Health Care
If European visitors or any of their dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to France, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Full travel insurance is advised for all travellers.
If you take regular medication, bring it with you in its original container, ideally clearly labelled. If you have a serious medical condition, meanwhile, it’s worth also bringing a signed and dated letter from your GP, detailing your condition and medication – generic names would be best, as French medicines often use different names.
The level of healthcare on offer is generally of a very high, professional standard, with the same applying to dental care. Staff at local pharmacies are trained to be able to advise on minor complaints, so if you don’t speak French, it makes sense to carry a relevant phrase book. Pharmacies are recognisable in towns and villages by a green-cross sign outside the door – the sign flashes when the pharmacy’s open.
As ever, health insurance is highly recommended. You’ll have to pay at the time for any healthcare you receive – whether at hospital or a surgery – and while costs for a straightforward doctor’s consultation aren’t too stringent, having an insurance policy in place brings real peace of mind.
If an ambulance is needed, 112 is the EU-wide phone number for the emergency services.
Note
* A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers coming from South American and African countries.
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