Health / Emergencies

Check with British Social Security before travelling to see if you are eligible for emergency cover under form E111 (can be obtained from Post Offices). First Aid, medical advice and night service rota are all available from pharmacies, recognisable by their green cross.

Gendarmeries will give you their addresses. Vaccinations are not normally required from mainland Britain.

Medical Services

There are a variety of medical services available to you in France. Consultations and examinations by GPs, specialists, dentists etc, as well as emergency room facilities, will be provided at any hospital or health center. You can also make an appointment for sugery, or have a doctor visit you at your hotel. 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).

There is always a doctor on call, but please be aware that home visits and consultations on Sundays and public holidays are always more expensive.

To find out the addresses and telephone numbers of local doctors, ask at the police station or dial 15 (SAMU – medical emergencies).

Pharmacies

There is a wide network of pharmacies in most towns. Although their hours of business are usually the same as for stores (9am to 7pm or 8pm), there is always a pharmacie open nights, Sundays and on public holidays.

All pharmacies display the address of the nearest one.

Certain medications may require a prescription, while others may 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

If you are a citizen of a country belonging to the European Union, you can be refunded for your medical costs on your return. Ensure that you take an International Social Security form E111 with you. However, the simplest way is to take out an all-risks insurance before you leave. In case of a problem, your insurer will take charge of everything.