Practical health

Is adult whooping cough vaccine in France covered by social security?

France’s vaccine calendar outlines expected top-ups

How to keep hospital fees to a minimum in France

The system is one of the best in the world but can appear opaque

Longevity in France? We have an app for that

FriLi will help with chronic pain and a health monitoring

practical

Can medicine be shipped to France from overseas?

It is easier to bring medicine for personal use through border yourself

12 million people in France have high LDL cholesterol – what this means

The lifestyle factors and treatments explained

Can I order glasses online from the UK and have them sent to France?

French prescriptions are usually accepted in the UK

Is it true that French workers who fall sick on holiday can reclaim leave?

France’s supreme court, the Cour de cassation, ruled on the matter in 1996

Health focus: French skin cancer campaign warns: ‘Don’t grill like sausages’

Statistics show that sunbathing causes 80,000 skin cancers and 2,000 deaths per year

What is letter from French health insurance about ‘franchise’ payments?

Everyone in the healthcare system must pay solidarity fees for appointments and medicines

Explained: How a centre de rééducation can help you in France

These centres aid recovery and improve quality of life for patients

How foreign residents can be reimbursed for healthcare when on holiday out of France

We review who needs a Ceam, an Ehic, Ghic or private insurance

Bed bugs infestations on rise in France: how to protect yourself

Reported cases surged by 50% in June compared with June 2024

Mosquitoes in France: readers share what works to stop bites

Consumer study finds the best out popular repellents – while Connexion readers shared their own tricks, from bat boxes to Ayurvedic soap

Official guidance released on summer medication use in France

Tips include what to do when travelling and when to consult a doctor

How to deal with shoulder pain in France

Around 20% of adults suffer from it any given day

List: Key points of France’s end-of-life law

MPs vote to give certain patients the legal right to end their lives in cases of severe and incurable illness

How French doctor sectors impact what patients pay

GPs and other specialists are grouped into three sectors that determine how much they can charge and how much patients are reimbursed

Health alert as giant African ticks spread northwards in France

Potentially deadly ticks, known for their heat-sensing 'stalking', are spreading beyond the Mediterranean

More than a million people to receive €44 payout from French mutuelle

Major insurer offers payout after bumper year

French MPs back plan to make new doctors set up in underserved areas

The controversial bill has been adopted in parliament, but many medical professionals are opposed

France declares mental health a national priority

Investment aims to tackle stigma as one in five is affected

Mass recall of blood pressure medication across France

Labelling error on blister packet could lead to overdose of medicine

Why 500,000 people in France will soon be getting a call from health officials

A new campaign will target certain individuals with particular health conditions

How to receive personalised healthcare reminders in France

The reminders are designed to prevent people from forgetting to book important medical appointments

Doctors threaten strike against bill mandating where they work in France

The new bill aims to combat ‘medical deserts’ but young doctors say it will ‘deteriorate access’

France considers linking health reimbursements to income to curb deficit

State auditors urge reform as government faces €15.3bn shortfall in 2024

What to do if your local pharmacy in France is out of stock of your medicine

Pharmacies may be able to direct you to nearby stores where drug is available

Glasses, dentistry, hearing aids: Major changes to reimbursement rules proposed

‘We have to change healthcare spending to make our system sustainable,’ says mutuelle top-up boss

Warning over overuse of anxiety and insomnia medication in France

France is second biggest user in Europe of this type of prescribed medication

French hospital blacklists patients who do not turn up to appointments

One hospital division alone saw 1,000 no-shows in 2024

Reader feedback: How long does it take to get a carte Vitale in France?

It took much longer than the official advice of two to three weeks for most respondents in our survey

11 million people in France suffer from migraines - what help is available?

A third of sufferers never consult their GP about the problem

How to cope when a bout of ill health interrupts your new life in 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

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

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

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

Is it possible to get a carte Vitale in France without a social security number?

Refunds may be possible for medical expenses paid out whilst waiting for healthcard

Who is affected by France’s latest meningitis vaccination campaign?

