France's healthcare system provides some of the best public healthcare in the world and is open to all. Visitors are strongly advised to make sure they have health insurance cover before travelling to France. If you receive treatment at a hospital as an in-patient, the cost of the stay and associated treatment will be billed as an emergency abroad and can be extremely expensive. If you require a visa to visit France, proof of health insurance coverage is mandatory before you even apply.
And non EU visitors should ensure that they have private health insurance before they travel in order to benefit from the French state healthcare service.
There are many pharmacies with staff trained to attend a variety of minor medical needs. If the pharmacy is closed, a list of neighbouring open pharmacies can be found on the door, there will always be a branch 'on duty' for holidays etc. To find out about night pharmacies you can call or check the website www.
Here are a few pointers to help keep your little ones out of trouble:. The other major concern with children is the sun and heat. They may not be used to being out in the midday heat so make sure they are well protected with a high factor sun cream, seek natural shade and use protective clothing hat, sunglasses etc.
Family cards can all be linked and renewed at the same time to make life easier. In times of panic it is easy to forget small details to have a list prepared with the following information so you can hand it directly to the health care professional:. Once you are with the doctor it is helpful to have a few words to describe the problem, in case they do not speak English.
