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Expat Exchange - Top Hospitals in France by Specialty 2024
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Strasbourg, France


Top Hospitals in France by Specialty

By Betsy Burlingame

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Summary: If you're moving to France or recently arrived, it's important to know about the country's top hospitals for specific medical conditions. Here's a primer.

France is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system, which is considered one of the best in the world. The country offers a mix of public and private hospitals, with the public sector providing the majority of healthcare services. Public hospitals in France are generally well-equipped and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. Private hospitals and clinics offer an alternative, often with shorter waiting times and more luxurious facilities, but at a higher cost. Expats, international retirees, and digital nomads living in France have access to both systems, typically through a combination of state healthcare and private insurance. While France excels in a wide range of medical treatments, there may be certain highly specialized treatments or rare conditions for which expats might consider traveling back to their home country or another location with more specialized facilities or experts.

Top Hospitals in France for Heart Surgery and Chronic Heart Conditions

The Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris is one of the leading hospitals in France for cardiac care, offering state-of-the-art treatments for heart surgery and chronic heart conditions. Another notable institution is the Lille University Hospital in Lille, known for its excellent cardiology department. These hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by some of the top heart specialists in the country.

Best Hospitals in France for Cancer Care

Institut Gustave Roussy, located in Villejuif, is one of Europe's largest cancer centers and is highly regarded for its comprehensive cancer care and research. Another leading facility is the Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon, which is dedicated to cancer treatment and offers a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. These centers are at the forefront of oncology research and treatment, providing advanced care for expats and locals alike.

Leading Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris is renowned for its exceptional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It is one of the oldest pediatric hospitals in the world and continues to be a leader in pediatric care. Toulouse University Hospital in Toulouse also boasts a highly regarded NICU, providing specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.

Top Hospitals in France for Diabetes

The Cochin Hospital, part of the Paris public hospital system (AP-HP), is known for its excellent endocrinology department, which includes comprehensive care for diabetes patients. The hospital is also involved in significant diabetes research. Another leading institution is the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, which offers specialized services for diabetes management and treatment.

Best Hospitals for Kidney Treatment and Care

For nephrology, the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris is highly respected, particularly for its work in pediatric nephrology. The hospital provides comprehensive care for kidney diseases, including dialysis and transplantation. The Foch Hospital in Suresnes is also recognized for its expertise in renal care and transplants.

Top Hospitals in France for Neurology

The Hôpital de la Salpêtrière in Paris is one of the top neurology hospitals in France, offering a wide range of services for neurological conditions, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. The hospital is also a leading center for neurological research. Another notable institution is the Hôpital Roger Salengro in Lille, which has a strong reputation for treating stroke and other acute neurological conditions.

Best Hospitals for Stroke Treatment

The Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard in Paris is recognized for its excellence in stroke care, with a dedicated stroke unit that provides rapid and advanced treatment for stroke patients. The Hôpital Pontchaillou in Rennes is another facility with a specialized stroke care unit known for its high-quality patient outcomes.

Leading Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery

For orthopedic surgery, the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou in Paris is a top choice, offering a wide range of orthopedic treatments, including joint replacement and sports medicine. The Institut Calot in Berck is another renowned center specializing in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation.

Top Hospitals in France for Pediatric Care

The Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris is a premier institution for pediatric care, treating a wide array of childhood conditions. The Hôpital des Enfants in Toulouse is another leading pediatric hospital, known for its comprehensive services and child-friendly environment.

Expats and international residents in France should be aware that while the country offers excellent healthcare services, language barriers can sometimes be an issue. It is advisable to seek hospitals with international departments or services that can assist non-French speakers. Additionally, it's important to have appropriate health insurance coverage to ensure access to the best possible care without incurring excessive costs.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
French Riviera House Hunting - FRH

Strasbourg, France

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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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French Riviera House Hunting - FRH
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