In case of emergency

SAMU (medical emergencies): 15

Police emergencies: 17

Fire Service emergencies: 18

European emergency line: 112

NB In France there is no separate ambulance service like in the UK. This role is fulfilled by the pompiers (fire service) and depending on the nature of the emergency either the pompiers or SAMU will attend.

SOS Médecins (Paris – emergency doctors): +33 (0) 1 47 07 77 77 or +33 (0) 820 332 424

SOS Dentistes (Paris – emergency dentists): +33 (0) 1 43 37 51 00

Medical advice

For short term stays in France 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). You will receive a European Health Insurance Card which will entitle you to free medical treatment in France for 3 months when you present it. 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 required from mainland Britain.

If you live in France for over 3 months but don't work there you may be entitled to the same treatment and befits as French nationals. In order to benefit fully from the state system you should supply your last 2 years pay slips or submitted accounts to provide proof of tax paid during this period. This will cover you for so long after which it is advisable to make voluntary contributions to the state health insurance scheme. Most of your medical costs are covered by the state scheme but it is worthwhile taking out a top up private scheme which can be done at all local insurance companies.

If you are working in France you will either pay state health insurance scheme contributions at the local “caisse” if self-employed or via your salary.

If you are retired but receive your pension from another EU country, that country will usually pay your healthcare. Register a form E121 for free healthcare in France.

If you receive a French state pension you will be treated as a French pensioner and France's health insurance scheme will cover your healthcare costs.

If you are not elgible for a state pension and won't be working in France you can obtain medical cover for up to two years by completing a form E106. After this, you really do need to pay voluntary contributions as mentioned before or take out private insurance.

You can get further information and advice from your local health insurance or social security office in France or British Nationals can contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

Even if you live in France and have joined the state health insurance scheme the full cost of any treatment is not usually met by the state health service, unless you fall into the “low income” bracket or are suffering from a serious illness.

You will normally have to pay for consultations, treatments and prescriptions up front before being either fully or partially reimbursed by the relevant health “caisse”

With effect from July 2005 all French nationals have to be registered with a GP but you can visit any dentist you choose although their fees do vary greatly. To find your nearest hospital and doctor or dentist you can ask in any pharmacy or contact the local gendarmerie or look in the yellow pages.

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 centre. You can also make an appointment for surgery, or have a doctor visit you at your hotel if on holiday. 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 especially on Sundays and public holidays are always more expensive.

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 pharmacy open during the night, Sundays and on public holidays.

All pharmacies display the address of the nearest one.