Health

Stomach flu cases surge in France: six regions particularly affected

The number of hospital and GP visits for seasonal gastroenteritis is almost at record levels, say health chiefs

How to cope with ill-health after moving to France

Columnist Cynthia Spillman gives her advice on staying positive

Retirees in France worst hit by mutuelle fee rises

Rates for individual policies have risen 25% in the past three years - try these tips to cut costs

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Important step made towards general use of medical cannabis in France

Proponents say the move is a ‘welcome relief for patients’ but some uncertainties remain

How long are waits at French emergency units - new statistics released

We also look at how wait times compare with the UK and the US

Assess your health with new official online platform in France

The platform will help to create a national ‘barometer of commitment to physical activity’

Can non-French retirees obtain an Ehic card?

Some residents in France still benefit from UK international health card

What the latest World Health Organization report says about France

France has low obesity and heart disease rates but cancer diagnoses are high

Rise in measles cases in France: map shows areas most affected

We look at common symptoms and advice to limit spread of disease

Change to nurses’ role in France: How could patients be affected?

It comes after MPs passed a bill to expand the role, and improve provision in medical ‘deserts’

Map: Top 10 French departments best for health in new 2025 ranking

The results are based on factors including the number of cycle lanes, and hospitals per 10,000 residents

Carte Vitale is now available digitally across France - is it available to foreign residents?

Users must have access to France Identité application, limiting who can digitise their health card

Only one in 10 people in France have ‘ideal’ cardiovascular health, says new report

Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in France

Are patients of a retiring French GP automatically signed up with new doctor?

It can be difficult to find a médecin traitant in some rural areas

Collective legal action taken against French low-cost dentist chain

More than 1,500 patients claim to have been left mutilated or without teeth after botched interventions

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

Cards cover medical necessary health costs

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level

Winter flu cases may be behind current hike with 90 cases recorded last month

Moving to France saved my life, says British mum

Shorter waiting times for healthcare and more thorough check-ups made it possible for her to build a new life in France after cancer diagnosis

France’s healthcare system remains among world’s best in latest ranking

New report highlights access to quality and affordable care

Almost all of France is now on maximum alert for pollen allergies

Only the north and north-west have escaped the highest risk level so far

Flu cases still rising in these 14 French departments

Nationwide levels are showing a marked decline but the south-west is still particularly impacted

Digital health cards, prescriptions, no-show fees: what impacts you as France’s 2025 health budget is finally approved

Healthcare will cost state over €265 billion in 2025 estimates budget

Many cigarette prices expected to fall in France this March

The reduction in prices comes after several months of increases

High risk of allergies in southeast France

The national air monitoring network has issued advice for people allergic to alder, hazel, cypress pollen

Did you know? La Poste will pick up medicines from a pharmacy and deliver them to you

Postal service is one of numerous services that are part of growing medical delivery sector

Pre-Brexit Ehics ending: what visitors to France need to do

Some 1.8 million UK Ehics are estimated to come up for renewal this year

Long life: Which areas of France are set to have many centenarians and why?

Overseas departments fare the best but some areas in mainland France and Corsica also rank highly

Why are pancreatic cancer cases rising sharply in France?

A record 15,991 cases were confirmed in 2023, and France is the fourth-most affected country worldwide

Renewal and updates: what are the rules for French health cards?

Does our top-up insurance have to match the card dates?

Anti-obesity drug Wegovy: latest on availability and reimbursement in France

The drug has been available on prescription since October 2024

How to find a dentist in France

Your options for finding routine and emergency dental care as well as English speaking practitioners

How much does health insurance cost in France?

Cover ranges from free of charge to up to several thousand euros for premium private cover

What is a mutuelle in France?

It is advisable to get a private, top-up health insurance policy if you have moved from the UK or US

Widely prescribed mental health drugs out of stock in French pharmacies

French medical authorities have asked other countries for help tackling shortage

France wants to lower the age for breast cancer screening

The current age threshold is 50, but 5,000 women under 40 are diagnosed each year

French health authority issues pneumococcal vaccine recommendation for over 65s

Four seasonal vaccines are now recommended for this age group

Covid-19 tests are still reimbursed in France - but not for long

Reimbursement for most will stop after the epidemic season, but some have criticised the move

Health insurance in France: See average mutuelle cost for retirees after new rises

Prices have been rising steadily for several years with older people hardest hit

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

Senior Ofii official explains immigration medical checks can now be completed by a GP to reduce post-Brexit waiting times

How to save money on mutuelle cover in France

The cost of top-up health insurance is set to rise further in 2025

Flu: French health authorities extend vaccination campaign as cases soar

Vulnerable groups are being urged to get vaccinated as three forms of virus circulate

Are pharmacies in France closed on Sundays? What if I need medicine urgently?

