Even if no particular vaccine is required to be able to travel to France, it’s better to always be prepared. Leaving with everything already taken care of means your mind will be at ease so that you can make the most of your stay in France.
As we are never completely safe from life’s little health concerns, it is good to know how to access the appropriate healthcare and receive any reimbursement of medical costs. Two major scenarios are worth noting:
Before leaving, you must request your European Health Insurance Card. This will cover your treatment in France by French Social Security using the same pricing schemes as are applicable to French citizens.
N.B. This European card replaces the old E111 form.
Address and practical information: :
Centre des liaisons européennes et internationales de sécurité sociale (CLEISS)
11, rue de la tour des Dames
75436 Paris cedex 09
Telephone : 01 45 26 33 41
Fax : 01 49 95 06 50
http://www.cleiss.fr
You must make inquiries at your local health insurance provider in your country of origin. Don’t forget to keep all relevant paperwork (medical bills, prescriptions, and pharmacy receipts) as it may aid you in collecting reimbursement from your insurance provider once you return home.
Also, look into the possibility of purchasing health coverage from your travel agency or credit card company. Certain organizations offer, for example, free repatriation services.
It is always advisable to travel with copies of your important health documents, particularly your blood type, and have them easily accessible (for example, in your wallet).
As with the other administrative procedures you may have to complete (visas, insurance.) it is recommended that you make several copies of all important documents. For example, it may be a good idea to keep one set of copies on your person and another at your residence in your home country so that in the event that you lose yours, someone may be able to access the information.
It is strongly recommanded that you book a travel insurance to be covered in case of unexpected stay cancellation or interruption.