Covid care for tourists in France, including tests and isolation Paxlovid

Many travelers are anticipated to visit France in the coming months, but the Covid epidemic has not subsided. Here are your concerns addressed on testing, quarantine, and treatment if you become sick while on holiday.

Travel rules and regulations

Covid-related travel rules have mostly been relaxed now but you will still need to show proof of being fully vaccinated at the French border. Those who have not received any shot need to show a negative Covid test – find the full breakdown of the rules HERE.

Testing

If you get sick or have been in touch with someone who has tested positive, you will need to get a Covid test in France. Nevertheless, it is not all gloom because testing for the disease is readily available throughout the country, both for citizens and visitors.

The most straightforward approach to getting a test is to visit a Pharmacy. Most pharmacies walk-in fast-result antigen tests. Tests are open to everyone who wishes for one and there are no restrictions on who may have them.

Click HERE for information on how to schedule a blood test and some useful French words.

Residents of France do not have to pay for their examination because the French government health system refunds their costs. Tourists, on the other hand, must pay for their tests.

Residents may be asked for their carte vitale—the health card that is used to obtain rebates at the pharmacy. If you're visiting, you won't be able to get the card. As a tourist, you'll still be able to take the test and pay for it. Antigen test costs a maximum of €22 and €54 for PCR test, depending on where you go.

Quarantine

If your test result is positive, you are lawfully required to quarantine, but the length of your isolation period is determined by your vaccination history. Full details HERE.

Treatment

Covid symptoms are generally modest for most fully immunized people who do not have underlying health issues, but if you become sick, here's how to get medical care in France.

Pharmacy â€“ In France, pharmacies are plentiful and can be recognized by the green cross. Pharmacies in addition to dispensing over-the-counter drugs also have at least one comprehensively qualified pharmacist on staff who can offer medical guidance. 

Take advantage of pharmacists, who typically have a minimum of six years of training and are therefore highly educated and readily available by simply walking into the store. In tourist areas, English is very likely to be spoken. If you need further assistance, pharmacists may direct you to a local physician.

Doctors â€“ Look for a general practitioner (a GP or family doctor) if you need to see a physician. Being registered with a doctor is not necessary. Simply call and ask for an appointment if you require one. 

If you have a smartphone, download Doctolib medical app. It's possible to use the medical software to discover a general practitioner in your region who speaks English. You'll be charged an appointment fee of €25. However, you pay the doctor directly by cash or a debit card.

You may be able to recover the expense of your medical bills or travel expenses on your individual health/travel insurance if you have one and depending on their policy.

Ambulance â€“ The number to call if you are very unwell or have trouble breathing is 15. All visitors are qualified for emergency care in France, even if they don't have insurance. However, if you're admitted or receive the treatment you may be charged later.

Paxlovid â€“ Several people have inquired whether the Covid treatment drug Paxlovid is available in France. It was approved for use in February 2022 and is obtainable by prescription from pharmacies, especially for people with underlying health problems or immunocompromised status. A medical doctor can issue a prescription for you.

The treatment is covered by the French government for French citizens, but tourists must pay.