The number to remember in France is 15. But knowing the number is only part of being prepared.

Q: How do you find medical care in France?

The French healthcare system is well-organized. SOS Medecins provides house calls, and pharmacies are a good first point of contact for minor issues. For non-emergencies, pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are often the best starting point. French pharmacists are trained to advise and can direct you to appropriate care. SOS Medecins (a house-call doctor service) operates in most French cities, available 24/7. For emergencies, call 15 (SAMU) for medical emergencies or 112 for the EU-wide emergency line. Hospital emergency departments (urgences) treat everyone, but waits can be long for non-critical cases.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for France?

EU citizens should bring their EHIC/GHIC card. Everyone else needs travel insurance, as France uses a pay-first, reimburse-later model. The EHIC/GHIC gives EU citizens access to French public healthcare at reduced or no cost. You may still need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement through the French system (via Ameli) or your home country. Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical costs in France. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports for claims. Some private clinics don't participate in the public system, so costs there are higher.

Q: Do doctors speak English in France?

French is required for most medical interactions. In Paris, English-speaking doctors are available but not the norm. Doctors in France communicate primarily in French. In Paris and on the Riviera, you're more likely to find English-speaking practitioners, but don't count on it. The American Hospital of Paris and Hertford British Hospital specifically cater to English speakers. SOS Medecins operators typically speak some English. For the rest of France, having basic medical vocabulary in French or a translation app is important. Write down your symptoms, allergies, and current medications in French before you need them.

Q: How do pharmacies work in France?

French pharmacies are highly professional and easy to find. Look for the green cross sign. Most medications require a prescription. Pharmacies in France are more regulated than in many countries. Most medications beyond basic painkillers and cold remedies require a prescription. Pharmacists are well-trained and can advise on minor ailments, recommend OTC treatments, and tell you whether you need to see a doctor. There's always at least one pharmacy open nights and weekends in each area (pharmacie de garde). Your nearest one is usually posted on the door of any closed pharmacy.

Emergency Numbers

The main emergency number in France is 15.

You can also try: 112 .

The EU-standard 112 works here.

What Travelers Should Know

Cost of care

France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Costs are reasonable, and EU citizens with an EHIC or GHIC card get coverage. A standard GP consultation costs around 25 to 50 EUR. Specialist visits and hospital care cost more but are still moderate by Western standards. France operates on a reimbursement model: you typically pay first, then get reimbursed by your insurer or the state system. EU/EEA citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can access public healthcare on the same terms as French residents. Non-EU visitors pay out of pocket and claim on travel insurance.

Finding care

For non-emergencies, pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are often the best starting point. French pharmacists are trained to advise and can direct you to appropriate care. SOS Medecins (a house-call doctor service) operates in most French cities, available 24/7. For emergencies, call 15 (SAMU) for medical emergencies or 112 for the EU-wide emergency line. Hospital emergency departments (urgences) treat everyone, but waits can be long for non-critical cases.

Insurance

The EHIC/GHIC gives EU citizens access to French public healthcare at reduced or no cost. You may still need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement through the French system (via Ameli) or your home country. Non-EU visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical costs in France. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and medical reports for claims. Some private clinics don't participate in the public system, so costs there are higher.

Language

Doctors in France communicate primarily in French. In Paris and on the Riviera, you're more likely to find English-speaking practitioners, but don't count on it. The American Hospital of Paris and Hertford British Hospital specifically cater to English speakers. SOS Medecins operators typically speak some English. For the rest of France, having basic medical vocabulary in French or a translation app is important. Write down your symptoms, allergies, and current medications in French before you need them.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in France are more regulated than in many countries. Most medications beyond basic painkillers and cold remedies require a prescription. Pharmacists are well-trained and can advise on minor ailments, recommend OTC treatments, and tell you whether you need to see a doctor. There's always at least one pharmacy open nights and weekends in each area (pharmacie de garde). Your nearest one is usually posted on the door of any closed pharmacy.

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This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Information may be outdated or inaccurate. Always call ahead to confirm. See our full disclaimer.

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Sources: WHO France · CDC Travel Health: France · Ameli (French Health Insurance) · French Ministry of Health