City in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Healthcare in Lyon: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Lyon
Good care and many English-speaking doctors. Call 15 or 112 in an emergency.
Hospitals for foreigners in Lyon
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hôpital Édouard Herriot (Hospices Civils de Lyon) | Major public hospital with 24-hour emergency department |
| Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse (HCL) | Public hospital in the north-center |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: €28–50 ($32–56) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In France: Excellent care at moderate cost. A GP visit costs about €30, specialists more; visitors pay upfront and claim from their insurance.
- Pharmacies: Green-cross pharmacies everywhere give good advice; a rota 'pharmacie de garde' covers nights and Sundays.
- Health spending: US$5,327 per person a year (2024); 3.3 doctors per 1,000 people (2022), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112.
Travel and health insurance
Required for entry: Schengen visa applicants need €30,000 medical cover; visa-free visitors may be asked for proof of insurance at the border.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Lyon for foreigners?
Hôpital Édouard Herriot (Hospices Civils de Lyon): Major public hospital with 24-hour emergency department
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Lyon?
About €28–50 ($32–56) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for France?
Schengen visa applicants need €30,000 medical cover; visa-free visitors may be asked for proof of insurance at the border.
More about Lyon
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: France
- TCL (Lyon public transport)
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
- Lyon tourist office
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.