Medical Care

France's healthcare system is among the best in the world (WHO ranking: 1st place — yes, really). For EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of the German health card), the same conditions apply as for the French.

Doctor's visit

• Médecin généraliste (General Practitioner) — consultation fee about €26.50 (Secteur 1 rate, contracted doctor). Some doctors practice in "Secteur 2" with free fees — ask beforehand
• SOS Médecins — medical home visit service, available at night and on weekends. Reachable by phone, available in every major city. Costs: €50–75 (partially reimbursed)
• In pharmacies (Pharmacie, green cross), you get competent advice — French pharmacists are excellently trained and can often help directly with minor ailments

Emergency

• SAMU (15) — medical emergency service, dispatches a doctor if needed
• Pompiers (18) — fire brigade, also handles rescue operations
• 112 — European emergency number, always works
• Urgences — emergency room in the hospital. Waiting times can be long (4–8 hours for non-life-threatening cases are not uncommon)

Important: In France, you initially pay the doctor yourself (tiers payant is not always possible) and then have the amount reimbursed by the health insurance. Be sure to keep receipts (feuille de soins)!