One of the first things many anglophone newcomers do when they need a doctor in France is ask friends, acquaintances or a Facebook group for recommendations for an English-speaking doctor.

Those can be good starting points, but keep in mind that the same handful of doctors tend to be recommended repeatedly. That can mean they’re already extremely busy, may not be accepting new patients as their médecin traitant, and their fees may be higher than other doctors in your area. Being well known among English speakers also doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the doctor who will suit you best.

Let’s look at some additional ways to find doctors where you live.

Online resources

There are a number of online platforms you can use to search for doctors in France, including Doctolib, Maiia and Keldoc. Doctolib is probably the one you’ll hear mentioned most frequently because it is widely used and allows you to search for and book appointments online. Not every doctor uses the same booking platform, and some don’t offer online booking at all, so it’s worth broadening your search.

Doctolib also allows you to search by language. Keep in mind, though, that a doctor listing English does not necessarily mean they are fluent or comfortable conducting an entire medical consultation in English.

Another useful resource is Annuaire Santé, the official Assurance Maladie directory. It can broaden your search because you aren’t limited to doctors using a particular booking platform. You can search by profession or specialty and location and find contact information for doctors in your area.

Ask your local pharmacy

Your neighborhood pharmacist can also be a useful resource. Pharmacists generally know the doctors practicing nearby and may be able to suggest someone or point you toward other local options.

Some pharmacies also have teleconsultation booths or stations where you can have a video consultation with a doctor. Depending on the system, these may include connected medical equipment that allows the doctor to take certain measurements remotely. This can be useful when you need medical advice relatively quickly, although it isn’t a substitute for finding a regular médecin traitant.

Look at local health centres

Centres de santé and maisons de santé pluriprofessionnelles bring healthcare professionals together in one location and can provide another avenue for finding a GP, particularly when individual practices in your area are difficult to access.

If you need specialist care, don’t overlook your local CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire). Depending on the specialty and where you live, it may be another important route to care, particularly for more complex medical needs.

What about the language barrier?

Limiting your search exclusively to doctors who advertise themselves as English-speaking likely isn’t necessary. Often doctors speak some English even if they don’t list it online. Their comfort and willingness to conduct an entire medical consultation in English can vary considerably, but that can also be true of doctors who list English among the languages they speak.

Keep in mind that the receptionist, if there is one, may not speak English just because the doctor does.

A little preparation can make those first appointments much easier. Have a list in both French and English of your medications, medical conditions, allergies and anything important about your medical history. Learning a few phrases you’ll need to make an appointment and explain why you’re there can also help.

And remember, you’ll be okay. Navigating healthcare in another language can feel daunting at first, but you don’t need to figure everything out at once. One appointment and one interaction at a time.

Need help making sense of your health cover in France?

Finding a doctor is only one part of getting comfortable with healthcare in France. For a broader look at how expat health cover works, including Sécurité Sociale and your complémentaire santé, see our guide on health insurance for expats in France.

For help understanding your insurance coverage options, whether for visas or finding the mutuelle that fits your healthcare needs and budget, get in touch with us at MAM ASSUR. Email us at contact@mamassur.com, or get a free quote in 2 minutes at devis.mamassur.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Doctolib the only way to find a doctor in France?

No. Doctolib is the most widely used booking platform, but other platforms such as Maiia and Keldoc exist, and the official Annuaire Santé directory from Assurance Maladie covers doctors regardless of which booking platform they use, or whether they offer online booking at all.

Do I need to find a doctor who speaks English?

Not necessarily. Many doctors in France speak some English even if they don’t advertise it, and their comfort conducting a full consultation in English varies regardless of whether English is listed. Preparing a bilingual summary of your medical history and key phrases in French can help regardless of which doctor you choose.

Can my pharmacist help me find a doctor?

Yes. Pharmacists usually know the doctors practicing nearby and can often suggest someone, or point you toward a centre de santé or other local option.

What is a centre de santé?

A centre de santé or maison de santé pluriprofessionnelle brings several healthcare professionals together in one location. They can be a useful option for finding a GP, particularly where individual practices nearby are hard to access.

Where should I go for specialist care?

Depending on your needs, your local CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) can be an important route to specialist care, particularly for more complex medical needs.

How Do I Find a Doctor in France?