Health insurance for all Foreign Citizens travelling to France

Before you come to France, check whether your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with France. Otherwise, make sure your health insurance will cover your costs outside of your own country, or purchase medical travel insurance from your travel agent.

Health insurance for UK Citizens travelling to France Please visit that page

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes free of charge.

Everyone who is resident in the UK should have one and carry it with them when travelling abroad. Remember to check your EHIC is still valid before you travel. Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years.

You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of France. Remember, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect to get free of charge from the NHS. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK.

It is important that you ensure you are treated by a state healthcare provider as you will not be covered for private healthcare. You should be particularly careful if the healthcare arrangements have been made by a hotel or travel representative.

Non-EEA nationals are covered in France.

Presenting the EHIC entitles you to treatment that may become necessary during your trip, but doesn't allow you to go abroad specifically to receive medical care. However, maternity care, renal dialysis and managing the symptoms of pre-existing or chronic conditions that arise while abroad are all covered by the EHIC.

Your EHIC will allow you access to the same state-provided healthcare as a resident of the country you are visiting. However, many countries expect the patient to pay towards their treatment, and even with an EHIC, you might be expected to do the same. You may be able to seek reimbursement for this cost when you are back in the UK if you are not able to do so in the other country.

The EHIC is NOT an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or the cost of things such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation to the UK or lost or stolen property.

For these reasons and others, it is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.

Applying for an EHIC is easy. Even if you don't have any plans to travel in the near future, it is always a good idea to get one.

Health insurance for US Citizens travelling to France Please visit that page

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:

Medical care comparable to that found in the United States is widely available.

In France, the phone number for emergency medical services is 15.

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to travelling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  If necessary, Americans should consider secondary medical coverage for the trip.

Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of your insurance and a claim form.