Health advice for holidays in France or living in France
Taking holidays in France or staying in a French house or apartment poses no particular health risk to most healthy people. However, the unexpected has a habit of happening, so the best advice for anyone living in France or setting off on vacation is to have comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers you for any activities you intend to undertake.
Vaccination recommendations
According to the International Travel and Health 2005 manual published by the World Health Organisation, travellers taking holidays in France or living in France do not require any vaccinations. Malaria is not present in France.
Water and food contamination
Although tap water is perfectly safe to drink, it is treated slightly differently to UK tap water. This may cause a very mild tummy upset in the first day or two of your holidays in France if you are particuarly sensitive to such changes. If you are living in France permanently, you will soon adjust to French water. While the water connected to your French house or apartment will be safe, do not drink water when you are out and about if you are unsure of its source. Food hygiene is usually better in France than in the UK.
Avian influenza (Bird Flu)
The French authorities have confirmed several cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the southeast of the country. Measures have been taken to contain the outbreaks and no human infections or deaths have been reported.
The Foreign Office consider the risk from Bird Flu to be very low. However, if you are taking your holidays in France or staying in a French house, gite or other property, they recommend that you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may make contact with domestic, caged or wild birds. They also advise Brits holidaying or living in France to ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Entitlement to free treatment
Be sure to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is available free of charge through most UK post offices or online at the UK Department of Health website or by telephoning 0845 606 2030.
The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but if you are on your holidays in France or taking an occasional visit to your French house or apartment, the card entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as French nationals. You will not be covered for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature. This is why comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended.
If you own property and are living in France on a permanent basis ie as a resident, the EHIC is not valid. For further details of entitlements, see our Healthcare in France page
Living in France can mean plenty of sun. Take care!
For most Brits taking holidays in France or living in France, one of the most serious health risks comes from the weather ironically one of the most popular motivators to buying a French house, gite or apartment in the first place! Be sure to protect yourself, especially in the south of the country or at high altitiudes, with adequate suncreams and sunblocks and dont forget to increase the amount of water you drink.
