On this page, we’ll tell you a little more about ACS Travel Insurance, a specialist in travel and expat insurance. They’re particularly known for offering the most affordable backpacker insurance for round-the-world travelers and long-term travelers through their Globe Partner coverage.
In the following sections, we’ll take a look at the different coverage options they offer (with a focus on the Globe Partner plan) and share our thoughts on the level of coverage provided.
Is ACS Insurance right for you?
Yes, ACS is probably your best option if you are:
- 🎒 Backpackers on a tight budget: ACS Globe Partner coverage is one of the most affordable insurance plans on the market (starting at €39/month) and offers sufficient medical coverage for most destinations.
- 🌍 Long-term travelers under 40: Globe Partner provides coverage for up to 12 consecutive months (renewable with the insurer’s approval), making it perfect for a classic round-the-world trip where you don’t necessarily know your return date.
- 🌏 Working Holiday Visa holders: ACS offers a custom plan, the ACS Globe WHV, featuring unlimited medical coverage in the destination country, refunds for unused months, and highly competitive rates (especially in Canada).
- 🏄 Travelers looking for enhanced coverage: Globe Traveller lets you customize your coverage (high-risk sports, higher medical limits) and covers travelers up to age 66. Although some may find its price a bit high compared to True Traveller or AVA’s Plan Santé Avanture
ACS is probably not the best choice if you:
- Travel to the U.S. or Canada (Globe Partner’s €300,000 medical coverage limit may not be sufficient)
- Look for coverage for flight cancellations or damage to your electronic devices
- Are you over 65? (The Globe Traveller insurance is valid up to age 65)
ACS Insurance: Who Are They?
ACS (Assurances Complémentaires Spécialisées) is a French insurance broker founded over 40 years ago that specializes exclusively in travel and expatriate insurance. As a family-owned business with approximately 50 employees, it currently provides coverage to more than 200,000 clients worldwide.
Their policies are underwritten by reputable and well-established partners: Allianz, AXA, MGEN, and Mutuaide Assistance (a subsidiary of Groupama). Customer service is available in French, which is a real plus for French-speaking travelers who may not be entirely comfortable with English (but they also have customer support in english).
What travel insurance plans does ACS offer?
ACS offers three different insurance plans for travelers and working holiday visa holders:
ACS Globe Partner Review: Insurance for backpackers on a Budget
This is the plan that made ACS famous, and it’s easy to see why: it covers what really matters, medical expenses, repatriation, and liability coverage at a price that blows the competition out of the water (with the exception of True Traveller). It’s designed for travelers under 40 and can cover up to 12 consecutive months of travel (renewable), making it a top choice for backpackers and long-term travelers on a tight budget.
It doesn’t cover all high-risk sports, electronic devices, or flight cancellations, but at that price, it’s hard to fault it. For the vast majority of destinations (excluding the U.S. and Canada), it does the job just fine. If you’re traveling to the United States or Canada, we recommend checking out True Traveller or AVA, which offer insurance policies that we believe provide better value for money.
Globe Partner Price Estimates
| Profile | Outside the U.S. and Canada (per month) | Includes the U.S. and Canada (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler | €39 | €55 |
| Couple | €78 | €110 |
| Family of four | €156 | €220 |
| 40 and older | ❌ Not available — see Globe Traveller | |
Note: Estimated rates for departures from mainland France, for travelers under 40 years of age. Prices vary depending on the destination and the exact duration of the trip.
ACS Globe Partner Warranties
| Warranty | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses (annual limit) | €300,000 — no deductible |
| Medical repatriation | 100% of actual expenses |
| Liability Insurance | €4,500,000 (body damage) / €450,000 (property damage) — €100 deductible |
| Luggage | ✅ €1,150 (round-trip tickets only, in addition to the transportation company’s fees) |
| Emergency/Accident Dental Costs | €300 / €600 |
| Presence of a family member (hospital stay of 7 days or more) | Round-trip ticket + €80 per night (up to 8 nights) |
| Search and rescue costs | €3,000 |
| Legal assistance | €3,000 + €7,000 security deposit |
| High-risk sports | ❌ Not included |
| Flight cancellation | ❌ Not included |
| Electronic equipment | ❌ Not covered |
| Maximum age | Under 40 |
| Maximum duration | 12 months, renewable thereafter with the insurer’s approval (to be requested before expiration) |
| Enrollment after departure | ✅ Possible — 8-day waiting period |
⭐ Our review of ACS Globe Partner: Excellent value for money for standard destinations. Not sufficient for the U.S./Canada or extreme sports. This is the minimum coverage recommended for peace of mind while traveling.
