Paris Health

Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city?
No vaccinations are required, but all travelers coming into France should be up-to-date on tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella immunizations. It is important to bring any medical certificates/records from your home country.

Check any other specific vaccination requirements carefully with your local French consulate or embassy to confirm medical requirements.
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Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat?
If you come to France as a détaché , or on assignment with a company, the French branch of your company will pay for private insurance for you and your family. If your status is that of an expat, with a
CDI or indefinite term contract in France, the hiring company will organize your registration within the French Social Security system. In either situation, you will be covered.

If you come to France on your own (i.e., independent of an employer) you will need private insurance.
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What is the word for "doctor" in the local language?
In French, "doctor" is "docteur" or "médecin."
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What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider?
For English speakers, the American Hospital in Paris provides an extensive list of doctors, both general practitioners as well as specialists, who will see outpatients. The networking system between expat families is also a good way to find out about great doctors. Crown Paris maintains a list of English-speaking dentists and doctors.
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Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go?
Excellent medical care can be found right in Paris and its suburbs.
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What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police.
Below is a list of important numbers to keep handy in case of an emergency:

  • Paramedics (ambulance) - (SAMU ): dial 15
  • Police (Police ): dial 17
  • Fire (Pompiers ): dial 18
  • Poison Control Center (Centre Anti-poisons ): dial 01.40.05.48.48

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What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable?
If an emergency occurs in the middle of the night, either call one of the numbers above and wait for an ambulance or have a family member or friend drive you to the closet major hospital in your area. Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency clinics, so identifying the closest 24-hour emergency clinic from where you live is an important first task once you have had a chance to settle in.
Add these numbers to your list:

  • For an emergency, call SOS Médecins at 01.47.07.77.77.
  • For a dental emergency at night, call SOS Dentaire at 01.43.37.51.00.

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How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language?
A pharmacy, known in French as a pharmacie, displays a flashing green cross. The Pharmacie Les Champs, located at 84 avenue des Champs Elysées, provides 24-hour service. There are also some British and American pharmacies that stock familiar British and American medicines.
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Is the water safe to drink?
French people have been drinking mineral and spring water for generations. Six-packs of water are a standard item on their shopping list. However, tap water in Paris is supposed to be one of the safest to drink.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.