Frequently asked questions
What is a subsidised cure?
An approved spa treatment is a medical prescription that is reimbursed by Social Security. This natural treatment is used as a complement or alternative to conventional medical treatment. With an official duration of 18 days, the approved cure differs from the free cure, health stays and thalassotherapy, which are not reimbursed.
What is the purpose of a cure?
A spa cure is a natural treatment for chronic illnesses. In the case of a spa treatment that is not covered by a convention, and therefore not prescribed by a doctor, it is also an opportunity to recharge your batteries and take advantage of spa treatments with a wide range of properties. The steps you need to take to have a spa treatment, whether free or not, are different and depend on your situation.
Who is a spa treatment intended for?
A spa cure is prescribed by the doctor treating you, mainly in the case of chronic illnesses in adults and children. It is a natural alternative to chemical treatments, which are sometimes unsuitable for certain patients. Self-care spa treatments can also have preventive health benefits.
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
The deposit is used to block the booking for the spa treatment. They will only be returned if the organisation refuses to cover the cost.
When should I make my request for reimbursement?
Applications should preferably be made at the beginning of the year. Please note that applications issued in September, October and November are only valid for the 1st quarter of the following year (cure start date no later than 31 March).
Approvals issued in December are normally valid for the following year, but it is preferable that the approval is for the current year to avoid any problems.
When should I book my spa treatment?
We advise you to book your spa treatment as soon as possible, so that we can give you a satisfactory date and time for your treatment.
How long does a spa treatment last?
You are entitled to 18 days' compulsory consecutive treatment. It runs from Monday to Saturday and also on public holidays. No treatments are given on Sundays.
Any interruption to a cure must be justified.
What is a dual-orientation spa cure?
A "double orientation" spa cure allows you to treat two major pathologies at the same time (e.g. rheumatology and ENT), giving you 72 treatments (1st orientation) + 36 treatments (2nd orientation) spread over 18 days of treatment.
When prescribing treatment and filling in the treatment request form, your GP must specify which treatments you have chosen: the main treatment and/or the secondary treatment, as well as the chosen resort. The form cannot be amended at a later date if you discover an error.
If you are on long-term sick leave and the cure is related to your illness, your GP must indicate this on the form. If this has not been done, you will have to pay the co-payment on arrival.
How do I find a spa doctor?
The spa doctor is your doctor of reference at the spa. A list of doctors is provided by our establishment so that you can choose from the doctors listed below:
- Dr MARTIN Nicolas
General Practitioner - Centre Thermal - 1 bis place des Bains - 52400 Bourbonne-les-Bains - Tel : 06 80 01 72 87 - Dr WILLCOX Nadine
Osteopathic Thermal Doctor - Cabinet de médecine thermale Le Clocheton - 30 rue Amiral Pierre - 52400 Bourbonne-les-Bains - Tel: 03 25 90 02 21 - Dr VIERLING Catherine
General practitioner - Cabinet de médecine thermale Le Clocheton - 30 rue Amiral Pierre - 52400 Bourbonne-les-Bains - Tel : 03 25 90 02 21
What should I bring when I arrive for my spa treatment?
1 swimming costume: For women, all one-piece or two-piece swimming costumes are permitted, but we strongly advise you to choose hard-wearing swimming costumes. Men are not allowed to wear baggy shorts. We therefore recommend that you wear boxer shorts or swimming trunks. No treatment will be given if you do not have your swimming costume, unless our carers agree.
1 pair of non-slip sandals for spa use only: The spa floor is often wet, so for safety reasons, non-slip sandals are compulsory. In addition, these sandals must be used exclusively for spa treatments. As a reminder, you will be given a bathrobe and a towel when you enter the spa, which you can change for your own comfort. At the end of your day of treatment, we remind you that the towels and bathrobes provided for you must be returned to us in the areas provided for this purpose, so that they can be washed, in accordance with the regulations.
Your CPAM agreement to cover the cost of your spa treatment
It is essential to provide us with this document in order to benefit from the Tiers Payant scheme. If you are unable to provide us with this document during the administrative formalities for admission to the spa, we will be obliged to ask you to pay the full spa package.
You will be asked to pay the balance of your treatment on arrival.
If you are covered by complementary health insurance (ex CMU) or ACS (aide pour une complémentaire santé), you will need to present a copy of your certificate with your bill.
If you are covered by complementary health insurance (ex CMU), you will not have to pay anything. If you are covered by ACS, you will have to pay the co-payment on arrival.
Can I choose my treatment times?
Spa treatments are provided every day, including public holidays, except Sundays.
The schedule of treatment times is based on availability, but we can take your preferences into account and do our utmost to accommodate you.
How long does a treatment last?
The duration of a spa treatment varies: it generally lasts between 3 and 20 minutes. The average daily treatment lasts 1 hour, depending on the number of treatments prescribed by the spa doctor.
If a treatment does not suit you, only the spa doctor can change the prescription. He will have to change the prescription and you will have to go to reception so that we can replace the treatment.
Can I start my spa treatment if I haven't seen the spa doctor?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to treat you without a prescription, so as not to give you treatments that may not be suitable for you, depending on your condition. It is essential that you see a spa doctor before you start your cure, as it is the doctor who will prescribe your treatment.
Does my spa treatment have to start on a Monday?
No, you can start your cure from Monday to Saturday. Be aware of public holidays, and make sure that the spa doctor will be able to see you for the 1st visit.
What is the co-payment?
Your section 2 of your health insurance form enables us to calculate the remaining cost of your treatment. The co-payment varies according to your rate of reimbursement, so the amount may be different depending on the rate of your reimbursement and the package of treatment prescribed by the doctor. Your mutual insurance company may cover this co-payment. Don't forget to contact them to find out how you will be reimbursed.
Can a spa treatment be interrupted?
The normal duration of a health cure covered by the Health Insurance Fund is eighteen days. The cure may be interrupted for all sorts of reasons, but only three circumstances may give rise to reimbursement by the Health Insurance Fund, in proportion to the duration of the cure completed:
- in the event of force majeure (a death in the family, for example)
- in the event of suspension of the spa establishment's activity
- if the cure is interrupted for medical reasons (attested by a medical certificate issued by the spa doctor only). In the event of hospitalisation, the status report is sufficient).
A cure interrupted for any other reason will not be reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie and you will be asked to pay for your cure in full.
How do I find accommodation during the spa treatment?
Various types of accommodation are available, including hotels, camping sites and furnished accommodation. A guide from the Bourbonne-les-Bains Tourist Office lists all the different types of accommodation.
