How to cope with ill-health after moving to France

Have you been in the situation where you have finally moved to your new French home, raring to go and all set to enjoy your new life – only to suddenly be felled by unexpected ill-health? 

Being far from home can make the experience extra scary, with everything feeling unfamiliar and overwhelming. 

This is the situation I currently find myself in, and I thought it might be helpful to share some coping mechanisms as I navigate my way through this uncertain period. 

Ageing is better than the alternative

I often catch sight of myself in the mirror and wonder where the young woman who used to be me has vanished. 

Although it can sometimes be unnerving to witness age creeping up on me, I am profoundly grateful that I am still alive and kicking. 

Ageing is a privilege denied to many – including my late son. However, with the advancing years sometimes comes ill-health. I recently had some dodgy blood test results, along with somewhat debilitating symptoms, and am undergoing some unpleasant, invasive, investigative procedures. 

I know that genetically I am at high risk of developing various nasty diseases, so I would be lying if I said I was not feeling anxious. 

Read more: How to navigate a culture clash with your French in-laws and partner

Don’t bury your head in the sand 

I have always believed that when bad luck strikes, you just have to find a way of taking it on the chin. 

The first sensible thing to do is to consult a professional about your worries. We are blessed in France to have a wonderful healthcare system which is swift and efficient. 

I will always be deeply indebted to the good old NHS for saving my daughter’s life in 1987, but alas, as we all know, the NHS is struggling. 

Map: Top 10 French departments best for health in new 2025 ranking

Act. Do not wait for your symptoms to worsen or fear that you will be wasting the doctor’s time. You won’t. Trust your instincts. If you feel unwell, do not delay getting checked out. 

Take a loved one

When you go for your appointment, take somebody with you. It is especially helpful if that person can speak French if your own French is shaky. 

Even if you are proficient, it does not mean that you know French medical terminology. Indeed, I am bilingual, and when I went to see the specialist this week I made sure that I had looked up some key words in French about my symptoms and past medical history. 

This is all the more important if you have recently moved to France and your healthcare provider is not aware of your health antecedents. 

Do not be afraid to ask questions

It is your body and your symptoms. Listen to what the doctor says but go armed with a list of questions you would like to ask. If there is something you do not understand, or are worried about, keep asking until you obtain clarity. 

And if you really do not like the doctor, then you are absolutely at liberty to consult another without giving explanations. I have changed médecin traitant twice because I got bad vibes. 

One of the many advantages of the French healthcare system is that you can change doctors without issue. 

Read more: 'French healthcare is baffling and complex... but it works'

Ask for support

You may not find out immediately what the problem is. As I always say, asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. 

Tell your nearest and dearest of your concerns. Keep your friends and family back home in the loop if you want to. It is often when you are ill that you find out who your true friends are – and sometimes this can be quite surprising! 

While you are in limbo and awaiting test results and a diagnosis, try not to catastrophise. Often our worst enemy is between our ears. We can focus on the many negative outcomes and sap the joys of living today right out of our lives. 

Distract yourself

There is absolutely no point in brooding. Carry on living your life, one day at a time. You only ever have to get through the next 24 hours and, if that seems too much to ask, then try and get through the next hour without ruminating. 

See your friends and family. Get out and about. If you are too unwell to leave your home, invite a few people to visit and tell them you can only manage short visits for now. This is the time for practising extreme self-care. This is not selfish; it is common sense.

Tips for coping when ill abroad

• Do not isolate – you will feel worse if you do
• Seek help as soon as your instincts tell you there is something amiss
• Accept offers of support
• Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions
• Live in the next 24 hours – at least until you have a diagnosis
• Avoid 'Dr Google' – a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!

Have you had to cope with ill-health in France? If so, send me an email at cynthia@connexionfrance.com, and share how you got through the challenges.