French Guiana
Health
Before you travel check that:
-
your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
-
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 15 or 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for French Guiana
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in French Guiana, including:
- Zika virus
- dengue
- yellow fever
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in French Guiana
General health care facilities in French Guiana are very good. The standard of health service hospitals and GP practices is equivalent to mainland France.
Health insurance cards
To get medically necessary state healthcare in French Guiana, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:
- how to apply for a GHIC
- how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
- who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
- what treatment counts as medically necessary
A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:
- changes to travel and accommodation bookings
- additional standard costs for treatment
- medical repatriation to the UK
- treatment that is ruled non-urgent
- private healthcare
- private clinics
Healthcare for residents
If you plan to live in French Guiana, consult the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about long-term entitlement to healthcare under the French national system.
DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline: +44 (0)191 218 1999
You can also get English-language information about French social security services online or on +33 (0)820 90 42 12. You can get French-language information online about state services in French Guiana.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.