The French health care system has been ranked number one by the World Health Organization and there are many reasons why. As a tourist or a new citizen of France, you may be unaware of the different features of the French health care system. This hub was created in hopes of clearing up any questions you may have about the French health care system.

As a tourist in France you are able to use the French health care system, but it won’t be totally free of charge. You can see any doctor you would like, including house calls. Seeing a doctor will cost you about 22 Euros. If you have an emergency, you can also be treated at any hospital in France. They won’t talk about any payment until after you receive treatment unlike in the US where they have to book you into the system first. However, if you are not a part of the French Social Security System, then you won’t be reimbursed for any charges that may be accrued from using the French health care system.

France’s health care system isn’t all that Michael Moore has cracked it up to be, but it has definitely given me peace of mind compared to the US system. And yeah, taxes are on the high side, but to me it’s definitely worth it!

When getting a prescription in France, remember that medications have different names. Since it can be confusing for those who are new to France, consult a pharmacist or take a look at the list of common medications and what they’re for:

Septidiaryl – Diarrhea
Angistray – Tonsilitis
Gelusil – Indigestion
Strepsil – Sore throat
Fervex – Common cold

Preventative care in France is a very important part of the healthcare system, which makes a lot of sense because in the end it can save you from getting sick and save tax payers money. By law, all companies must provide their workers with an annual checkup. At this annual checkup, workers are given referrals to other doctors if any health problems are found.

For maternity care, women receive monthly checkups which include regular testing for toxoplasmosis and measles along with other diseases that can harm unborn children. Also, those with at-risk pregnancies will be given other tests including whether or not the unborn baby has a genetic disorder. Few women in France have home births and natural births (ie no pain medication) are not popular. New mothers generally stay in the hospital for three to six days after the birth of the baby. Maternity leave in France, by law, is at least 16 weeks long with additional time for mothers who are breastfeeding. In addition to that, there is paternity leave for new fathers which is about two weeks.