So, your French doctor has sent you off with a prescription for an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, and now you’re wondering…
Where do I even go?
Do I need an appointment?
Can I just rock up with my Carte Vitale and a smile?
(Spoiler: Non.)
Fear not — we’ve broken it down step-by-step so you know what to expect (and how Hello Santé can help if you’d rather skip the admin-induced headache).
📝 Step 1: Get That Ordonnance (Prescription)
In France, you can’t just pop into a radiology clinic for a scan like it’s a walk-in photo booth. You’ll need a prescription from your doctor — GP or specialist — which outlines exactly what kind of imagery is needed (and sometimes why).
Hold onto this prescription like it’s a golden ticket. You’ll need it to make your appointment and to get reimbursed.
📞 Step 2: Book the Appointment (It’s Not Always Online-Friendly)
This is where things can get tricky. Some clinics have online booking systems (hallelujah!), but many still prefer the good old-fashioned method: you call them.
In French.
With background hold music and possible confusion over your foreign-sounding name.
If this part feels intimidating (understandable!), we can help by:
- Finding a radiology centre near you
- Calling and booking the appointment for you
- Making sure you have all the info you need, including what documents to bring and whether you need to fast beforehand
🏥 Step 3: The Appointment
On the day, bring:
- Your ordonnance (prescription)
- Your Carte Vitale
- Any top-up insurance (mutuelle) card
- Your ID
- A solid dose of patience
Bonus tip: In many cases, they’ll hand you a literal envelope full of your images after the scan. Yes, in 2025. Keep them safe — you’ll need to hand them back to your doctor!
💸 Step 4: Payment & Reimbursement
Depending on what scan you’re getting and whether you have a mutuelle, you may have to pay upfront and get reimbursed later.
We can help you:
- Understand your invoice (and if it’s correct)
- Submit your documents for reimbursement
- Track what’s been refunded and what hasn’t
Because let’s face it — the French reimbursement system is brilliant… once you know how to use it.
🙋♀️ How Hello Santé Can Help
Feeling overwhelmed already? That’s what we’re here for.
Whether you need help:
- Finding a radiology centre
- Making the appointment
- Understanding what the doctor asked for
- Figuring out your results
- Claiming your reimbursement
We’ve got your back.
With support in English, a whole lot of kindness, and no judgment for the fact you still don’t know how to pronounce “radiologie” properly. (Neither do we some days.)
Final Word
Getting a scan in France shouldn’t feel like launching a full-blown medical expedition — and with a little help, it doesn’t have to.
So the next time a French doctor tells you, “Je vais vous prescrire une radio,” don’t panic. Just give us a shout, and we’ll help you handle it like a pro.