3 o’clock in the morning. You’re in Singapore, Tokyo or São Paulo. Your child is burning up with fever, or that pain in your chest that’s been worrying you since yesterday just won’t go away. Where’s the nearest hospital? 30 minutes away. And best of all, no one speaks French. You can already see yourself miming your symptoms or pulling up Google Translate in the middle of an emergency.
If you live abroad, you’ve probably already experienced this kind of situation. And that’s when you realize just how much of a game-changer telemedicine can be.
Why telemedicine is really changing expatriates’ lives
Because emergencies don’t wait until 9 a.m.
You don’t choose the time or the day when things go wrong. It’s often at the weekend, at night, or just when you have an important meeting the next day. With telemedicine, you can reach a doctor at any time, from the comfort of your sofa. No need to look for a cab, or wait in a crowded waiting room.
Speaking French changes everything
Try to explain abdominal pain in a language you don’t understand well. Try to understand a medical diagnosis with technical vocabulary in English, Spanish or Mandarin. It’s stressful and, above all, risky. With a French-speaking doctor, you can describe exactly how you feel, ask all your questions, and be sure you’ve understood everything. No guesswork, no misunderstandings.
Save time and money
Frankly, between taking half a day to go to the doctor (transport, waiting, consultation, return), and logging on for 10 minutes from home, the choice is quickly made. Not to mention that, depending on your insurance, teleconsultation may be covered, or even totally free.
All (or almost all) the specialists at your fingertips
Need a dermatologist for that weird spot on your arm? A shrink because expatriation is taking its toll? A general practitioner for a prescription? Today’s serious platforms cover a wide spectrum of specialties. You’re no longer limited by what’s available in your town.
Santexpat.fr, la nouvelle façon de
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How do you recognize a good telemedicine service?
Not all platforms are created equal. Here’s what you need to check before signing up.
Real doctors, qualified and registered with the Medical Council
It sounds obvious, but it’s worth checking: the doctors who consult you must be qualified, registered with the French Medical Association (Ordre des Médecins), and have real experience. Serious platforms clearly display this information.
A platform compatible with your insurance
Before making your choice, ask yourself: does my mutuelle or expatriate insurance cover these consultations? Some insurances, like CFE for example, cover teleconsultations with doctors based in France. It’s worth checking, as it can save you a lot of money.
A simple app that really works
If you have to spend 20 minutes figuring out how to book an appointment, it’s not practical. A good platform means a clear interface, a fluid mobile app, and a consultation process that doesn’t take up your head. Especially when you’re not feeling well.
Opinions from other expatriates
Don’t hesitate to hang out on forums, expat Facebook groups, or ask around. Feedback from others is often the best indicator of the quality of a service.
Our recommendation: MédecinDirect via Santexpat.fr
At Santexpat.fr, we chose to partner with MédecinDirect because we wanted to offer our policyholders something really useful in their daily lives.
In concrete terms, with your insurance via Santexpat, you have access to :
- Teleconsultations in French, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of your time zone
- Competent and available general practitioners and specialists
- Electronic prescriptions when needed
- Simplified medical monitoring
It’s a quick and effective first level of care. Sometimes, it’s enough to solve the problem. Other times, it’s a way of assessing the situation before you go for a physical consultation. In all cases, you’ll be taken care of quickly and in your own language.
Teleconsultation from abroad
Living abroad is a wonderful adventure. But when it comes to health, we all need a safety net. Telemedicine isn’t just a practical gadget: it’s become an essential part of the expatriate experience.
So before you leave, or if you’re already settled in, take the time to check that your insurance includes this type of service. Because knowing that you can speak to a French doctor in just a few clicks, at any time of day, really does change everything.
