France

Language

French

Keep a translation of your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list in this language or in English. Many hospitals offer interpreters — ask in advance.

Health system overview

Residents are covered by the public health insurance system (Assurance Maladie). People insured in another EU/EEA country can get medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); it does not replace travel insurance or cover planned treatment. Visitors from outside the EU need full travel insurance.

Leukemia care: centres

More about centres in all countries →

Local foods

• Well-cooked hot dishFrancePot-au-feu (beef and vegetable broth)Well-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishFranceRatatouilleWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishFranceQuiche LorraineWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishFranceFrench onion soupWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishFranceBoeuf bourguignonWell-cooked hot dish
• Well-cooked hot dishFranceFrench crepesWell-cooked hot dish
• Not in its traditional form with low immunityFranceSteak tartareNot in its traditional form with low immunity

France: food database →

Food-safety habits

Wherever you live, the core rules with low immunity are the same: clean hands, keeping raw and cooked food apart, cooking thoroughly, chilling quickly and choosing pasteurised dairy. At local markets and street stalls, watch how food is stored. Ask your team whether tap water is fine for you; if unsure, use bottled or boiled water.

Hospital daily life

In these countries daily care is usually provided by nurses, meals come from the hospital kitchen and visiting hours are set. If you want to bring food from home, ask the ward first. An interpreter can often be booked in advance.

Travel during treatment

• Talk to your care team before planning a trip — timing, blood counts and vaccines.
• Carry a doctor’s letter with your diagnosis, treatment plan and medication list (including in English).
• Pack medicines in original packaging, in hand luggage, with extra; some medicines have import rules.
• Get travel insurance that covers your existing condition and read the terms.
• Find the nearest haematology centre and the emergency number at your destination in advance.
• Live vaccines can be unsafe during treatment — ask your team before any vaccination.
• Ask your team about clot risk on long flights and move around when you can.

For people insured in another EU/EEA country, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medically necessary state healthcare during a temporary stay; it does not replace travel insurance or planned treatment.

Related topics

• Leukemia care in different countries: an overview
• Food safety
• Fever: when to seek urgent care
• Visitors and public places
• Work, study and finances
• Step-by-step guide: from diagnosis to follow-up

Sources

1. GOV.UK — France
2. GOV.UK — health: France
3. European Commission — European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
4. GOV.UK — foreign travel advice (emergency numbers and health)
5. European Commission — European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)