Healthcare and Medical Care in France: What You Need to Know Before Travel
France has world-class medical standards and well-developed healthcare infrastructure to handle tourists' medical emergencies. However, language barriers and differences in the healthcare system can create challenges when illness strikes. This article explains practical ways to handle medical issues in France, how to access hospitals, and tips for using insurance—from a pharmacist's perspective.
France's Healthcare System and Differences from Japan
Basic Structure of Health Insurance
France has a universal healthcare system with both public and private hospitals. As an important note, medical costs in France are higher than in Japan. For example, a doctor's initial consultation costs €50–100 (several times higher than Japan), and over-the-counter medications also tend to be more expensive.
| Item | France | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation Fee | €50–100 | ~¥3,000 |
| Prescription Medications | High (reimbursement available) | Affordable |
| Ambulance Use | Free (SAMU*) | Free |
| Public Hospital Visit | Mostly covered by insurance | Health insurance applicable |
*SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) = France's emergency medical system
Types of Medical Facilities in France
- General Practitioner (Médecin généraliste): Primary care doctor; typically the first point of contact for care
- Emergency Department (Urgences): Specialists and diagnostic imaging (CT scans, etc.) available, but wait times can be long
- Pharmacy (Pharmacie): Many over-the-counter medications available; you can consult directly with a pharmacist without a doctor's visit
- Night Clinic (Maison Médicale de Garde): Option when daytime medical facilities are unavailable
Pharmacist's note French pharmacies are marked by a "green cross" sign. Pharmacists have broad authority and can directly advise on initial symptoms and recommend medications. For mild illnesses like colds or allergies, bypassing a doctor and going directly to the pharmacy is more efficient in terms of time and cost.
What to Do When You Feel Unwell
Mild Symptoms (Cold, Headache, Mild Diarrhea, etc.)
We recommend prioritizing a visit to a pharmacy (Pharmacie).
How to proceed:
- Enter the nearest pharmacy (usual hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; many closed Sundays)
- Explain your symptoms in English or French
- Ask the pharmacist for medication recommendations
- Purchase and begin treatment on the spot
Common Over-the-Counter Medications Available in France
| Symptom | Medication Name | Active Ingredient | How to Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold | Doliprane | Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | OTC* |
| Ibupirofène | Ibuprofen | OTC | |
| Diarrhea | Imodium | Loperamide | OTC |
| Smecta | Dioctahedral smectite | Prescription | |
| Allergies | Cetirizine | Cetirizine | OTC |
| Aerius | Desloratadine | Prescription | |
| Indigestion | Gaviscon | Alginic acid | OTC |
| Constipation | Microlax | Glycerol enema | OTC |
*OTC = Available at a pharmacy without a prescription
Pharmacist's note Even though the active ingredients may be the same as in Japan, brand names are different. "Doliprane" is paracetamol (the same ingredient as "Tylenol" in Japan), but it is the most common cold medication in France. When you tell the pharmacy your symptoms, the pharmacist will suggest an appropriate alternative.
Moderate Symptoms (Prolonged Fever, Severe Abdominal Pain, Injury, etc.)
A visit to a general practitioner (Médecin généraliste) is necessary.
Steps to see a doctor:
-
Ask your hotel staff
- Ask for a "Doctor in English" at your accommodation
- If referred to a doctor by the hotel, language barriers are minimized
-
Call SOS Médecins (SOS Doctors)
- Available throughout France
- They make house calls to your hotel room
- Phone number: 3624 (within France)
-
Ask the pharmacy staff for a doctor referral
- Pharmacy staff know local doctors' contact information
- Request an English-speaking doctor
-
What to bring to your appointment:
- Passport (for identification)
- Copy of insurance documents
- List of any regular medications (written in English or French)
Estimated Consultation Costs
- Doctor consultation: €50–80
- Prescription fee: Free (included in doctor's fee)
- Prescribed medications: Tend to be expensive, but reimbursable through insurance (see below)
Serious/Emergency Situations (Chest Pain, Severe Headache, Accidents, etc.)
Call SAMU (15) or 119 immediately.
Important Response Guidelines:
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Chest pain, difficulty breathing | Call SAMU (15) immediately |
| Unconsciousness, seizures | Call SAMU (15) immediately |
| Severe injuries | Call SAMU (15) or Police (Poste de Police) |
| Poisoning | Poison Control Center: 0800-59-59-59 (24 hours) |
- SAMU phone number: 15 (within France)
- Police: 17
- Fire Department: 18
- Universal number: 112 (works from mobile phones for all services)
Pharmacist's note English-speaking guide: Major hospitals in large cities (Paris, Lyon, Marseille) have English-speaking staff. If you need help with insurance paperwork, ask for the "hospital administration" and request an English speaker.
