Seeing the doctor in France as a working holiday maker

We can’t stress this enough: unexpected situations are bound to happen when living abroad. You may find yourself needing to consult a medical professional during your working holiday in France, whether for something minor or urgent.

Finding a doctor

Doctolib is an app that hosts countless health professionals on one platform. It’s also available in other European countries.

Conventionné secteur 1 or 2, what does this mean? These are categories for consultation fees. A sector 1 consultation with a general physician costs €30. For sector 2, you may have to pay an additional sum that is not covered by social security but may be covered by your mutuelle (secondary insurance), if you have one. When booking an appointment, be sure to find a doctor that meets your needs.

The day of your appointment

When you arrive, you’ll be asked for your carte Vitale (social security health card) and mutuelle (secondary insurance).

If you don’t have either, which is the case for most working holiday makers, you can still see the doctor, the medical bill will just be your personal responsibility. Remember that you can subsequently file a claim with your private health insurance (we’ve been recommending Globe WHV since 2005), assuming the type of care is covered under your policy.

General physician

You can make an appointment with a general doctor for any health concerns. Specialists (e.g., dermatologist, gynecologist), however, are a bit harder to find.

In general, if you have a relatively minor health problem, you can find an appointment with a general doctor the same day or the next day, in person or via video-call.

Dentist

For dental appointments, you will be greeted and treated from beginning to end by the dentist. The profession of dental hygienist does not exist in France.

If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist will provide you with a list of stomatologists. They are the ones who perform this type of operation. Inform yourself of the medical fees before going through with the operation.

Pharmacist

Generally, we go see the pharmacist to ask basic health questions and to obtain medicine (with and without prescription). Note that pharmacists in France are not authorised to prescribe contraceptives, including pills.

You’ll be asked for your carte Vitale at the pharmacy as well, but it’s okay if you don’t have one, you can just pay out of pocket.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are specialist doctors for the eyes and vision. So if you need an examination for myopia, for example, you will need to make an appointment with one. At the end of the appointment, you will be given a prescription, which you will then show to an optician for the purchase of your contacts or glasses.

The price of a consultation varies depending on the sector (1 or 2). For a consultation with a sector 2 ophthalmologist, expect an invoice of around €60.

Getting reimbursed for medical fees

At the end of your appointment, make sure that the medical professional gives you a receipt. It will be important for your insurer to have.

If you are from Québec and are still a beneficiary of RAMQ, you must fill out the form on this website and mail it. Processing times are around 55 days.

Social security in France

If you have questions about French social security, learn more by reading this article.