Seeing a doctor on a longer stay in Samoëns with a GHIC

What the GHIC does and does not cover

The GHIC lets you get medically necessary state healthcare in France at the same cost as French residents. It is not travel insurance: it does not pay for mountain rescue on the slopes, repatriation or private clinics. Keep travel insurance with winter-sports cover alongside it.

• GHIC: gives access to state healthcare in France on the same terms as residents
• Paying: you usually pay the doctor, then claim a partial refund from the CPAM
• Medical centre: 123 avenue Cognacq-Jaÿ, Samoëns

Seeing a doctor

Choose a doctor working within the state system, known as conventionné. The medical centre in Samoëns hosts a team of doctors; ring in the morning in high season, as slots go quickly. You pay at the end of the consultation and receive a paper form, the feuille de soins, unless the doctor sends it electronically.

Send the signed form, a copy of your GHIC and your bank details to the local health insurance office, the CPAM, to claim the refundable share. Keep copies of everything. Refunds go to a bank account, and a French or European account makes the process simpler; allow several weeks. Some doctors in the valley see many visitors in winter and are used to the procedure, so ask at reception if anything is unclear.

Prescriptions at the pharmacy

Show your prescription and GHIC at the pharmacy. Prescribed medicines are reimbursed at different rates depending on the drug, and a fixed charge per box stays with the patient. Over-the-counter products bought without a prescription are not refunded.

Emergencies

For a medical emergency, call 15, or 112 from any mobile. On the ski area, alert the ski patrol first. Hospital treatment is also covered by the GHIC on resident terms, with a daily hospital charge that remains payable.

Good to know: bring enough regular medication for the whole stay, with the prescription: a French doctor may need to see you before issuing a new one.

• Carry the GHIC and passport together.
• Keep every receipt and feuille de soins.
• Note your travel insurer’s 24-hour number.
• List each person’s regular medication.

Quick answers

Is the GHIC enough on its own for a ski stay? No. It does not cover mountain rescue or repatriation, so travel insurance with winter-sports cover is still needed.

Do you pay the doctor in France? Usually yes, then a partial refund is claimed from the CPAM with the feuille de soins.

Where is the doctor in Samoëns? The medical centre is at 123 avenue Cognacq-Jaÿ, in the village centre.