la carte Vitale la cart vi-TAL
the health card
“La carte Vitale” is France's green social-security card. You show it at the doctor and the pharmacy to be reimbursed automatically. With “tiers payant” you don't pay the reimbursed part out of pocket — the system settles it directly. As an EU tourist, you use the European health card (EHIC) instead.
l'ordonnance lor-do-NANS
the prescription
“L'ordonnance” is the prescription the doctor gives you on paper (or electronically). You take it to “la pharmacie” (with the green cross), where the pharmacist dispenses your medicines. Many medicines in France are only given “sur ordonnance” (on prescription), not off the shelf.
la consultation la con-sül-ta-SION
the consultation
“La consultation” with a GP is paid at the current regulated rate (“le tarif conventionné”) and is partly reimbursed by social security (with your Vitale card and a “mutuelle” top-up insurance you often get almost all of it back). It helps to have a declared “médecin traitant” (your registered family doctor) — otherwise you're reimbursed less.
l'arrêt maladie la-RE ma-la-DI
the sick note
“L'arrêt maladie” (or “l'arrêt de travail”) is the note by which the doctor signs you off work for a number of days. You send it to your employer and to social security (“la Sécu”). It can entitle you to sick pay, usually after a few waiting days (“délai de carence”).
la salle d'attente la sal da-TANT
the waiting room
“La salle d'attente” is the room where you wait to be called in. Many GPs in France have no receptionist: you come in, sit down, and the doctor comes out personally to call you (“Au suivant !” / “C'est à vous”). You often book online via Doctolib.
ScenaLingua
