Do I have to get travel insurance for my holiday in France?

Simon Calder on emergency costs, flight compensation and the cut in VAT

The UK government strongly recommends a policy (iStock)

Q I heard on the radio that the government says travel insurance is now mandatory for British people visiting France. My mum is booked to go tomorrow. Must she get it?

Kate W

A No. Travel insurance is not obligatory for France. A few countries insist on inbound tourists having travel insurance, among them Cuba, while Thailand specifies cover for longer-stay visitors aged 50 or over.