ACS Globe Traveller Review: The Flexible Travel Insurance Plan
Globe Traveller is the “customized” version of the ACS range. It is designed for travelers under 66 who want more coverage than the Globe Partner plan offers: a choice of medical coverage limits (€150,000, €300,000, or €500,000), baggage coverage included as standard, and the option to add coverage based on your needs—high-risk sports, trip cancellation, and sports equipment.
This is clearly the best option if you’re over 40, if you’re traveling to the U.S. or Canada (a minimum coverage limit of €500,000 is required for these destinations), or if you participate in “dangerous” sports. The premium is slightly higher than Globe Partner’s, but the coverage is significantly more comprehensive.
A nice little bonus: ACS offers Windscribe VPN access (20 GB/month for life) with your subscription. Handy for securing your connections when you’re on the go.
Good to know: For groups of three or more insured individuals, a 10% discount is automatically applied. Ideal for families or groups of friends traveling together.
ACS Globe Traveller Price Estimates
| Profile | Outside the U.S. and Canada (per month) | Includes the U.S. and Canada (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler (under 40) | €62.50 | €119 |
| Couple (under 40) | €125 | €238 |
| Family of four (under 40) | €225 | €432 |
| Solo traveler (ages 40–65) | €62.50 | €119 |
Note: Estimated rates for departures from mainland France, with a medical coverage limit of €150,000, excluding optional extras. Rates are the same regardless of age (under 66). A 10% discount applies for groups of three or more.
ACS Globe Traveller Coverage
| Warranty | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses (annual limit) | Choose between €150,000, €300,000, or €500,000 — no deductible (€500,000 required for the U.S. and Canada) |
| Medical repatriation | 100% of actual expenses |
| Liability Insurance | €4,500,000 (body damage) / €450,000 (property damage) — €100 deductible |
| Luggage | ✅ €2,000 (shipped by carrier) — €30 deductible |
| Delayed baggage delivery (more than 24 hours) | €150 upon presentation of receipts |
| Flight delay (+4 hours) | €150 per person (meals, transportation, first night’s stay) |
| Emergency/Accident Dental Costs | €300 / €600 |
| Presence of a family member (hospital stay of 6 days or more) | Round-trip ticket + €80 per night (up to 8 nights) |
| Search and rescue costs | €5,000 |
| Legal assistance | €3,000 + €7,000 security deposit |
| High-risk sports | ✅ Optional |
| Trip Cancellation | ✅ Optional (max. €9,000 per person) — Departures from France only |
| Sports equipment | ✅ Optional |
| VPN included | ✅ 20 GB/month for life (Windscribe) |
| Maximum age | Under 66 |
| Maximum duration | 12 months |
| Enrollment after departure | ✅ Possible — 8-day waiting period |
⭐ Our review of ACS Globe Traveller: More comprehensive than Globe Partner, with baggage coverage included and flexible options. However, its price is less competitive than alternatives like AVA or True Traveller, which offer equivalent coverage.
💡 Are you over 40? Globe Partner isn’t available to you, but Globe Traveller covers travelers up to age 66 at the same rates, regardless of your age within that range. In our opinion, this is the best option for French-speaking or non EU travelers between the ages of 50 and 65.
ACS Globe WHV Review: Insurance for Working Holiday Visas
If you’re planning a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) trip, the Globe WHV is clearly the plan for you. Developed in partnership with PVTistes.net (the french working holiday website) since 2005, it’s tailored to the administrative and practical requirements of a Working Holiday Visa stay. What’s the big difference with the Globe Partner? Medical expenses are covered without limit in the WHV country, which makes all the difference when you’re living there for 1 or 2 years.
It covers more than 15 Working Holiday destinations (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Argentina, etc.) and also provides coverage during your sightseeing trips to neighboring countries (up to €150,000).
