The Healthcare Experience

When my prescription med started to run low, I knew I needed to figure out medical care here. Finding a Dr. and getting an appointment was actually pretty easy. All Doctors are listed online on DoctoLib where I was able to look up ones near me and make an appointment.

When I went, I walked in and sat in the waiting room until the Dr. came to get me. Doctors don't have a lot of support staff, so you're not called from the waiting room by a nurse who first checks your vitals or gets your history. Most often there's not even a receptionist. The environment also feels less clinical. French GPs don’t wear white doctors’ coats and the exam room is also the doctors' office.

One distinct difference from the US is the lack of gowns when stripping down. I wanted to also have some moles checked, and luckily I had been warned of this difference. In the United States you’re usually handed a gown, take off your clothes behind a closed door, and the doctor knocks before coming in. In France, the doctor isn’t going anywhere while you undress and there's no covering.

At the end of the appointment, you pay your Dr directly. As I'm sure you've heard, healthcare is good here and very affordable. Health professionals list their rates on Doctolib, basic appointments cost 30 €. The national plan covers at least 70% of these visits, so people pay the Dr 9 €. Of course specialists cost a bit more. Many people purchase additional insurance (a mutuelle) to cover what the French insurance doesn't. It is not necessary, but it isn't expensive and gives better coverage for specialized care and access to private healthcare services. John and I will be covered under the national plan in another month or so. We've purchased emergency healthcare insurance for $72 a month each and are paying out of pocket for appointments and my prescription (5 € a month).