Health & Safety
France, like most of Western Europe is a fairly safe country to visit from a medical perspective, with few endemic diseases. It is however advisable for all travellers to ensure that they are up to date with their routine “background” vaccinations including Tetanus and Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping cough), Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Chicken pox.
Influenza is now considered a routine annual vaccination with many travellers choosing this as a precaution. It should noted however that standard flu vaccinations may not provide effective protection against variants of Influenza (such as N1H1 Influenza 09, or Swine Flu).
If visiting France for a prolonged period, some medical sources suggest considering the Hepatitis B Vaccination. One endemic disease which can occur in France and other parts of Europe is Tick-borne encephalitis, which is a viral disease of the central nervous system. The disease is seasonally epidemic (May - September) and is found mostly in forested areas, but can be caught in parkland including in some cities. Use of repellent and appropriate cothing is usually enough for short-term exposures. Vaccines are generally not available outside of Europe, so you should consult your doctor if concerned.
The medical care available in France is considered to be of a very high standard, with good access to pharmacies (usually displaying a green cross outside the shop), doctors, dentists, and emergency room facilities. There is always a doctor on call, but be aware that home or hotel visits and consultations on Sundays or public holidays are more expensive. The local police station can provide contact details for doctors in the area.
France has healthcare arrangements with other member countries of the EU (European Union), and visitors from these countries are usually eligible for a refund on medical costs incurred in France – usually 70% If you are travelling to France from another EU country, ensure that you take the Social Security form E111 with on your holiday. Most other visitors will need to pay full price for medical services, which can be quite expensive, depending on the treatment and services required. It is therefore highly advisable to take out an all risks medical insurance for the full duration of your journey.
Personal safety wherever one is travelling should always be a major consideration. . Although France is generally a very peaceful and safe country, a certain amount of street crime (mainly pickpockets and purse snatching) exists as it does in most countries. Be sure to make copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, credit cards, driver’s license etc. and store them separately when you are out and about. Carrying large amounts of cash is also inadvisable, as is dressing or behaving inappropriately, especially late at night. As a rule of thumb, the best way to stay safe is to blend in, not take unnecessary risks, and respect local knowledge on where to go and not to go. France, like many other countries in Europe has suffered a few indiscriminate terrorist attacks over the years, so it always pays to use a great deal of common sense and to remain alert when travelling anywhere. Before you travel it is advisable to visit the government website in the country where you live to check on the latest travel alerts
Exploring France by car is very popular and the French road and highway system is one of the best in Europe. New regulations require that a reflective jacket and/or triangle be kept in the car at all times for safety reasons in case of breakdowns at night. Visitors from countries like UK, Australia and New Zealand should also be aware that you drive on the right side of the road, not the left. This can take a bit of getting used to, so extra concentration is required – especially at intersections.
Numbers to dial In case of an emergency:
SAMU (medical emergencies): 15
Police emergencies: 17
Fire Service emergencies: 18
European emergency line: 112
SOS Médecins (Paris – emergency doctors): +33 (0) 1 47 07 77 77 or +33 (0) 820 332 424
SOS Dentistes (Paris – emergency dentists): +33 (0) 1 43 37 51 00
We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.
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