The French benefit from excellent medical care at low prices. Longevity in France is greater than in the USA. You can see a doctor at the Arthur Vernes Medical Center, next to the Ste. Famille dorm, for about $40 on a drop-in basis. Public hospitals are located around Paris, too, and provide care at much less than American prices. Why is it cheaper? There's no magic! The French pay a 53% social security tax on their income and which covers 80% of their medical expenses.
If you have something which bothers you, but is not life-threatening, first try the pharmacy. Describe your symptoms and often the pharmacist can help (much more than in the U.S.). If it’s a headache or cold, give it a few days to run its course unless it really bothers you. Try to avoid sharing your colds with other participants!
A public ambulance can take you to the public hospital emergency room for about $150, and there you will be provided care at cost. Note that if you want to go to the bilingual American Hospital in Neuilly, you can either take the #82 bus by the Luxembourg to its terminus (endpoint) or a taxi.
Have a true emergency and want a physician to come to your location? For about $200 you can contact a medical service which will send a physician to you. It’s called SOS Médecins: https://www.sosmedecins.fr/
If you have a small problem and the bill is $100 or so, you can pay it, often with a credit card, and then submit the receipts to your insurance in the U.S. If you have a large bill for your care, you’ll want to connect your insurer with the French care provider so the provider can be paid directly.
Please remember that all ESA participants are required to have medical insurance. You may use your own insurance, but you must provide proof that you are insured. You should check with your regular health care insurance provider to see if you are covered for costs incurred abroad. If not, here are a few companies that offer short-term international medical insurance for students. These sites are provided for your information only; they are not endorsed by ESA. You may want to read the article from MoneyGeek about student travel abroad.
The CDC maintains a page with Health Information about France. You may also want to look at their Healthy Travel Packing List. Be sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. Check with your health care provider about any specific information related to your health.
In a pickle and don’t know which way to go? Check with an ESA staff member.