Donor Cards

France has an 'opt-out' or presumed-consent system, whereby unless you’ve explicitly indicated otherwise, your organs may be used for donation in the event of your death. However, the family still has the right to intervene and prevent organ donation.

Giving Blood

Blood donation is common in France. Throughout the year you’ll see advertisements for various blood drives but if you’d like to donate immediately you can contact the Etablissement Francais du Sang (www.dondusang.com) for information or the Federation Francaise pour le don de Sang (www.federation-dondesang.org).

Giving Up Smoking

While Paris has a reputation for being a city full of smokers, their numbers have been steadily diminishing. There are a wide variety of programmes offered by individual doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, hypnotists, acupuncturists, private clinics and public hospitals. An excellent source for information is the Global Smoke Free Partnership (www.globalsmokefreepartnership.org) while both the American and…

Hospitals

The Paris hospital system is one of the largest in the world with 38 different hospitals spread throughout the city; the Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris serves the majority of the Parisian community. All hospitals, public or private, must be accredited by the Haute Autorité de Santé, the official French health authority, which holds its hospitals…

Main Private Hospitals

Aside from the public hospitals, there are two excellent private hospitals available. While these are far more expensive they provide a brand of healthcare that may be more familiar to people coming from countries where hospitals tend to be more clinical in feeling. The care is warmer and more personal, and the facilities generally more…

Maternity

Excellent, inexpensive and generous health care makes the prospect of having children in France attractive and rarely do pregnant women return to their home countries to give birth. As with all other medical services you can choose between public and private care. Keep in mind that there’s a shortage of beds in Paris maternity wards,…

Gynaecology & Obstetrics

As with any other doctor the best way to find a gynaecologist is to ask around and get a reference from friends. Be demanding and don’t settle on someone you’re not entirely comfortable with. Contraception is readily available in France; you can buy condoms in supermarkets and pharmacies but oral contraception requires a prescription from…

Paediatrics

All visits to paediatricians are covered by social security and, as with all other doctors, you have the right to change whenever you like. The basic vaccination schedule is as follows: BCG in the first month; Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, Whooping cough and Haemophilus b. after month two; Hepatitis B after month three then measles, mumps…

Dentists & Orthodontists

It is possible to get excellent dental care in Paris but it is more expensive than any other basic medical treatment. The French are not fanatical about regular cleanings and licenced hygienists are unheard of. No cosmetic dentistry will be covered by insurance and prices for all dental care vary widely; a dentist trained in…

Opticians & Ophthalmologists

There are shops selling glasses on almost every corner in Paris. In most you’ll find an optometrist qualified to give you a eye test, fit you for glasses and sell you contact lenses, which are readily available. Both lenses and glasses are reasonably priced though contact lens solution, sold only in pharmacies, tends to be…

Alternative Therapies

A whole range of alternative therapies are available throughout Paris and they are extremely popular. From acupressure to yoga, the French embrace all varieties of therapies and activities. Incredible spas are springing up throughout the city by the dozen and finding a massage won’t take much work. Homeopathic medicine is very popular, as is acupuncture…

Acupressure/Acupuncture

Many French doctors are specialists in both acupuncture and homeopathic medicine so will provide acupuncture sessions in their offices. Accupuncture is reimbursable by French social security. The best way to find a reliable practitioner is to contact your doctor.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy treatments are provided by spas and by private massage therapists and are often offered alongside other treatments from facials to pedicures. You will also find aromatherapy oils and other products in boutiques and healthfood shops throughout the city.

Healing Meditation

Meditation classes are offered throughout the city in gyms (usually in association with yoga classes). The Paris Buddhist Center is an excellent resource. Visit www.centrebouddhistparis.org for more information.

Physiotherapy

Contrary to popular belief, Parisians are athletic people and competitive sports are a major part of French culture. As a result there are excellent physical therapy resources available in the city. Services are available in both private and public hospitals as well as in individual doctor’s offices.

Reflexology & Massage Therapy

Reflexology and massage therapy are incredibly popular. As is true throughout the western world, the spa business is an incredibly lucrative business; from absurdly expensive hotel spas to small store fronts in Chinatown you’ll find no shortage of massage therapists offering their services. If you're interested in a massage at home visit www.massage-domicile-paris.com for details.

Back Treatment

Massage therapists, acupuncturists and kinesiologists provide therapeutic services to people suffering from back pain and chronic back problems. In France there’s a marked difference between a massage therapist and a kinesiologist (Kinésithérapeute), the latter having been better trained and generally focusing on the healing of particular ailments rather than overall relaxation and stress-relief. Chiropractors are…

Nutritionists & Slimming

If you’re afraid that you’re suffering from a digestive disorder or would like to lose weight you should first consult with your physician who will either treat you or refer you to a specialist. Paris is a wonderful city to enjoy food and anything you’d like to eat is readily available, which includes copious fresh…

Cosmetic Treatment & Surgery

Plastic surgery is not the subject of popular discussion the way it is in other countries. However, the French are having cosmetic alterations at an increasing rate and there are plenty of facilities available where you can have any operation you’d like. Additionally, there has been a recent wave of high-end spa openings throughout the…

Counselling & Therapy

While most hospitals in Paris provide psychiatric units, the major psychiatric hospital is the Hopital Saint-Anne in the 14th arrondissement. Psychiatrists and psychologists provide private counselling in private practices, clinics and hospitals. Of particular concern to expats is the toll the move can take on your mental health. Many newcomers to Paris are surprised to…

Addiction Counselling & Rehabilitation

The French health system offers excellent addiction care in clinics and hospitals. There are seven public rehabilitation centres in Paris as well as a large number of specialists treating a variety of addictions. Alcoholics Anonymous has a strong presence offering meetings throughout the city, while Narcotics Anonymous also provides help in English. The Promis clinic…

Support Groups

Many people arrive in Paris imagining that they’ll step off the plane directly into their favourite film. While the city provides every luxury and comfort, moving here can be difficult and, perhaps because of Paris’ reputation as the world’s most beautiful city, plunge some expats (and even visitors) into serious depression. Recently the Journal du…