multiple host cities will have events and local festivals for the 2024 competition, with destinations all across France. Research the cities you’ll be visiting and take advantage of this opportunity to immerse in local culture and famous tourist destinations, as each city has its own unique character and offerings. Try the cuisine, explore the city's landmarks, and engage with the local community. Also, familiarize yourself with the local transportation system, popular attractions, and nearby amenities before you depart. This will help you navigate the city more efficiently and make the most of your time once there.

Plan your schedule carefully, checking the event schedule well in advance and planning your itinerary with ample travel time and centrally located accommodations. This will allow you to attend the sporting events and celebrations you're most interested in and avoid any scheduling conflicts. Some additional tips: Plan ahead. Local transportation can be affected by the influx of visitors, and France’s frequently occurring strikes. If you are planning on using public transportation, a strike may affect buses and trains within city limits as well as lines that connect you to other cities in France. To avoid Métro closures, choose accommodations near areas like the Marais, Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, or northern Paris, and plan to travel by bicycle in the city center using the new bike lanes throughout the city. Minimize your risk. Security measures are being implemented across the country for the entirety of the big event, but you should still be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself. Pickpocketing, phone, and purse snatching are crimes of opportunity that often happen in crowded areas and tourist destinations. Never leave valuables unattended. Be extra-aware when in hotels near airports, department stores or riding the subway, and avoid carrying or wearing high-value items. Stay connected. Events such as the upcoming 2024 athletic competitions in France involve long hours out and about and many moments you’ll want to capture and post pictures of, potentially draining your phone’s battery. Extremely large crowds and limited access to power outlets at these events will make recharging difficult, so bring a portable charger to ensure you can stay connected with fellow travelers, take all the photos and videos you want, and be able to access information on the go. Be prepared in case of an emergency. Your trip will most likely go smoothly, but if you need emergency services, use these toll-free 24/7 phone numbers: Police 17 Fire 18 Ambulance 15 EU-wide emergency number 112 Deaf and hard-of-hearing travelers can contact 114 for SMS texting services. Anticipate summer heat. The crowds at this summer’s events will mean drinking water, bathrooms and air conditioning will be in short supply. Take breaks in shady spots whenever you can on hot days and keep a water bottle with you regardless of the temperature to ensure hydration. Pack sunblock and a deep-brim hat in your day bag as well.

Know before you go: Health care

The health care system in France is known to provide high-quality care, however, there is currently a shortage of nursing staff. As a result, find out which clinics and hospitals are well-regarded and anticipated to be well-staffed. If you have a major injury or health event, immediately go to the nearest hospital, but in the case of a more minor injury or health need, a general practitioner (GP) can be your local resource for medical care. Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for health updates and vaccination requirements for travel to France.

Pharmacies play a larger role in health care in France, with pharmacists suggesting treatments, consulting on medications, and recommending generic drugs. Pharmacies can be found in hospitals and shops denoted by a green (often neon) cross. Keep in mind that pharmacies carry all international medications but will often be unable to fill prescriptions written outside the country.

Pharmacies are the only place where you can buy over-the-counter medications (note: you must request medicines specifically and be prepared for smaller quantities than you may be used to). In addition, not all medications prescribed by French hospital-based doctors will be available in external pharmacies, so travelers may find it more convenient to fill prescriptions onsite at a hospital pharmacy. 

Be aware: While travel insurance is not required for trips to France that last less than 3 months, care facilities almost never accept U.S. health insurance. It’s wise to purchase a plan that protects your wellbeing. Foreign citizens are expected to pay the full cost of health care services they receive in France — and if for any reason a medical evacuation is necessary, the costs can add up quickly. 

Purchasing a travel protection plan that comes with a 24/7 Emergency Response Center can be a game-changer when considering the unpredictability caused by events that attract millions of visitors. With SafeTrip, call us for destination information before you go, get assistance with health issues as well as other challenges such as lost passports or other paperwork emergencies, with translation support and local-level intelligence as well. Coverage add-ons give you ways to immerse yourself in French culture, such as SafeTrip Rental Car Damage provides additional coverage so you can know you're covered when driving yourself from city to city if you’re seeing multiple events across the country.

Enjoying your once-in-a-lifetime trip includes having a backup plan, lightening the concern that an injury or itinerary change could cost you more than you anticipated. And of course, if you have quality travel plan that includes health care assistance such as SafeTrip International Medical Plus, you can get help in navigating payment at a hospital or doctor’s office in case of an urgent care need, a win for everyone. Research your options now and get a quote specifically for you and your fellow travelers’ needs.

Sources:

https://www.latimes.com/compare-deals/insurance/guides/travel-insurance-france#:~:text=Most%20U.S.%20health%20insurance%20won,to%20protect%20against%20medical%20emergencies.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/destinations/france-trip/