Going abroad, whether for vacation or as part of an expatriation, doesn’t prevent unforeseen health problems. Fever, accident, local infection… When you fall ill abroad, far from home, a crucial question arises: should you seek treatment on the spot, or organize a return to France?
Between the quality of the local healthcare system, the cost of care and your insurance coverage, there are many factors to consider when making the right choice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice, whether you’re a tourist or an expatriate, in the EU or on the other side of the world.
Check your insurance coverage
Before traveling abroad, it’s essential to take out international health insurance. French health insurance rarely covers medical expenses abroad, and often only after your return to France. In the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) facilitates certain insurance cover, but does not provide complete coverage. Outside Europe, medical costs can be very high, so complementary health insurance is often essential.
Care in the EEA and outside the European Union: what are your rights?
When you fall ill abroad, your entitlement to medical treatment varies depending on whether you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) or outside the European Union.
- In the EEA or Switzerland: if you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you have access to medical care under the same conditions as local residents. This facilitates reimbursement and often avoids the need to pay in advance. Please note, however, that only medically necessary care is covered, not scheduled treatment.
- Outside the EU/EEA: rules are much stricter. The French Assurance Maladie may reimburse part of the cost of treatment on your return, but costs must be advanced locally and are only partially reimbursed, and only if the treatment is deemed “urgent and unforeseen”. It is therefore strongly recommended that you take out international health insurance to cover medical expenses and possible repatriation.
Assess the seriousness of your condition
- Minor ailments: For temporary illnesses such as food poisoning or the flu, it is generally advisable to consult a local doctor. Be sure to keep all medical bills and documents for any reimbursement claims.
- Serious cases: In the event of a serious accident or illness requiring hospitalization, the question of repatriation arises. If you have insurance with a repatriation clause, contact your insurer immediately. Without this coverage, repatriation costs can be very high.
| Situation | Staying put | Repatriation |
| Mild fever | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hospitalization | ⚠️ by country | ✅ |
| Locally accessible care | ✅ | ❌ |
| Repatriation insurance included | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| No insurance | ⚠️ costly | ✅ if possible |
Take into account the local healthcare system
The quality of care varies widely from country to country. In some countries, the hospital infrastructure may not be sufficient to treat complex conditions. It is therefore essential to find out about the health care system in the country you are visiting before making any decisions.
French embassies and consulates often have lists of French-speaking or recommended doctors. This information can be invaluable in obtaining appropriate care abroad.
Vacation or expatriation: a different approach to healthcare abroad
The strategy to adopt in the event of illness abroad also largely depends on the duration and context of the stay. During vacations or short stays, the tendency is often to opt for a rapid return if the medical situation requires it, especially if the country offers few health guarantees. The situation is quite different for expatriates, with the need to understand the local health service mechanism, to register with it if possible, and to have international health insurance adapted to a long stay. Expatriates are often in a better position to deal with health problems on the spot, but it’s a good idea to take the necessary steps in the event of a crisis. Adapting your health cover to your status – tourist or expatriate – is therefore a priority to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Tourists or temporary travellers
- An early return is often preferable if local care is limited.
- Check whether your credit card insurance covers medical expenses (often limited to 90 days of travel). It is advisable to take out travel insurance.
Expatriate
- You’ll need to be familiar with the local healthcare system, and possibly affiliated to it.
- Expatriate health insurance is strongly recommended to cover local expenses and possible repatriation.
- Expatriates are generally better prepared, but need to anticipate emergency situations.
Good health habits in the event of illness abroad
Becoming ill abroad can quickly become stressful, but with the right preparation, the situation can be kept under control. Here are a few things to remember:
- Before you leave, take out comprehensive international health insurance.
- Take your EHIC ( European Health Insurance Card) with you if you’re traveling in Europe.
- In the event of a problem, assess the severity of your condition and the quality of local care.
- Don’t hesitate to contact your insurer or repatriation assistance before making any decisions.
Remember: Stay where you are if treatment is available, your condition is stable and your insurance covers the costs. Repatriate if care is insufficient or your condition requires extensive treatment, particularly in an emergency.
