Many pilgrims underestimate the importance of travel insurance for a Lourdes pilgrimage. This is understandable: Lourdes feels safe, France is a familiar destination, and it is tempting to assume nothing will go wrong on a journey made in hope and prayer. But the reality is that Lourdes pilgrimages often include elderly pilgrims, those with serious illnesses, and people who have not travelled internationally for years. Comprehensive travel insurance is not a bureaucratic formality — it is an act of prudence and care for yourself and your fellow pilgrims.

Medical Cover: The Non-Negotiable

Medical care in France is excellent but not free for foreign visitors. A single night in a French hospital can cost €500–€2,000; emergency repatriation can cost tens of thousands of euros. Your travel insurance must include comprehensive medical cover with a minimum of €2 million in emergency medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Ensure the policy covers pre-existing conditions if applicable (see below) and includes 24-hour medical assistance by telephone. This is the most important element of any pilgrimage insurance policy and should not be compromised to save premium cost.

Cancellation and Curtailment Cover

Pilgrimage packages involve pre-paid, non-refundable components: flights, hotel deposits, programme fees. If illness, bereavement or other covered events prevent you from travelling, cancellation cover reimburses these costs. Equally important is curtailment cover, which reimburses the unused portion of your trip if you must return home early. For a pilgrimage to Lourdes, we recommend cancellation cover of at least £2,500 / €3,000 per person to cover the full cost of a typical package. Check the policy's list of covered reasons carefully — they vary significantly between insurers.

Pre-Existing Conditions and Elderly Pilgrims

This is the most complex area of pilgrimage insurance. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, yet pilgrimages to Lourdes often involve pilgrims who have chronic or serious health conditions. Specialist medical travel insurers (such as Free Spirit, All Clear and Staysure in the UK, or Travel Insurance 4 Medical in Ireland) offer policies that include pre-existing conditions, often at higher premiums but providing genuine protection. Declare all conditions honestly — failure to declare means any related claim will be void. For pilgrims over 70, seek an insurer with no upper age limit or a policy specifically designed for senior travellers.

EHIC / GHIC for European Pilgrims

Citizens of EU member states should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provides access to state healthcare in France on the same terms as French residents. UK citizens can apply for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC after Brexit and provides equivalent cover within the EU. However, the EHIC/GHIC does not replace travel insurance — it covers emergency state medical treatment only, not private treatment, repatriation, cancellation costs or lost luggage. Treat it as a supplement to, not a substitute for, a proper travel insurance policy.

How Our Packages Handle Insurance

Our pilgrimage packages do not include travel insurance as standard, but we strongly recommend purchasing a policy at the time of booking (not weeks later, as cancellation cover often only applies if purchased promptly). We can advise on reputable specialist pilgrim insurance providers and will always remind you to secure cover before departure. If you are organising a parish group, group travel insurance policies often offer better value than individual policies and can include specific cover for vulnerable or elderly pilgrims. Ask us for guidance when you book your group package.