Using Insurance While in France
Japanese Overseas Travel Insurance Is Valid in France
Overseas travel insurance from major Japanese insurance companies (Sompo Japan, AIG, Tokyo Marine, etc.) is valid in France.
Medical expenses covered by insurance:
- Doctor's consultation fee
- Prescribed medications
- Hospitalization costs
- Emergency repatriation expenses
Insurance claim process:
- Tell the doctor "I have Japanese travel insurance"
- After consultation, obtain medical certificate and receipts
- French documents are acceptable; you can translate them later
- Submit claim to insurance company after returning home
- Required documents: Medical certificate, receipts, copy of insurance card
- Documentation must be submitted within 6 months
Important notes for claims:
- France maintains rigorous medical records, so be sure to keep copies of all receipts
- Request 3–4 copies of the medical certificate (Ordonnance médicale) from the doctor: one for insurance, one for yourself, and one as backup
- If English translation is needed, use a certified translator after returning home (cost: ¥1,000–3,000)
Pharmacist's note French doctors now use digital prescriptions (e-prescription), making pharmacy prescription management easier. If you receive a paper prescription, make a copy or take a photo to avoid losing it.
How Foreign Residents Can Use France's Public Insurance
For stays of 90 days or less, you will typically rely on Japanese overseas travel insurance. However, holders of an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) can:
- Use their EU national health insurance card
- Japanese nationals do not have this card and are not eligible
- Alternatively, applying for an "S1 form" may allow partial use of public insurance (check with the Foreign Ministry for details)
For the most current information, check with the embassy or the Foreign Ministry.
Medical Supplies to Bring Before Traveling
Recommended Items to Pack
| Item | Reason | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Medications | Identical medications may be difficult to obtain in France | Obtain a medical certificate from your doctor |
| Glasses/Contact Lenses | Obtaining a new prescription takes time | Sunglasses as substitute |
| Eczema/Dermatitis Cream | France has low humidity; skin problems are common | Steroid ointment |
| Cold Medicine | French medications are expensive | Purchase locally is fine |
| Stomach Medication | Digestive problems are common due to diet differences | Seirogan (difficult to find in pharmacies) |
| Band-aids, Gauze | For minor cuts and scrapes | Can be purchased at pharmacies |
Customs Declaration for Medications
- For trips of 90 days or less: Regular medications are permitted up to a one-month supply at customs (a doctor's medical certificate is advisable)
- When entering France: Have medication instructions in English ready
- For prescription medications: Obtain an English-language medical certificate from your doctor and carry it
Medical Facilities Information for Major French Cities
Paris
| Facility | Address/Contact | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| American Hospital in Paris | 63 Boulevard Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine | English-speaking, private, expensive |
| Paris Medical Services | 4 Rue Castiglione, 75001 Paris | 24-hour service, emergency care |
| Emergency Department (Urgences) | Hôpital Cochin | Public, primarily French-speaking |
Lyon
Hôpital Edouard Herriot: Large public hospital in central Lyon
Marseille
Hôpital de la Timone: The largest medical facility in the Mediterranean region
Pharmacist's note Paris's private hospitals (American Hospital) have excellent English support, but a single consultation costs over €200. If not an emergency, using a doctor referred by a pharmacy or hotel can reduce costs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions and Important Notes
Q: Can I take medications prescribed in France back to Japan? A: Generally yes for personal use, but quantities are restricted. Customs clearance may be required, so we recommend checking with customs at the airport beforehand.
Q: Can I buy medications at a pharmacy without seeing a doctor? A: Yes, for over-the-counter medications (Doliprane, Imodium, etc.). However, prescription medications require a doctor's consultation.
Q: Is it okay if I don't speak the language? A: Ask the doctor's office, "Do you speak English?" English proficiency among European doctors is high. If you're still stuck, use translation apps (Google Translate) to explain your symptoms.
Q: If medical costs are high, can I pay with a credit card? A: Most medical facilities accept Visa and Mastercard. However, transaction fees may apply, so having cash on hand is reassuring.
Summary
Here are the key points for medical care while traveling in France:
- For mild symptoms, use a pharmacy: Look for the green cross sign and consult a pharmacist. Common over-the-counter medications like paracetamol (Doliprane) and loperamide (Imodium) are readily available
- For moderate symptoms, see a doctor: Use SOS Médecins or get a referral from hotel staff to minimize language barriers. Consultation fees are €50–80
- For emergencies, call SAMU (15): Can be called from mobile phones. Ambulance use is free
- Get travel insurance: Japanese overseas travel insurance covers doctor visits, medications, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation. Save all receipts and medical documents for claims after returning home
- Pack regular medications: Bring your usual medications in sufficient quantities. Have a doctor's letter in English
- Check pharmacy hours: Most pharmacies are closed on Sundays; plan ahead for weekend medical needs
With proper preparation and knowledge of how France's healthcare system works, you can handle medical situations confidently during your travels.