Family travel multiplies the memories, but it also multiplies the potential for things to go wrong. Family travel insurance brings adults and children together on a single contract, covering medical expenses abroad, emergency repatriation, trip cancellation and third-party liability. It is especially worth considering when travelling with children, who are more vulnerable to illness and accidents away from their usual environment.
Protect my family nowWhat family travel insurance actually covers
Medical expenses and hospitalisation
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Medical care abroad can come with eye-watering price tags. A three-day hospital stay in the United States commonly runs between €30,000 and €100,000. With a family, the risks multiply: ear infections, stomach bugs, fevers and minor falls are everyday hazards for children on holiday. Family travel insurance covers consultations, medication, emergency dental treatment and hospital stays.
Recommended limit: at least €200,000 per insured person, ideally unlimited if you are travelling to Canada, the United States or Australia, where medical costs are particularly high.
Emergency repatriation
If a family member’s condition requires it, the insurer organises and funds a medically equipped transfer back to France. This cover is often underestimated: the cost of a medical evacuation can exceed €50,000. Look for a policy that covers repatriation in full, with no fixed ceiling.
Third-party liability
A child who accidentally injures someone or damages property can trigger significant costs. Third-party liability cover protects against claims made against any insured member of the family. Experts recommend a limit of at least €1.5 million for adequate protection.
Worth noting: this cover is separate from health insurance, which only pays for your own family’s treatment. For a clearer picture of the differences, see our guide on travel insurance versus health insurance.
Trip cancellation and curtailment
A child falling ill the night before departure, a bereavement or a sudden emergency can make a trip impossible. Cancellation cover reimburses pre-paid costs (flights, accommodation, booked activities) when the reason for cancellation is listed in the policy. Families with young children, who are more prone to unexpected illness, have every reason to opt for comprehensive cancellation cover.
Baggage and equipment
A lost pushchair, a stolen camera, missing luggage: families travel with far more kit than solo travellers. Most policies offer baggage compensation of between €1,000 and €2,000 per insured person, subject to an excess. Check the limits and exclusions (valuables, electronics) before you sign.
How to choose the right policy for your family
Check who is covered by the contract
Most insurers define a family policy from three people with a family connection, with each member’s name and date of birth listed in the contract. A child not named in the policy will not be covered. Some insurers include minor children at no extra cost, sometimes free of charge for children under 12, depending on the specific terms.
Match the cover to your destination
- Europe: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides partial cover for medical treatment in EU countries, but it does not cover repatriation, cancellation or fees above the local standard rate. A rough budget for a family of four over two weeks: between €40 and €80.
- North America, Asia, Australia: medical costs are very high. A generous medical expenses limit becomes essential. A rough budget depending on the cover chosen: between €80 and €200.
Check cover for sports and activities
If your family plans to go scuba diving, skiing, high-altitude hiking or take part in water sports, make sure those activities are explicitly listed in the policy. They are often excluded by default or require paid add-ons not included in the standard plan.
Declare pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions (asthma, diabetes, severe allergies and the like) must be declared before taking out cover. If not, any emergency related to that condition may be excluded from a claim. This applies to every family member, children included.
What is generally not covered
- Routine medical check-ups and scheduled vaccinations
- Treatment arising from undeclared pre-existing conditions
- Extreme sports not specified in the policy
- Travel to areas under official government travel advisories (depending on the policy)
For solid cover without breaking the budget, see our tips on affordable online travel insurance.
Round-the-clock assistance: real support when it matters most
One of the most tangible benefits of family travel insurance is access to 24/7 assistance. In an emergency abroad, a dedicated helpline puts you in touch with:
- Immediate medical guidance and referral to the right local facilities
- Contact with a doctor or hospital on the ground
- Coordination of a medical evacuation if required
- Administrative support: cash advances, interpretation, liaison with family back home
This assistance is especially valuable when travelling with children, where any emergency can leave the whole family feeling stressed and disoriented.
Families and long trips: the limits of standard cover
Standard travel insurance typically covers a single trip, up to a maximum duration (often 90 days). Families planning an extended stay abroad, a round-the-world trip or a temporary relocation will find that specific long-stay policies exist, with notably different terms. Find out what this involves in our article on long-stay travel insurance.
FAQ
Are children automatically covered under a travel insurance policy?
No, each child must be explicitly named in the contract. Under a family policy, minor children are generally included in the price, sometimes free of charge below a certain age (often 12, depending on the insurer). Always check the specific terms before signing.
Is family travel insurance cheaper than individual policies?
As a rule, yes. Grouping the whole family on a single contract works out cheaper than taking out separate policies for each member, and it simplifies the admin, particularly when making a claim.
Does my bank card cover my whole family abroad?
Some premium cards (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite) include travel cover, but limits on medical expenses are often low, not all family members may be included, and the trip may need to have been paid for with that card. Check the terms with your bank before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance in Europe if I have an EHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card gives you access to healthcare in EU countries at local rates, but it does not cover repatriation, cancellation or fees above the standard rate. A complementary travel insurance policy is still recommended, even for a trip within Europe.
What if a child falls ill before we leave?
If your policy includes cancellation cover and the illness is sudden and unforeseen, you may be reimbursed for non-recoverable costs (flights, pre-paid accommodation) on presentation of a medical certificate. Check the specific terms of your policy for the required documentation and declaration deadlines.
Does family travel insurance cover dental treatment?
Generally, only emergency dental treatment is covered (acute pain, trauma), not routine care or prosthetics. Limits vary by policy, so read the terms carefully before you travel.
