Healthcare Guide

1. Medical Facilities

– Pharmacies
For minor ailments like a cold, sore throat, or mild fever, you can go directly to a nearby pharmacy. Pharmacists in France are highly qualified and can recommend suitable over-the-counter medications. However, these medications are not reimbursable.

– Private Doctors (Most Common)
You will need to register with a primary care doctor (médecin traitant). This can be done when applying for your Carte Vitale (French health insurance card). Though appointments can sometimes take time, if you explain that your condition is urgent, the doctor might be able to offer a same-day appointment. Consultation fees with private doctors are largely reimbursed, and prescription medications are also eligible for reimbursement.

– Hospitals
France has public hospitals and private clinics. Public hospitals may be slower but offer a higher reimbursement rate, while private clinics are more efficient but provide less reimbursement. In emergencies, you can go to the emergency room of a public hospital, though emergency fees and ambulance costs are usually not reimbursable.

– Emergency Number
In an emergency, dial 15 for the medical emergency hotline. They can recommend the nearest hospital or clinic based on your location and may even send a vehicle to pick you up (fees apply). Dialing 15 is free, and the call is recorded.

2. Medical Testing Facilities

– Laboratories (Laboratoire)
Laboratories handle tests such as blood work, fluid analysis, and tests for conditions like H. pylori. No appointment is needed for these tests. Simply bring your prescription, Carte Vitale, and mutuelle card (if applicable) or CMU attestation. Once registered at the front desk, you’ll receive a ticket with the time to collect your results. Wait for your name to be called, then proceed with the test.

– Imaging Centers (Imagerie)
Imaging centers offer tests such as ultrasounds (échographie), X-rays (Radiographie), MRI scans (IRM), and CT scans (Scanner). Some also provide breast-targeted exams (Mammaire).
Appointments are required for imaging tests. On the day of the exam, bring your ID, Carte Vitale, mutuelle card, or CMU attestation along with your prescription. Register at the front desk, then wait for a doctor to guide you to the appropriate examination room. You will receive your results after the test.