Another great feature: if you return home permanently before your policy expires, ACS will refund you for any unused months (provided there are at least two full months remaining). And specifically for Canada, common-law partners and children can also be covered, which is convenient for couples traveling together.
Here’s a handy tip you shouldn’t overlook: the duration of your insurance can affect the length of your Working Holiday visa in certain countries, such as Canada. Keep this in mind when you sign up!
ACS Globe WHV Price Estimates
| Working Holiday Destination | EU Departures (per month) | Departures from outside the EU (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (EIC) | €31.84 | €58.42 |
| Non-EU Working Holiday countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.) | €35.70 | €63.80 |
| WHV countries in the EU or the United Kingdom | N/A | €48.70 |
| Couple / Family | Individual policy per person (spouse and eligible children for Canada only) | |
Note: Official ACS rates for a monthly contract. Payment can be made in 2, 3, or 4 installments (subject to terms and conditions).
ACS Globe WHV Warranties
| Warranty | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses in the Working Holiday country | Unlimited — no deductible, no waiting period |
| Medical expenses in other countries | €150,000 — no limit on length of stay |
| Temporary return to the home country (up to 30 days per year) | €15,000 (emergencies only) |
| Medical repatriation | 100% of actual expenses |
| Liability Insurance | €4,500,000 (property damage) / €450,000 (property damage) — €100 deductible |
| Luggage | ✅ €1,150 (round-trip tickets only) |
| Emergency/Accident Dental Costs | €300 / €600 |
| Pregnancy and Motherhood | ✅ 90% up to €5,000 (Work and Holiday visa holders only) |
| Presence of a family member (hospital stay of 7 days or more) | Round-trip ticket + €80 per night (up to 8 nights) |
| Search and rescue costs | €3,000 |
| Legal assistance | €3,000 + €7,000 security deposit |
| Telemedicine | ✅ Included for Canada (24/7) |
| Refund for unused months | ✅ Yes, if you return early (at least 2 months remaining, €20 processing fee) |
| High-risk sports | ❌ Mountaineering, aerial sports, and jet skis are not covered |
| Maximum age | Depending on the terms and conditions of the Working Holiday Visa for the country in question |
| Maximum duration | 24 months (Canada) / 12 months (other destinations) |
| Enrollment after departure | ❌ Must be purchased before departure |
⭐ Our review of ACS Globe WHV: This is the best option from ACS if you’re planning a Working Holiday, especially for Canada. Unlimited medical coverage in the destination country, refunds for unused months, and competitive rates make it a top choice in this category.
ACS Globe WHV Light Review: The budget-friendly Insurance for WHV
Globe WHV Light is quite literally the stripped-down version of Globe WHV. Its coverage is minimal, it doesn’t include Canada or countries neighboring your destination… In short, it’s worth considering if you’re after the bare essentials on a tight budget — but in our opinion, the coverage leaves a lot to be desired!
ACS Globe WHV Price Estimates
| Working Holiday Destination | EU Departures (per month) | Departures from outside the EU (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-EU Working Holiday countries (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc.) | €25 | €43 |
| WHV countries in the EU or the United Kingdom | N/A | €33 |
| Couple / Family | Individual policy per person | |
ACS Globe WHV Light Warranties
| Warranty | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses in the Working Holiday country | €150,000 |
| Medical expenses in other countries | ❌ No |
| Medical repatriation | 100% of actual expenses |
| Liability Insurance | €4,500,000 (body damage) / €450,000 (property damage) — €100 deductible |
| Luggage | ❌ No |
| Emergency/Accident Dental Costs | €300 / €600 |
| Pregnancy and Motherhood | ✅ 90% up to €5,000 |
| Presence of a family member (hospital stay of 7 days or more) | ❌ No |
| Search and rescue costs | ❌ No |
| Legal assistance | ❌ No |
| Telemedicine | ❌ No |
| Refund for unused months | ❌ No |
| High-risk sports | ❌ Mountaineering, aerial sports, and jet skis are not covered |
| Maximum duration | 12 months |
| Enrollment after departure | ❌ Must be purchased before departure |
⭐ Our review of ACS Globe WHV Light: We strongly prefer the Globe WHV plan over the Light option. The medical coverage feels quite limited, and that’s true no matter where you’re headed. In short, the lower price tag is tempting, but it does come at the cost of some important protections.