Stocking up on medicines before the weekend is a good idea

Patients in France unaware of GP’s ban were not reimbursed for care

The GP continued to receive and treat patients despite being suspended

Explained: France’s ‘power of attorney’ equivalent

France's mandat de protection future allows a named person to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so

Tap water contamination: Is your French region highlighted in new report?

Dordogne was the worst-affected department in the ‘major health scandal’, the analysis said

People in France can have 12 mental health support sessions per year reimbursed

Referrals by a doctor are no longer required

How hospital charges work in France and what is and is not covered by the state

Those without a top-up mutuelle insurance can see significantly higher fees

French doctors challenge new prescription decree

Concerns are voiced over patient confidentiality and increased workload due to government mandate

How do I deal with my sciatica and back pain in France?

Around 150,000 cases of sciatica are recorded each year in France

Minister issues warning as flu cases set to peak in France

Face masks are recommended for those with symptoms and vulnerable groups are advised to get vaccinated

How cold is it going to be in France and for how long? Tips to stay healthy

The freezing weather is showing no signs of abating, with temperatures as low as -9C

Hospital flu admissions on rise in France: Is it too late to get vaccinated?

Every region of the country is now at epidemic level

Are shingles vaccines free for people in the French health system?

A new vaccine was recommended by health authorities last year

MAP: 35 French hospitals activate a ‘white plan’ due to flu cases - what it means

Non-urgent care may be cancelled among other measures as medical teams deal with the influx of virus patients

AI used to tackle dermatologist shortage in France

SkinMed allows photos to be analysed by artificial intelligence and health professionals

Why your carte Vitale health card may have stopped working in France

We look at possible reasons and solutions if you have difficulties this January

First case of new Mpox variant recorded in France

Vaccines are available to some groups against the disease

We took up sea-wading in France and found it great for health and making friends

Couple discover the benefits of wading since moving from the UK to the French coastal town of Soulac-sur-Mer

Doctors in France to receive €1,000 bonus for prescribing fewer drugs

One-third of doctors are already eligible for the bonus as they prescribe less medicine than the national average

Flu epidemic continues in France, under-15s and over-65s most affected

The entire country is still on ‘red alert’ for flu, but bronchiolitis is dropping

Why do more people in France die on January 3 than any other day?

Mortality from all causes peaks today, with one expert suggesting reasons behind the risk

People in France living longer in good health - and for longer than in UK and US

New official data also shows a rise in the number of years of good health before disability begins to affect quality of life

How much do doctors earn in France?

Self-employed doctors are the highest paid of all ‘liberal’ professions in the country

Change to printed information leaflets for several medicines used in France

QR codes will allow details to be updated and include videos of how to take medicine

New rules aim to ease lack of dentists in many rural parts of France

Practices opening in areas with an existing high number of dentists will not receive state reimbursement

Eating Camembert improves memory (at least in mice), new report says

The research study focused on chemicals created in the cheese’s fermentation process

Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025

Certain specialist tariffs will rise in July 2025, impacting insurance premiums and healthcare access

State of French healthcare: key points of new official report

Findings included high patient satisfaction but still a too-high risk of infection in hospitals

French top-up insurance to increase by 6% in 2025

Ageing population and reduced state coverage cited as some of reasons behind hike

Is there financial help to purchase a mobility scooter in France?

Some UK disability benefits remain for Britons living across the Channel

Must I telephone first before going to hospital emergency centre in France?

The health ministry wants to reduce the strain on hospital services

Epidemic alerts raised in France: see how your area is affected

Bronchiolitis is bad nationwide while flu indicators are increasing in the north and east

GPs and specialists: List of new fees starting December 2024 in France

Fees will rise for consultations, firstly later this month, and again in July 2025

French firm succeeds in drone defibrillators deliveries

Life-saving equipment can reach victims within minutes, faster than ambulances

Is long-term illness care in France poised to change?

Long-term care costs make up around two-thirds of social security spending