Medical Care in France

The health care in France is considered to be in very high standards. The World Health Organization (WHO) even considers France's health care to be one of the best in the world (In addition, the WHO ranks their health care to be number one).

Medical treatment can be obtained from self-employed physicians, clinics and hospitals. Most general practitioners, specialists (e.g. gynecologists), and dentists are self-employed; look for signs saying Docteur (médicine générale = general practitioner, etc.). The normal price for a consultation with a general practitioner is €21, though some physicians charge more (this is the full price and not a co-payment). Physicians may also do home calls, but these are more expensive.

Residents of the European Union are covered by the French social security system, which will reimburse or directly pay for 70% of health expenses (30% co-payment) in general, though many physicians and surgeons apply surcharges. Other travelers are not covered and will be billed the full price, even if at a public hospital; non-EU travelers should thus probably have a travel insurance covering medical costs. Note, however, that, in general, medical fees in France, even when paying the full price, are low compared to those in the United States.


Pharmacies in France

Pharmacies in France are denoted by a green cross, usually in neon. Contrary to the US, they don't double as general stores, and only sell medicine, contraceptives and often beauty and related products (though these can be very expensive). Medicines must be ordered from the counter, even for non-prescription medicines. Also, unlike in the US, the pharmacist is able to directly help you regarding a prescription for many medicines, and can also propose a range of generic drugs. No Doctor middleman is required for this service.



Medical Emergencies

Hospitals will have an emergency room sign posted “Urgences”.



Emergency Phone Numbers (Toll-Free)

    Medical Emergency: Dial 15
    Police: Dial 17:
    Fire Department: Dial 18:
    General emergency: Dial 112:

Operators at these numbers can transfer requests to other services if needed. Some medical emergencies may be answered by firefighters.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of France at a Glance

• Gardens and Gastronomy in France
  

  This “colorful and tasty” program has been designed especially for Cultural Crossroads travelers who are particularly interested in discovering the secrets of French cuisine and some of the most interesting gardens including many private gardens not normally opened to the public. Cultural Crossroads travelers will enjoy a cooking demonstration by a well-known Chef, wine and olive oil tastings, and a private visit to a Renaissance castle which is now a private residence. We also visit a workshop that creates Provencal fabrics, a glass blowing museum, the impressive estate and winery of Val Joanis, and a class with a perfume expert in her laboratory in one of the most famous perfume factories of Grasse. Of course, every day will include local French cuisine.

• Treasures of Art in the Loire Chateaux Country
  

  Amboise will be our home for 6 nights, a perfect location in the heart of the Loire Valley, which is often referred to as the center of the French “Art de Vivre” because of its long tradition of elegant chateaux and delicious food. Cultural Crossroads travelers will follow our expert study leader, from castle to castle from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 18th and 19th century, we will discover treasures of art, exceptional parks and gardens, arts and crafts of the region and enter the fascinating history of the châteaux country.