Essential French Medical Travel Phrases for Solo Travelers

French is spoken in France, parts of Europe, Canada, Africa, and many island nations, making it an important language for solo travelers. When medical or emergency situations arise, knowing a few key French phrases can help you get assistance quickly, explain symptoms, and reduce stress during urgent moments.

🩺 Medical Emergencies (Immediate Help)

Help!
À l’aide !
(ah LEHD)

It’s an emergency
C’est une urgence
(seht OON oor-ZHAHNS)

I need help immediately
J’ai besoin d’aide immédiatement
(zhay buh-ZWAHN dehd ee-meh-dee-ah-TUH-mahn)

Call an ambulance
Appelez une ambulance
(ah-peh-LAY OON ahm-bew-LAHNS)

I need a doctor
J’ai besoin d’un médecin
(zhay buh-ZWAHN duh meh-duh-SAN)

🏥 Doctors, Hospitals, and Clinics

Where is the nearest hospital?
Où est l’hôpital le plus proche ?
(oo eh loh-pee-TAHL luh ploo PROHSH)

Is there a clinic nearby?
Y a-t-il une clinique près d’ici ?
(ee ah-TEEL OON klee-NEEK preh dee-SEE)

I need to see a doctor
Je dois voir un médecin
(zhuh dwah vwar uhn meh-duh-SAN)

Do you speak English?
Parlez-vous anglais ?
(par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH)

🤕 Symptoms and Pain

I feel sick
Je me sens malade
(zhuh muh sahn mah-LAHD)

I’m in pain
J’ai mal
(zhay MAHL)

It hurts here
J’ai mal ici
(zhay MAHL ee-SEE)

I have a fever
J’ai de la fièvre
(zhay duh lah FYEVR)

I feel dizzy
J’ai des vertiges
(zhay day vehr-TEEZH)

I have trouble breathing
J’ai du mal à respirer
(zhay doo MAHL ah reh-speeh-RAY)

💊 Medications and Allergies

I am allergic to [substance]
Je suis allergique à [substance]
(zhuh swee ah-lehr-ZHEEK ah…)

I need my medication
J’ai besoin de mon médicament
(zhay buh-ZWAHN duh mohn meh-dee-kah-MAHN)

Do you have something for pain?
Avez-vous quelque chose contre la douleur ?
(ah-VAY voo kehl-kuh SHOZ kohn-truh lah doo-LOOR)

I need a pharmacy
J’ai besoin d’une pharmacie
(zhay buh-ZWAHN d’oon fahr-mah-SEE)

🚑 Accidents and Injuries

I fell down
Je suis tombé(e)
(zhuh swee tohm-BAY)

I’m bleeding
Je saigne
(zhuh SENY)

I burned myself
Je me suis brûlé(e)
(zhuh muh swee brew-LAY)

I think it’s broken
Je pense que c’est cassé
(zhuh pahnss kuh seh kah-SAY)

🧠 Mental Health & Distress

I’m feeling very anxious
Je me sens très anxieux/anxieuse
(zhuh muh sahn treh ahnk-SYUH)

I’m having a panic attack
Je fais une crise de panique
(zhuh feh OON kreez duh pah-NEEK)

I need to calm down
J’ai besoin de me calmer
(zhay buh-ZWAHN duh muh kahl-MAY)

🗂️ Medical History & Documents

I have a medical condition
J’ai un problème médical
(zhay uhn proh-BLEHM meh-dee-KAHL)

I have travel insurance
J’ai une assurance voyage
(zhay OON ah-SYOO-rahnss vwah-YAHZH)

Here is my prescription
Voici mon ordonnance
(vwah-SEE mohn or-doh-NAHNS)

🧾 Helpful Tip for Solo Travelers

📌 Save this page offline or take screenshots before traveling.
📌 Carry a translated list of allergies and medications in your wallet.
📌 In emergencies, show the phrase on your phone if pronunciation is difficult — it’s completely acceptable and often faster.

Disclaimer: This content is for travel communication only and does not replace professional medical advice or emergency services. In serious situations, seek immediate medical help.