France
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have聽appropriate travel insurance聽for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the聽
See what , including:
- dengue
- biting insects and ticks
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of France. Read more about .听
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read .听
Healthcare in France
FCDO has a list of聽hospitals in major cities including Paris, Marseille and Bordeaux region where some staff will speak English. 聽聽聽聽聽聽聽
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in France, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a valid existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS鈥檚 has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
State healthcare in France is not always free. Treatment is on the same basis as for French citizens.
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
There is also guidance on healthcare if you鈥檙e living in France.听聽
Travel and mental health
搁别补诲听FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also聽.