Life Accident Insurance (GAV) in France: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about this essential insurance that protects you against everyday accidents: coverage, compensation, and tips for choosing the right one.
Key Fact
Everyday life accidents cause 20,000 deaths per year in France and more than 4 million injuries requiring medical attention. That's 3 times more than road accidents.
What is the GAV?
The Garantie Accidents de la Vie (GAV) is an insurance contract that compensates you in case of everyday life accidents when no responsible third party can be identified or when you are responsible for the accident yourself.
Why is the GAV important?
Unlike road or work accidents, domestic accidents are not covered by an automatic compensation system. Social security reimburses care, but not personal damages like pain and suffering, aesthetic damage, or impact on daily life.
What does the GAV cover?
Domestic accidents
- • Falls at home (stairs, bathroom)
- • Burns in the kitchen
- • Cuts, electrocution
- • DIY/gardening accidents
Leisure accidents
- • Sports (skiing, cycling, hiking...)
- • Swimming, water activities
- • Vacations abroad
Medical accidents
- • Medical errors
- • Surgical complications
- • Hospital infections
Not covered
- • Road accidents (covered by car insurance)
- • Work accidents (covered by Social Security)
- • Intentional acts
How much does a GAV cost?
Individual plan
€5 - €15
per month
Family plan
€10 - €25
per month
Recommended
Premium plan
€25 - €40
per month
Sources
- France Assureurs - franceassureurs.fr
- Service-Public.fr - service-public.fr