flights from california to paris

What do you mean by flight insurance. If you just mean a life insurance policy for that flight, then it is a waste of money. If you are asking about general travel insurance, medical insurance, lost luggage, then go to insuremytrip for comparison. Some is worthwhile, most insurance is not.

I second exactly what Frank has said.

From British Air: Trip Insurance is...You are protected from trip delay/cancellation, lost or stolen baggage, and medical emergencies for only $48.45 per traveler. Insurance Details Trip Cancellation and Baggage Protection Medical and Evacuation Coverage
24-Hour Worldwide Travel Assistance and Concierge Service. Since this will be my first trip to Europe, I was just wondering if this is necessary.

Maggie the question has a lot to do with what insurance you already have..... 1. Most importantly, does your existing medical insurance cover you overseas? Read your policy. Some do, most don't. If it doesn't then you absolutely should get some coverage for overseas. If it already gives you enough coverage than paying for more is a waste. 2. Lesser important, but still somewhat important. Many credit cards already include cancellation and baggage coverage if you book with said credit card. Once again read your credit card agreement, to see if you are already covered. Without knowing exactly what coverage you already have it is impossible to answer your question with a yea or nay.

If you have a non-refundable ticket and it's over $1,000.00, I would definately purchase travel insurance. (Not flight insurance) What if something happens the week of your trip and you can't go? For example, 2 years ago I had a non-refundable $1,750.00 Air France ticket from Miami to Paris. I was ill the week of the trip and couldn't go. The travel insurance refunded every cent. Air France gave me zero. This story has 2 happy endings. A little bit later, I bought a new Air France ticket and it was $800. Whoo Hoo!!