The start of the year saw cases on the increase

Osteoarthritis: Women in France are not requesting the help they need

They are twice as likely as men to suffer from the painful breakdown of cartilage

Tip to find affordable top-up health insurance in France

Local mutuelles communales schemes can offer cost-effective health coverage for residents

Remember to check French doctors' Optam contract - or risk paying more

Mutelle top-ups do not necessarily reimburse patients for care from practitioners who have not signed a sector 1 Option de Pratique Tarifaire Maîtrisée

Launch of ‘secure medical prescriptions’ in France for certain painkillers - what are new rules?

Stricter rules are being put in place to fight addiction and falsified prescriptions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A new vaccine was recommended by health authorities last year

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

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

Healthcare: What's new in France in 2025

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

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

Is appointment information automatically added to online French health space?

Documents can be found online for healthcare professionals and patients to see

What is changing for daily life in France this December?

A rise in fees for doctor consultations is a key change. There is also the opening of a new stretch of toll-barrier free - but paying - motorway

Practical health

Is adult whooping cough vaccine in France covered by social security?

How to keep hospital fees to a minimum in France

Longevity in France? We have an app for that

Can medicine be shipped to France from overseas?

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Driving in France: Rules around when to use hazard lights

How to keep hospital fees to a minimum in France

New road signs drivers in France should be aware of

Learning French: can you pronounce these 12 challenging words?

12 million people in France have high LDL cholesterol – what this means

Can I order glasses online from the UK and have them sent to France?

Is it true that French workers who fall sick on holiday can reclaim leave?

Health focus: French skin cancer campaign warns: ‘Don’t grill like sausages’

What is letter from French health insurance about ‘franchise’ payments?

Explained: How a centre de rééducation can help you in France

How foreign residents can be reimbursed for healthcare when on holiday out of France

Bed bugs infestations on rise in France: how to protect yourself

Mosquitoes in France: readers share what works to stop bites

Official guidance released on summer medication use in France

How can non-French speakers give blood in France?

Can six-month visa holders in France get a carte Vitale?

Explained: Healthcare help for lower-income households in France

How to deal with shoulder pain in France

What to do with your unused or expired medicine in France

Is it possible to get a long prescription in France before extended stay in the UK?

Digital carte Vitale: we try it out as a French residency card holder

What is in the law proposed to ease France's GP shortages

What are the pros and cons of holding an S1 form for healthcare in France?

List: Key points of France’s end-of-life law

How French doctor sectors impact what patients pay

Health alert as giant African ticks spread northwards in France

More than a million people to receive €44 payout from French mutuelle

French MPs back plan to make new doctors set up in underserved areas

France declares mental health a national priority

Mass recall of blood pressure medication across France

Why 500,000 people in France will soon be getting a call from health officials

How to receive personalised healthcare reminders in France

Doctors threaten strike against bill mandating where they work in France

France considers linking health reimbursements to income to curb deficit

What to do if your local pharmacy in France is out of stock of your medicine

Glasses, dentistry, hearing aids: Major changes to reimbursement rules proposed

Warning over overuse of anxiety and insomnia medication in France

French hospital blacklists patients who do not turn up to appointments

Reader feedback: How long does it take to get a carte Vitale in France?

11 million people in France suffer from migraines - what help is available?

How to cope when a bout of ill health interrupts your new life in France

Retirees in France worst hit by mutuelle fee rises

Can non-French retirees obtain an Ehic card?

What the latest World Health Organization report says about France

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

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

Is it possible to get a carte Vitale in France without a social security number?

Who is affected by France’s latest meningitis vaccination campaign?

Osteoarthritis: Women in France are not requesting the help they need

Tip to find affordable top-up health insurance in France

Remember to check French doctors' Optam contract - or risk paying more

Launch of ‘secure medical prescriptions’ in France for certain painkillers - what are new rules?

What is a Ghic card and does it work in France

Meningitis cases in France are at ‘exceptionally high’ level

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

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

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

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

How to find a dentist in France

How much does health insurance cost in France?

What is a mutuelle in France?

French health authority issues pneumococcal vaccine recommendation for over 65s

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

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

Faster health check for Britons moving to France

How to save money on mutuelle cover in France

Flu: French health authorities extend vaccination campaign as cases soar

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

Explained: France’s ‘power of attorney’ equivalent

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

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