Important exclusions to be aware of
Before signing up, here are the exclusion criteria most frequently mentioned by our readers:
- ⚠️ You can sign up after departure, but there is a waiting period: if you sign up from abroad, an 8-day waiting period applies to all coverage. For immediate coverage, sign up before you leave.
- ❌ High-risk sports not covered by Globe Partner (rock climbing, paragliding, deep-sea diving, etc.)
- ❌ Theft and property damage (cameras, computers) are not covered
- ❌ Flight cancellation not covered
- ❌ Pre-existing conditions: generally excluded; please check the terms and conditions
- ❌ War zones or destinations not recommended by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Our experience & reader feedback
We’ve been using ACS Globe Partner since our first trip around the world. Fortunately, we’ve never had to file a major claim, but the enrollment process is straightforward and their customer service is responsive via email.
⚠️ Reader testimonial (Nicolas): Nicolas purchased ACS insurance after arriving in Canada. ACS refused to reimburse him, but eventually refunded his premium. This experience serves as a reminder that it’s best to purchase coverage before leaving your home country: in that case, there is no waiting period, and your coverage takes effect on the first day. If you sign up after departure, an 8-day waiting period applies to all coverage (except Globe WHV).
👉 Share your experience in the comments below—we regularly update this article with your feedback.
That said, ACS Insurance does have an excellent reputation, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot.
ACS Insurance FAQ
Can I purchase ACS coverage while traveling?
Yes, that’s possible—but please note: if you sign up after you’ve left, an 8-day waiting period applies to all coverage (except for the “Globe WHV” plan, which you must sign up for before you leave). For coverage that starts immediately on the first day, sign up before you leave your country.
What is the deductible?
The Globe Partner plan has no deductible for medical expenses. If you are hospitalized for more than 24 hours, ACS will cover the costs directly without requiring you to pay upfront. However, there is a €100 deductible for liability coverage.
Do I have to pay for medical expenses up front?
For minor medical visits: Yes, you pay the costs upfront and are reimbursed upon submission of receipts. For hospital stays longer than 24 hours: ACS contacts the hospital directly to arrange for direct billing.
Can the Globe Partner be renewed?
Yes, the Globe Partner plan is renewable. You can sign up on a month-to-month basis or for longer periods, as long as you do so without interruption to avoid a waiting period. Please note: if your total coverage exceeds 12 cumulative months, you must contact ACS customer service before your policy expires to obtain authorization from the insurer. This is not automatic.
Is there an ACS promo code?
No known regular promo codes. By using our link, you support the blog at no extra cost.
ACS vs. Chapka: Which One Should You Choose?
In terms of price alone: ACS Globe Partner is cheaper. Both include basic baggage coverage, but Chapka Cap Aventure offers more comprehensive coverage for trip cancellation and property damage. See our Chapka review
ACS vs. Heymondo: Which One Should You Choose?
Heymondo includes luggage coverage and a built-in health tracking app. ACS is cheaper but more basic. See our Heymondo review
Is ACS the best travel insurance?
For French-speaking backpackers on a tight budget: yes, Globe Partner remains a top choice. But it isn’t the best insurance option for everyone.
For Backpackers traveling around the world
Globe Partner is an excellent choice if you’re traveling outside the U.S. and Canada. If your itinerary includes North America, consider Globe Traveller (a €500,000 coverage limit is mandatory for this destination), but in our opinion, the True Traveller and Avanture health insurance plans from AVA offer better value for money. For French-speaking families, Globe Partner offers the most attractive family rates among French-speaking insurers.
For short stays (less than 90 days)
Globe Partner isn’t really the best option for short trips. Instead, check out Yupwego, Chapka, or Assur Travel, which offer insurance plans better suited to this situation.
For digital nomads
Globe Partner is a good option but doesn’t cover computer equipment. True Traveller, SafetyWing, or Heymondo are often preferred by digital nomads.
For Working Holiday Visa holders
ACS offers a specialized plan, the Globe WHV, designed specifically for working holiday visas, particularly for Canada, where it provides coverage for 24 months and includes your spouse and children. But depending on where you’re heading on your working holiday, AVA and Chapka also have very competitive insurance options!
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