What to do in case of Emergencies

Under French law, any health organization, public or private, is required to treat patients in an emergency situation regardless of their insurance status. However, the responsibility of deciding what constitutes an emergency rests with the medical staff.

French emergency phone numbers (free from any phone):

General emergency number: dial 112
SAMU (ambulance): dial 15
Pompiers (Fire-brigade): dial 18*
Police: dial 17

The Pompiers, their full name Pompiers-Sapeurs - also act as an emergency first-aid service. They should be contacted first in the event of any emergency, such as, for example, you are unable to get to a hospital yourself.

First aid and medical advice are available from chemists identified by the green cross sign.

As with any holiday it is advisable to take out health insurance as you will be charged for any treatment. EU residents can obtain an EHIC (European Health insurance Card) which entitles them to urgent treatment for accident or unexpected illness in EU countries. Applying for the card is free and it's valid for up to five years. 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. It is important to have both an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy.

Apply online for your EHIC by clicking the link now.