Before you do anything else, download the Doctolib app — it’s the main platform used in France to book medical appointments online (doctors, dentists, gynecologists, and more). It’s free and available in English!
How to See a Doctor in Strasbourg if You’re Sick
Whether you’ve got a fever, a cough that won’t go away, or just feel unwell, here’s what to do:
1. Find a General Practitioner (GP) — “Médecin généraliste”
This is your first stop for most health issues in France. You can:
- Search on Doctolib: Just type “médecin généraliste” + your area or postcode (e.g. Strasbourg 67000).
- Look for doctors who accept “Carte Vitale” (French health insurance card).
Some also accept international or private insurance.
If you’re thinking of seeing a specialist, Doctolib is still your starting point: before seeing a specialist, a prescription by the GP is good practice – and generally, it will allow you to have your visit reimbursed by the social security.
Scroll down for more on appointments with specialists.
2. Book an Appointment
On Doctolib, you can:
- Choose in-person or video consultation
- See availability and choose a time
- Filter by language (some doctors speak English!)
If you don’t use Doctolib, you can call the doctor’s office directly — but some may only speak French.
3. Visit the Doctor
Bring:
- Your Carte Vitale (if you have one)
- Or proof of private/international insurance
- ID or student card
- Means of payment (usually €25 for a consultation, reimbursed if insured)
4. Get Medication
If the doctor gives you a prescription:
- Go to any pharmacy (“pharmacie”) – look for the green cross symbol
- Show your prescription and health card
- You’ll pay part or all of the cost depending on your insurance
What If It’s Urgent?
- Nights & Weekends: Call SOS Médecins at 03 88 75 75 75 or visit sosmedecins-strasbourg.fr
- Emergency Room (ER): Go to Hôpital Civil de Strasbourg or call 112 for emergencies
- Pharmacy on call: Find one at www.3237.fr
Need a Specialist? Here’s How It Works:
If you know exactly what you need, you can book directly with many specialists — but having a referral from a GP is recommended for better reimbursement if you’re in the French healthcare system.
Popular specialists:
- Dentist (Dentiste) — for cleanings, cavities, pain
- Eye Doctor (Ophtalmologue) — for vision tests, glasses, eye infections
- Gynecologist (Gynécologue) — for annual exams, contraception, etc.
- Physiotherapist (Kinésithérapeute) — for injuries, posture, muscle pain
- Psychologist/Psychiatrist — for mental health support
All of these can be found on Doctolib – just type the specialist’s name in French.
You can often filter by language spoken, location, and appointment type (in-person or video).
Costs & Reimbursement
- Without insurance: You pay upfront (prices vary by specialist: ~€30–€60 or more)
- With Carte Vitale or private insurance: Part or all of the cost may be reimbursed
- Students with EU health card or private insurance: Keep receipts and request reimbursement
If you are a student:
As an international student in France, you have access to the French healthcare system, but what you’re entitled to depends on your situation:
- If you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland:
- Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- It covers most medical costs during your stay.
- If you’re from outside the EU:
- You must register for French student social security (Sécurité Sociale) for free on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr.
- Once registered, you’ll receive a temporary number, then a Carte Vitale (health card).
- Private Insurance / Complementary Insurance:
- French social security reimburses ~70% of medical costs.
- You can get a “mutuelle” (private top-up insurance) to cover the rest. It’s optional but helpful.
Have you already downloaded Doctolib? You’re going to need it to access the University of Strasbourg Health Service, which provides medical services to all students, including a free preventive medical examination in the first three years of studies at the university.
Health services include:
- consultations with medical specialists (sports medicine, nutrition, support of smoking cessation)
- vaccination
- disability support
- relaxation
- stress management workshops
- audiometry
- planning centre: free and anonymous STD tests (HIV, Hepatitis…), gynaecology consultations, information on contraception, sexuality, abortion, STDs etc.
6 rue de Palerme, 67000 Strasbourg (next to Paul Appel residence)
03 68 85 50 24
sante.etudiants@unistra.fr
Book an appointment: via Doctolib
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30–17:00
Staff (L’équipe)
- Directed by Dr. Schmitt
- Includes 7 doctors, 7 nurses, 7 psychologists, 2 social workers, and 4 administrative staff.
Other locations:
Campus Illkirch
- In the IUT building at 72 Route du Rhin; consultations Tue & Thu by appointment via Doctolib or phone.
- IUT Robert Schuman infirmary, same address, direct appointment by phone.
Campus Schiltigheim
- IUT Louis Pasteur infirmary, 1 Allée d’Athènes; consultations Tuesdays, by appointment (phone).
Campus Haguenau
- IUT Haguenau infirmary, 30 rue du Maire André Traband; appointments by phone.
Consultations & Other Services (Consultations & autres prestations)
Under the decree of March 13, 2023, each university must provide medical protection for students. The SSE offers several free services:
- Preventive medical examination (required health check-up)
- Medical consultations in areas such as sports, nutrition, smoking cessation (tabacologie), support for students with disabilities, and monitoring of international students
- HIV, hepatitis, and other STI testing
- Gynecological consultations
- Nurse consultations for vaccinations, urgent care, travel advice, nutrition, and stress management
- Preventive events throughout the year (e.g. STI screenings, workshops, hearing tests, anti-smoking campaigns)
Feedback (Votre avis nous intéresse)
Students can send suggestions or comments to sante.etudiants@unistra.fr.
Summary Table
| French Term | English Translation |
| Service de santé étudiante (SSE) | Student Health Service |
| Consultations médicales/infirmières | Medical/Nurse Consultations |
| Soutien psychologique | Psychological Support |
| Dépistage VIH / IST | HIV/STI Testing |
| Santé sexuelle & contraception | Sexual Health & Contraception |
| Horaires d’ouverture | Opening Hours |
| Coordonnées | Contact Information |
Want to learn more about health insurance? Read our guide.
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