What to Do if You Get Sick In Cannes

With its sparkling coastline, luxury boutiques, and red carpet glamour, Cannes is a dream destination. But what if you’re here for the sunshine and end up stuck in bed with a fever, stomach bug, or unexpected injury?

Getting sick in Cannes can feel stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the French healthcare system or don’t speak the language. Whether you’re attending a festival, sailing along the coast, or simply relaxing on holiday — this guide is here to make sure you know exactly what to do if something goes wrong.

We’ll walk you through everything — how to find an English-speaking doctor, where to go for minor issues or serious emergencies, how to use travel insurance, where to get medication, and more. This is your ultimate, stress-free health guide for navigating illness while in Cannes.

Understanding Cannes’s Healthcare System

France’s healthcare system is ranked as one of the best in the world. In Cannes, you’ll find excellent care — both public and private — but knowing the difference will help you make smart decisions.

Public vs. Private Healthcare

• Public healthcare (via France’s national system) is high-quality and affordable. EU travelers with an EHIC or GHIC card can access services at reduced rates. But public hospitals and clinics can involve longer wait times and fewer English-speaking staff.
• Private healthcare offers faster access, shorter queues, more flexibility, and often — English-speaking staff. You’ll pay upfront, but if you’ve got travel insurance, most or all of the cost will be reimbursed.

Private clinics are popular with travelers, and Cannes has a number of options that cater to international patients.

Emergency Medical Care in Cannes

If something serious happens — don’t wait. Here’s what to do if you’re facing an emergency in Cannes.

Emergency Numbers in France

• 112 – Europe-wide emergency line (ambulance, fire, police)
• 15 – SAMU (French emergency medical services)
• 18 – Fire and rescue (also used for accidents)
• 114 – SMS emergency number for the hearing impaired

You can call 112 from any phone. The dispatcher may speak English, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Cannes.

How to Call an Ambulance

If you or someone else is seriously unwell or injured:

• Call 112 or 15
• Say “I need an ambulance” or: “J’ai besoin d’une ambulance.”
• Clearly give your address or hotel name
• Describe the symptoms and situation
• If you don’t speak French, ask: “Parlez-vous anglais?”

You can also ask hotel staff, restaurant employees, or bystanders to help if you’re unsure.

Hospital or Urgent Care?

• Hospital emergency rooms (urgences) are for serious symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, high fever, allergic reactions, broken bones, or severe infections.
• Urgent care clinics and private doctors are ideal for milder issues like flu, UTIs, sore throats, rashes, and stomach upsets.

Private care is usually faster and easier — especially if you need someone who speaks English.

Pharmacies in Cannes: What You Need to Know

Pharmacies (pharmacies) are everywhere in Cannes — look for the glowing green cross. They’re a great first stop for mild symptoms and minor health concerns.

What Can a Pharmacist Help With?

• Colds, flu, or sore throats
• Allergies or hay fever
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea
• Sunburn, insect bites, minor cuts
• Over-the-counter painkillers (like ibuprofen or paracetamol)

Pharmacists in Cannes are well-trained and many speak basic English, especially near the city center or tourist zones.

Finding a 24/7 Pharmacy in Cannes

Need meds late at night or on a public holiday? Search for a pharmacie de garde (on-duty pharmacy). Here’s how:

• Ask hotel reception or your host
• Use Google Maps: “pharmacie de garde à Cannes”
• Check pharmacy windows for posted after-hours locations

What To Do If You Have Travel Insurance 

If you’re covered by travel insurance — you’re ahead of the game. Most plans will cover: 

• Doctor consultations
• Medications
• Hospital stays
• Lab tests or imaging
• Emergency transportation

What You’ll Need to File a Claim

• A doctor’s diagnosis or medical certificate
• Receipts for consultations, prescriptions, and treatment
• Your insurance policy number and provider contact info
• Proof of travel (boarding passes, hotel bookings)

Tip: Take clear photos of everything, and email them to yourself as a backup.

Some insurance companies require you to call before visiting a clinic — check your plan if you’re unsure.

Language Barriers

While Cannes is used to international visitors, not all medical staff speak fluent English — especially in smaller clinics or public hospitals.

Helpful French Phrases

• “Je suis malade.” – I am sick
• “J’ai de la fièvre.” – I have a fever
• “J’ai besoin d’un médecin.” – I need a doctor
• “Je suis allergique à…” – I’m allergic to…
• “Est-ce qu’il y a un médecin qui parle anglais ?” – Is there a doctor who speaks English?

How to Avoid Getting Sick in Cannes

Cannes is clean, safe, and modern — but travel still takes a toll on the body. Here’s how to stay healthy.

Common Health Issues Travelers Face

• Stomach issues from rich foods or travel changes
• Jet lag and fatigue
• Dehydration or sunburn
• Respiratory infections from air travel
• Allergies during pollen-heavy months

Is the Tap Water Safe?

Yes! Tap water in Cannes is completely safe to drink. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated — especially during hot days or long walks.

Food & Hygiene Tips

• Eat at restaurants with good reviews and lots of customers
• Be cautious with seafood unless it’s high quality
• Wash or peel fruit bought at markets
• Use hand sanitizer after public transport or cash handling

Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Travelers with Pre-Existing Conditions

If you’re pregnant or managing a medical condition, the key to a smooth trip is preparation.

What to Do Before and During Your Trip

• Bring a medical summary in English and (if possible) in French
• Pack extra medication and a copy of your prescription
• Research the nearest private hospital to your accommodation
• Avoid risky activities, and take breaks if you feel tired

Private clinics in Cannes offer great prenatal care, OB-GYN services, and general health support — especially for international visitors.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Cannes

Let’s be honest — being sick in a foreign country is hard. Being sick and not being able to explain your symptoms? Even harder.

That’s why Air Doctor is the easiest way to access care when you’re abroad.

You can:

• Find a verified, local doctor who speaks English
• Book same-day appointments (in person or online)
• Pay upfront or claim back via insurance
• Get reports and receipts you can actually use

Getting Help Beyond Healthcare

Need help with something outside of medical care — like replacing prescriptions, dealing with lost travel documents, or contacting your family?

Reach out to your embassy or consulate.

They can:

• Recommend trusted clinics or hospitals
• Translate documents
• Replace lost prescriptions or IDs
• Assist with contacting loved ones

Recap: What to Do if You Get Sick in Cannes

Before you go, here’s a quick recap of what to do if you’re sick in Cannes.

• In an emergency, call 112
• Visit a private clinic for faster, English-friendly care
• Go to a pharmacy for minor symptoms or first-aid
• Keep insurance paperwork and receipts for claims
• Learn a few key French phrases, or just book through Air Doctor
• Stay hydrated, eat smart, and listen to your body
• Plan ahead if you’re pregnant or managing a medical condition
• Contact your embassy for anything more serious

About the Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance anywhere you travel.

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Active in 90 countries
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Transparent pricing and reviews
• Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists

FAQs