France - Tourist
Information -
Health, Hospitals and Pharmacies
For minor problems
such as headache or high temperature, the place to begin is at a
pharmacy, as French pharmacists play a more active role in personal
healthcare than in other countries. Rather than simply filling prescriptions,
they will listen to your complaints, recommend remedies (over-the-counter,
of course), and if necessary even suggest a local doctor.
For more serious
or persistent conditions, when a doctor or hospital is needed, call
the English-language crisis line SOS Help (01.47.23.80.80), or call
SOS Médecins (01.47.07.77.77).
In case of a
traumatic medical emergency or to find out the addresses and telephone
numbers of local doctors, ask at the police station or dial 15 (SAMU
– medical emergencies).
If you wear
eyeglasses or contacts, bring an extra pair of glasses and your
prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make
sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and bring their
prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name,
manufacturer's name, generic name, and dosage.
Medical
Services
Consultations
and examinations by GPs, specialists, dentists etc, as well as emergency
room facilities, will be provided at any hospital or health centre.
You can also make an appointment for surgery, or have a doctor visit
you at your hotel. Find out before you make an appointment, bacause
doctors are either registered with the Department of Health (their
fees are fixed), or are in a private practice (their fees will be
more expensive). Please be aware that consultations on Sundays and
public holidays are always more expensive.
Pharmacies
There is a wide
network of pharmacies in most towns, look for a green neon cross
and although their opening hours are usually the same as for stores
(9am to 7pm or 8pm), there is always a pharmacy open nights, Sundays
and on public holidays. If a pharmacy is closed, it will have a
sign posted giving the location of the nearest one that is on duty.
Certain medications
may require a prescription issued by a doctor, while other medicines
are freely available and can be bought over the counter. The pharmacist
will provide you with the necessary information, and will be able
to advise you accordingly.
Refund
of medical costs
The most simple
way is to take out an all risks insurance before you leave, so contact
yourr health insurance provider to verify that you are covered for
illness or accident during their visit. In case of a problem, your
insurer will take charge of everything. However, if you are a EU
citizen on your return you can be refunded for any medical and pharmaceutical
expenses incurred while in France. Ensure that you take an International
Social Security form E111 with you.
Useful
Link
American
Hospital in Paris
