Essential French Vocabulary for Doctor Visits and the Pharmacy

Speaking About Health in France: What You Need to Know

If you live in France or spend time here, knowing a few essential health-related words and phrases in French can make life much easier. Whether you’re visiting a GP, picking up a prescription, or explaining symptoms, being able to communicate clearly helps you get the care you need — and it also earns a friendly smile from your French pharmacist.

In France, most locals still describe symptoms in French when visiting a doctor, and while many healthcare professionals speak some English, it’s best not to rely on that. Here’s your go‑to vocabulary guide for navigating healthcare in France like a local.

Key Vocabulary: At the Doctor’s Office

Here are some phrases you might need when making an appointment or visiting a médecin généraliste (GP).

Common words and phrases:

• Le médecin – doctor

• Le cabinet médical – doctor’s office

• Prendre un rendez-vous – to make an appointment

• J’ai mal à… – I have pain in…

• Depuis quand ? – Since when?

• Des symptômes – symptoms

• Une ordonnance – prescription

• Une consultation – a medical appointment

• Une mutuelle – private health insurance (top-up cover)

• La carte Vitale – French health insurance card

Example phrases:

• J’aimerais prendre rendez-vous avec un médecin, s’il vous plaît. (I’d like to make an appointment with a doctor, please.)

• J’ai mal à la tête et je tousse depuis deux jours. (I’ve had a headache and been coughing for two days.)

• Est-ce que vous pouvez me donner une ordonnance ? (Can you give me a prescription?)

Common Symptoms and Illnesses

If you need to describe how you’re feeling, these are the words you’re most likely to use:

Knowing these helps you explain your condition clearly, even if your French is basic.

At the Pharmacy (La Pharmacie)

French pharmacies are extremely helpful — pharmacists (les pharmaciens) can recommend treatments, give advice, and even handle minor health problems.

Useful words and phrases:

• La pharmacie – pharmacy

• Le pharmacien / la pharmacienne – pharmacist

• Un médicament – medicine / medication

• Sans ordonnance – over the counter (without prescription)

• Sur ordonnance – prescription required

• Une pommade – ointment or cream

• Un sirop pour la toux – cough syrup

• Des comprimés – tablets

• Des gélules – capsules

• Une pastille pour la gorge – throat lozenge

Helpful phrases:

• J’ai besoin d’un médicament pour la toux. (I need something for a cough.)

• C’est pour un enfant de cinq ans. (It’s for a five-year-old.)

• Avez-vous quelque chose pour la fièvre ? (Do you have something for fever?)

• Est-ce que je dois le prendre avec de la nourriture ? (Should I take it with food?)

💬 Tip: French pharmacists often ask, “Vous avez une ordonnance ?” (Do you have a prescription?) — remember to say non if it’s for something over the counter.

Emergencies and Urgent Situations

Here are vital words and numbers to know just in case:

• Les urgences – emergency department (A&E)

• Le SAMU (15) – emergency medical service (ambulance)

• Les pompiers (18) – fire brigade (also respond to accidents)

• Le 112 – European emergency number

• Une urgence médicale – medical emergency

• Appeler une ambulance – to call an ambulance

Example phrases:

• Appelez une ambulance, s’il vous plaît ! (Call an ambulance, please!)

• C’est une urgence ! (It’s an emergency!)

• Il/elle ne respire plus. (He/she isn’t breathing.)

Bonus: Talking About Health Insurance

If you live in France, you’ll deal with both the Assurance Maladie (state health system) and possibly une mutuelle (top-up insurance). Here’s how to talk about them:

• La carte Vitale – the green health insurance card used for all appointments.

• Le remboursement – reimbursement (money refunded after care).

• Un justificatif médical – medical certificate (often needed for work or school absences).

• Un arrêt maladie – sick leave.

Final Advice for Expats

Even with a limited French vocabulary, showing effort with a few key phrases can go a long way. Keep a small note or phone list with your main health words. And if you’re unsure, many doctors allow you to bring a translation app or even write down symptoms.

🩺 Pro tip: When making appointments online (via Doctolib.fr), you can filter by doctors who speak English — look for “Parle Anglais” in the profile details.