In January I am traveling to Paris with my husband, niece, and her boyfriend. The niece and boyfriend are both 22.
If there is a medical emergency with the boyfriend - let's say he's unconscious - do I need a permission form to accompany him to the hospital, talk to doctors, etc.? France loves its forms and I'm wondering if I need to set this up in advance.
The boyfriend is an adult, as is your niece. There are no forms ( assuming he is not special needs). He should carry something that specifies who to notify in case of emergency ( typically NOK). Typically you could follow to the hospital and provide any necessary information, but would not be allowed to make medical decisions on his behalf.
The two young adults should be arranging their own, individual, health coverage. You have no legal standing nor responsibility.
Excellent. I suspected this was the case but wanted to check. Thank you all for your helpful information.
Can someone comment on what a regular adult tourist should do if they need to see a doctor while traveling in France? Do you just walk into la pharmacie and ask for help? Are there public doctors' offices or clinics?
You might start by looking at the US State Dept website and their info about healthcare while abroad: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/your-health-abroad.html
Your embassy or nearest consulate should have names of hospitals and doctors. If staying at a hotel, the front desk will likely be of help as well.
Can someone comment on what a regular adult tourist should do if they need to see a doctor while traveling in France? Do you just walk into la pharmacie and ask for help?
Yes. Unless it is something urgent enough that you go straight to hospital casualty (emergency).
Pharmacies can give medical advice.
Including cellphones. The call is free, and you can call even if you haven't got a SIM card.
In the past (elsewhere in Europe) I asked someone at my hotel or the tourist office with good English-language skills where a tourist should go for medical help. I was given accurate information.
More recently (in France) I went to a pharmacy. There's usually a pharmacist on duty who speaks English rather well, though you may need to wait a few minute until he or she is free. I think this is the best course of action in non-emergency situations. The pharmacist may have information about local doctors or clinics where you have a good chance of being able to communicate in English. In at least some European countries, pharmacists are accustomed to performing a sort of triage, so you may avoid needing to see a doctor if you pharmacist judges that the ailment is minor and can dispense something suitable (if needed) without a doctor's authorization.
I would guess that Rick has a small section on just such advice in his guidebook, and probably here on this site as well.
