What to do if you get sick in Paris
There’s nothing worse than being sick while traveling. However, airports, public transport, jet-lag, and pandemic viruses (looking at you Covid-19) can take their toll. I remember getting an ear infection while visiting Budapest and playing charades at the pharmacy to describe my symptoms. To help you avoid a similar situation, here is what you can do if you get sick in Paris.
Note: in the age of Covid-19, use your best judgment. If you think you may be infected, a video call via Doctolib (see below) is a smart choice. If you have a rash or an allergic reaction, a simple pharmacy visit might be all you need.
Consult a pharmacist
This might seem like a no-brainer, but pharmacists here are very proactive in advising customers on what they can take to alleviate a given symptom, often encouraging a mix of modern medicine and herbal remedies.
Schedule a doctor visit on Doctolib
If you need to see a doctor, download the Doctolib mobile application. It’s like Uber, but for finding a doctor (just type in the kind of physician you’re looking for, such as a general practitioner, pediatrician, dentist, etc.). You can also refine your search by location, availability, and language preferences.
Costs to see a physician here without insurance will range from 40€ - 80€, depending on what sector they belong to and whether they’ve signed an agreement with the French national social security administration. The most affordable option is likely to see a doctor with the status sector 1. Doctors with this status, must bill patients in line with prices set by social security. Sector 2 doctors define their own fees and can charge higher prices than those established by the social security administration. Doctors with the status “non-conventionné” have not signed an agreement with the social security administration and can charge patients the amount they want.
For an immediate, at-home doctor visit
If you need to see a doctor urgently or if you’re unable to find a doctor on Doctolib, schedule an at-home visit via SOS Médecin. You can submit a request online in English here. This is, of course, the easiest and most convenient option. I’ve requested at-home visits for both myself and sick family members from overseas several times, and all the physicans have been friendly and professional. The cost for an at-home appointment will range from 50€ - 80€, depending on the physician. Once you’ve made a request online, you’ll receive status updates regarding the time of the visit. It can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours for a doctor to arrive.