How reimbursed health stays at thermal spa centres in France work
Doctors and specialists can prescribe a stay at a spa centre for a wide range of health conditions with most of the costs, including travel, partly reimbursed. We explain
Doctors can prescribe patients a stay at spa stations across France, including at this one, Gréoux-les-Bains, in Provence
Chaine Thermale / chainethermale.fr/
People living in France may be eligible for a stay at a spa treatment centre, paid for (or partly) by French health authorities, depending on income levels. We explain how it works and who is eligible
Your doctor or specialist is the only one who can prescribe a thermal spa treatment plan, if they believe it would be effective for your condition.
The plan must be medically prescribed and last 18 days, with treatments offered six days a week at the spa centre, to be eligible for reimbursement from l’Assurance Maladie.
Your doctor or specialist must sign you up to the plan via an official form - a sample copy of which (in French). Up to two different conditions can be included on the form.
Reimbursement for the plan should be processed within a month.
The costs of travel, treatments, and accommodation can be entirely or partly reimbursed, depending on the amount required and your income, and any previous treatments you have had in the past year.
The conditions that spa treatments may be prescribed for include:
Rheumatology
Osteoarthritis - Degenerative and inflammatory rheumatism - Musculoskeletal disorders - Osteoporosis - Lumbago - Sciatica - Tendonitis - Rheumatoid arthritis - Ankylosing spondylitis - After-effects of trauma or surgery - Chronic inflammation of the tendons - Fibromyalgia syndrome - Joint stiffness - After-effects of fractures
See the participating spas for .
Lymphology and blood
Lymphatic insufficiency - Haemorrhoids - Heavy legs - Chronic oedemas of the lower limbs - Sequelae of phlebitis - Raynaud's syndrome - Venous thrombosis and sequelae - Vascular disorders of the extremities - Varicose veins and varicose ulcers
See the participating spas for .
Neurology
Muscular disorders of neurological origin - Fibromyalgia - Charcot Marie Tooth disease - Parkinson's disease - Paralysis after a cerebrovascular accident - Post Polio - Multiple sclerosis - Hemiplegia sequelae - Paraplegia sequelae
See the participating spas for .
Respiratory tract
Respiratory allergies - Asthma - Bronchitis - Otitis - Sinusitis - Allergic rhinitis - Angina - Rhinosinusitis - Rhinoplasty - Recurrent rhinopharyngitis - Hay fever - Spasmodic cough - COPD
See the participating spas for .
Digestive system and metabolism
Hepatobiliary disorders - Mild or moderate Crohn's disease - Mild or moderate haemorrhagic rectocolitis - Sequelae of intestinal parasitic diseases - Intestinal transit disorders
See the participating spas for .
Cardio-arterial diseases
Angina pectoris - Obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs - Arterial hypertension - Raynaud's disease - Sequelae of infarction - After-effects of surgical treatment: bypass surgery, arterial dilatation
See the participating spas for .
Mucosal disorders, Mucous membranes, Mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue, Mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue
Aphthosis - Dry mouth - Post-radiation burns - Glossitis - Intolerance to fixed or mobile prostheses - Leukokeratosis - Oral lichen planus - Periodontal diseases - Trauma or surgery after-effects - Stomatodynia
See the participating spas for .
Urinary system and metabolism
Urinary calculi - Colibacillosis - Cystitis - Cystalgia - Urinary infection - Recurrent prostatitis
See the participating spas for .
Dermatology
Acne - Scars - Eczema - Chronic pruritus - Psoriasis - Facial redness - After-effects of burns
See the participating spas for .
Gynaecology
Pre- and post-natal mini-cures - Pelvic and vaginal pain - Dysmenorrhoea - Recurrent infections - Menopausal problems - Painful periods - Episiotomy after-effects - Dryness of the pelvic mucosa
See the participating spas for .
Post breast cancer
To help with physical, social, professional, family and psychological reconstruction - To improve quality of life in the long term - To limit the risk of cancer recurrence, by giving the keys to avoiding weight gain and getting back into regular physical activity
See the participating spas for .
You can also see the thermal spa centres near you .
More information on the conditions covered, the steps that need to be taken to book a participating spa trip, and the levels of reimbursement on the government website.
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