For foreigners in the city, Paris offers good options for medical care. It can be confusing finding the right number and service to call for your need but once you have it, you’ll be seen and sorted relatively quickly. France health service workers can be a bit more ‘matter-of-fact’ if you will than in other countries. So whilst you may feel less compassion coming your way than usual, don’t worry, it’s just another way of acting.
Although for EU country members, your EHIC card will cover all emergency treatment needed, it is important to invest in health insurance for your travels as back-up too. Whilst abroad, be sure to always keep your information on your person just in case the worst does happen. A card with your name, personal information and emergency contact, as well as some health insurance details in your wallet, is all you need.
One difference to note is that health care in France is not free. After being treated you will be expected to pay for the treatment. Although this is normally much less than other countries with this system, such as the United States, it is a difference from the U.K. Travellers with an EHIC card can receive a reimbursement of about 70% for doctors’ fees and up to 65% for prescription medicines.
Mômji are experts in welcoming foreign students and expatriates in Paris and are on hand to provide you with the top five medical care contacts you need to know. Find out more about us.
You are not fluent in French? Read our list of English-speaking doctors in Paris.
#1 - Hospitals
There are 39 hospitals across Paris, scattered across the city and the Île-de-France. They are open 24/7 and each one has specialist doctors. Just like in other countries, these institutions are used for emergencies and you can enter either via walk-in or by calling an ambulance on 112 (you will almost certainly be put in touch with someone who speaks English via that number).
#2 - SOS Médecins
If your medical problem is not an emergency, but still requires quick treatment, SOS Médecins is the best service for you. These doctors will come to your hotel or apartment at any time of day and are equipped with “sophisticated medical material”.
You can reach the SOS Médecins at 3624, but be prepared to tell them which ‘départment’ of France you are in as it is a national service. Paris is 75. These doctors are not guaranteed to be English-speakers, but most have at least a basic grip of the language. Again, after receiving the treatment you are expected to pay in cash or by cheque with call-outs normally costing between €50 and €70.
#3 – Pharmacies
The most common go-to for your every-day illness, you can find a French pharmacy on practically every street. Marked out by their glowing green crosses, this is the place to buy the medicines Brits are used to picking up in supermarkets, as well as collecting prescription drugs. You’re able to go into any one of these pharmacies in the city and can expect to receive advice for your illness from one of the shop’s pharmacists. It may seem like a faff for foreigners used to just buying medicine at the same time as doing their weekly shop, but is a quality of service that not many other countries can boast.
#4 – Doctolib
If you need to speak to a doctor, but your state is not an emergency or too time-pressing, then Doctolib is a great service available to you. For example, if you are going to take part in an activity that requires a “certificate medical”, this is the best way of going about it.
The website is simple to use and you can book an appointment with one of many doctors in the city. For simple appointments, be sure to choose a doctor from ‘Secteur 1’ to avoid unnecessary charges. The price is normally between €20 and €25 euros, and you must have medical insurance. If working in France, 75% of the cost can be reimbursed thanks to “securité sociale”.
#5 - Fire Brigade
For any emergency that is not directly related to health, the Fire Brigade can be called. The number to reach this service is 18 and the ‘pompiers’ are trained to deal with a wide scope of emergencies and call for further help if needed.
Moving to France? Just arrived? Mômji offers English-speakers in France amazing part-time babysitting jobs and teaching jobs. Come and join the movement!
