If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the French healthcare system, you’ve probably heard the word ordonnance tossed around like a fresh baguette. But what exactly is it, why do you need one, and how long is it valid for? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your paperwork).
🩺 So… What Is an Ordonnance?
An ordonnance is the French word for a medical prescription. It’s an official document issued by a healthcare professional (usually your médecin traitant—your GP—or a specialist), allowing you to:
- Pick up medication at the pharmacy
- Get blood tests or medical imaging
- Book sessions with specialists like physiotherapists or podiatrists
- Request medical transport like taxis or ambulances
- Buy medical equipment (like crutches or orthopaedic insoles)
- Access specific treatments (like nursing care at home)
Basically, it’s your golden ticket to getting treated—and reimbursed—by the French health system.
💡 Who Can Give You an Ordonnance?
The most common source is your general practitioner (GP), but specialists, dentists, midwives, and even some nurses can issue ordonnances, depending on the situation.
You’ll usually get one during an appointment, but some doctors will send them to you digitally or via post (if you ask nicely—or if you’ve already fainted trying to use Doctolib again).
🗓️ How Long Is It Valid?
This depends on what it’s for:
- Most prescriptions for medication are valid for 3 months (with exceptions).
- Ordonnances for glasses or contact lenses are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on your age.
- Physiotherapy sessions must be started within 6 months.
- Nursing care at home usually must begin within 15 days.
Always check the date and follow up quickly—especially if you need reimbursement.
💶 Do You Need One to Get Reimbursed?
In almost every case: yes.
Without a valid ordonnance, the Assurance Maladie (public health insurance) and your mutuelle (top-up insurance) are unlikely to cover the costs. Even if you can buy some medications over the counter, they won’t be reimbursed without a prescription.
📍 Where Do You Use It?
- Pharmacies: Bring your ordonnance, carte Vitale, and any proof of your mutuelle.
- Medical labs: For blood work, urine tests, etc.
- Clinics / hospitals: For scans or specialised treatment.
- Paramedical appointments: For physiotherapy, podiatry, osteopathy (in some cases), and more.
- Medical transport services: If you need a taxi conventionné, your ordonnance must specify the medical necessity.
🧾 Do You Keep It?
Yes—and make copies! Sometimes professionals will keep the original, so it’s smart to snap a photo or scan it just in case. If you’re seeing multiple professionals (e.g. getting regular physio), ask for a multi-session ordonnance.
⏳ Can You Get a Repeat Prescription?
Yes, and many French doctors will automatically write your prescription for several months if it’s for a long-term condition or regular medication. It’ll usually say something like:
Renouvelable pour 6 mois – Repeatable for 6 months
If not, you’ll need a new one each time—so plan ahead, especially before holidays!
How Hello Santé Can Help 💙
Feeling overwhelmed by prescriptions, paperwork, or figuring out who does what? We’re here for that. At Hello Santé, we help English speakers in France:
- Understand and organise your ordonnances
- Book the right appointments with the right professionals
- Figure out reimbursement rules and what your mutuelle covers
- Get everything sorted when you don’t speak French (or can’t face another round of phone tag)
Because French healthcare is great—but only if you can navigate it. And we’ll help you do just that.
Need help making sense of your prescription or what to do next? Drop us a message—we’ve got you covered.