Hi there. My husband and I along with our 2 year old son will be spending one month in Paris, beginning February 9th. Just wondering in the unlikely event that one of us needs medical care how I can go about obtaining that while we are there? Yes, I've seen 'Sicko' . We are a generally healthy lot and I'll be bringing any over the coutner meds I think we might need but just in case, what are the procedures in terms of going to a hospital, payment etc?

Enter in the search box the following...

Paris American Hospital


It will answer some of your questions

Hi,

Go to www.insuremytrip.com

You can buy whatever coverages you want and compare prices.

Many of us would not go without medical/medical evacuation insurance. It has nothing to do with age as something can happen at any age. There have been some nightmare stories out there. It is cheap for the coverage comfort that you receive.

Joan

Joan

I think this is too complex and broad a topic to answer in a couple sentences on this forum. One could write pages on it.

However, if you are going to Paris for one month, I think you should do some research into this in a good book or online, there are resources like that. I think a good guidebook should even list the basics. Perhaps the Paris Tourist Office website, the French embassy's US website (or wherever you are from), some expat websites, etc. I know the Embassy website has a list of English-speaking doctors. The problem is it isn't easy to explain quickly, but generally you would call 17 for the police, 18 for fire or 15 for SAMU which is basically for medical emergencies/EMT/ambulance, etc. For doctors for housecalls, not an emergency, you'd call SOS Medecins at 01-47-07-77-77.

For one look, go to www.parisrama.com and look at the page labeled "numero's d'urgence" (at left).

the SOS website is
http://www.sosmedecins-france.fr

If you can't remember which is which emergency number in France, you can also call 112, which will direct you to the relevant service. It's the European emergency number so works throughout the EU.

For minor emergencies you can always go to a pharmacy, which are always IME staffed with incredibly knowledgeable people who can either solve your problem on the spot or recommend a nearby clinic. There is always a pharmacy open 24/7u in every neighborhood in Paris (and every town all over France) - it's the one with the flashing green sign.

I've had to avail myself of medical help many times over the past 20 years in France, though not for anything terribly serious, and it has always been a excellent experience. The doctors were excellent, the treatments effective, and I never paid more than about $40 for a visit. I was always given forms to turn in to my own American insurance co. upon return to the States, but the costs was always so little I never bothered.

If you are concerned about major health issues, though, you should definitely get trip insurance (probably should get it anyway).

By the way, the World Health Organization ranks France either no. 1 or no. 2 in healthcare in the world. You're in good hands.

Thanks for the replies all. Joan- I agree something can happen at any age, that is for sure. The insurance will certainly by me piece of mind. St. Cirq-Excellent advice on the pharmacy, I'll check which one is the 24 hour in our neighborhood. We are staying in the 3rd.

sorry for the horrible grammer. Buy me Peace of Mind was the intent