A Bad Day in France: What to Do in Unexpected Situations as a Spouse
Moving to France with a spouse visa is an exciting journey, full of new experiences, delicious food, and beautiful places to explore. But let’s be real—life doesn’t always go as planned. Imagine waking up with a terrible fever, or worse, getting into an accident on your way to the market. What if something happens to your husband, or you find out you’re expecting a baby? And let’s not even think about the ultimate worst-case scenario—what if you pass away in a foreign country?
It’s not the most cheerful topic, but knowing what to do in these situations can make a huge difference. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s talk about what to do when life throws you a curveball in France.
1. If You Get Sick
When you fall ill in France, here’s what you should do:
Visit a Doctor (Médecin Généraliste): Find a general practitioner through Doctolib (www.doctolib.fr) or ask your pharmacist for recommendations.
Cost: A general consultation costs around €25, partially reimbursed by social security if you're registered with Ameli.
Go to the Emergency Room (Urgences): If it’s serious, call 15 (Samu - medical emergency) or visit the nearest hospital.
Cost: Emergency room visits can cost between €100-€300, but much of it is covered by social security and complementary health insurance (mutuelle).
Pharmacies: Many pharmacies provide basic medical consultations and can recommend over-the-counter medications.
Cost: Medication prices vary; common treatments range from €5-€30.
Social Security & Reimbursement: If you are registered with the French healthcare system (Ameli - www.ameli.fr), you can get reimbursements for medical expenses.
2. If You Have an Accident
Accidents can happen anywhere. Here’s what to do:
Call Emergency Services: Dial 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police, and 18 for firefighters.
Go to the Nearest Hospital: If injured, you’ll be taken to the emergency ward (urgences).
Cost: Hospital stays can cost €1,000-€3,000 depending on the severity, but social security and mutuelle can cover most of it.
Contact Your Health Insurance Provider: If you have private health insurance, notify them as soon as possible.
Legal and Administrative Follow-Up: If it’s a work-related accident, report it to your employer and CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie).
3. If You’re Pregnant
If you find out you’re expecting, here’s what to do:
Visit a Gynecologist or Midwife: Book an appointment through Doctolib or at a maternity hospital.
Cost: A consultation with a gynecologist costs €30-€60, partially reimbursed by Ameli.
Declare Your Pregnancy: You must inform CPAM (www.ameli.fr) within 14 weeks to receive maternity benefits.
Prenatal Care: France provides free prenatal check-ups and financial aid for new mothers.
Maternity Leave & Benefits: Check CAF (www.caf.fr) for allowances and support.
Cost: Hospital birth costs €3,000-€5,000, but is mostly covered by Ameli and mutuelle.
4. If Your Husband Passes Away
Losing a spouse is devastating, but here’s what you need to do legally:
Contact the Mairie (Town Hall): The death must be declared at the local Mairie within 24 hours. They will issue a death certificate (acte de décès).
Inform Social Security and Pensions: Notify Ameli (www.ameli.fr) and any pension funds your spouse was registered with.
Bank and Legal Matters: Inform the bank to freeze joint accounts and seek legal advice regarding inheritance and assets.
Visa Status: As a spouse of a French citizen, you can apply for a residency permit renewal or seek French nationality.
Cost: Legal procedures and notarized documents may cost between €200-€1,000.
5. If You Pass Away in France
In the unfortunate event of your passing, these steps must be followed:
Hospital or Mairie Declaration: A doctor or hospital will issue a medical death certificate.
Embassy Notification: The Embassy of your home country should be informed to assist with necessary documents.
Funeral Arrangements: Your spouse or family can arrange burial or repatriation with a funeral service provider.
Cost: Funeral services in France range from €3,000-€6,000. Repatriation to your home country can cost €5,000-€10,000.
Legal Procedures: Any assets, visas, or inheritance matters will be handled through French legal channels.
Final Thoughts
Life in France is full of joys and challenges. Knowing what to do in difficult situations will help you navigate unexpected moments with confidence. Whether it’s a health issue, legal matter, or family emergency, being prepared can make all the difference.
For any official guidance, always check government websites like:
- Service-Public.fr for administrative procedures
- Ameli.fr for health insurance
- CAF.fr for family benefits
- The Embassy of your home country
Stay informed, stay prepared, and take care of yourself!
