Health and emergencies on the islands: what to plan for
Medical services are limited on the smaller islands. Here is how to plan ahead, what to pack, and which numbers to call in an emergency.
In short
- Larger islands (Belle-Île, Yeu, Ouessant, Groix) usually have a pharmacy and a doctor; the smallest have little or none.
- Bring enough of your own medication, your prescriptions and a small first-aid kit.
- In an emergency, dial 15, 112 or, at sea, 196 — serious cases may be evacuated to the mainland.
Emergency numbers
- 15 — SAMU (medical emergencies)
- 18 — Fire brigade (pompiers)
- 112 — European emergency number
- 196 — Sea rescue (CROSS)
- 114 — Emergencies by text message (for deaf or hard-of-hearing people)
These numbers are free and work across France, from land or sea.
Care is limited — anticipate before you leave
The Îles du Ponant are peaceful places, but they are also remote. Medical services follow the size of the island: the larger ones — Belle-Île-en-Mer, Île d'Yeu, Ouessant and Île de Groix — generally have a pharmacy and one or more doctors. On the smallest islands (Molène, Sein, Houat, Hoëdic, the Glénan), provision is very limited or non-existent. The golden rule: prepare as if there were nothing on the spot, and confirm what is available with the mairie or tourist office before travelling.
Health services, island by island
| Type of island | Pharmacy / doctor | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Larger islands (Belle-Île, Yeu, Ouessant, Groix) | Generally available | Bring your usual medication anyway; opening hours are limited |
| Mid-sized islands (Batz, Bréhat, Île aux Moines, Île d'Arz) | Sometimes limited or seasonal | Check before leaving; carry a first-aid kit |
| Smallest islands (Molène, Sein, Houat, Hoëdic, Glénan, Chausey, Aix) | Little or none | Be fully self-sufficient; care may mean a return to the mainland |
Provision changes with the seasons and the years. Always confirm with the mairie or the office de tourisme.
What to pack: a small health kit
- Enough of your regular medication for the whole stay, plus a couple of spare days
- Your prescriptions (ordonnances) and your Carte Vitale or health-insurance card
- A small first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, compresses, painkillers, anti-seasickness tablets
- Sun protection: high-SPF cream, hat, sunglasses — the sea reflects and intensifies UV
- Tick protection for walks in the heath and undergrowth, and a tick remover
- A charged phone and, ideally, a power bank
Serious cases mean evacuation
On an island, a serious emergency can require evacuation to the mainland — by SNSM lifeboat or by helicopter — which takes time. This is another reason to anticipate: carry your medication, know the emergency numbers, and don't set off alone for a long walk without telling anyone.
Mobile coverage and staying reachable
Mobile coverage can be uneven across the islands, especially near the coast or in sheltered dips. Don't assume you will always have a signal. Note down useful information in advance, tell someone your plans for the day, and keep your phone charged. In a true emergency, 112 will try to connect through any available network.
For everything else about island life — getting around, services and good habits — see our guide on getting around the islands.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a doctor and a pharmacy on the islands?
It depends on the size of the island. Larger islands such as Belle-Île, Yeu, Ouessant and Groix generally have a pharmacy and one or more doctors. On the smallest islands, provision is very limited or non-existent: pack what you need before leaving and check with the town hall (mairie) or tourist office.
What should I do in a medical emergency on an island?
Call 15 (SAMU) or 112. For an accident at sea, dial 196 (CROSS). Depending on severity, care may require evacuation to the mainland by SNSM lifeboat or helicopter. Keep your phone charged and give your exact location.
Which emergency numbers should I call?
15 for the SAMU (medical emergencies), 18 for the fire brigade, 112 as the European emergency number, 196 for sea rescue (CROSS) and 114 to reach emergency services by text message if you are deaf or hard of hearing. These numbers are free and work everywhere.
Is there good mobile coverage on the islands?
Coverage can be patchy depending on the island and the spot, especially along the coast or in dips. Don't rely on a perfect connection: note down useful information in advance and let your family know your itinerary.