Registering with the state health insurance system or “sécurité sociale”
If you have stable employment or residence in France, you are entitled to cover for your health…
The “carte vitale” is a healthcare card that ensures your healthcare expenses are easily reimbursed in France. It is free or charge. You can apply for one as soon as you have registered with the state health insurance system known as the “Protection universelle maladie”, also referred to as “sécurité sociale” or social security.
Verified by Comede on 31/05/2023
The “carte vitale” simplifies healthcare cover and reimbursements. You can present this card at doctor’s appointments and at the pharmacy to have your healthcare expenses reimbursed. It is valid everywhere in France.
With the “carte vitale”, payment information is transmitted electronically to the organisation that manages your health insurance entitlements, known as the “caisse d’assurance maladie”. You will be reimbursed directly to your bank account, without you having to send any documents.
You must be registered in the state health insurance system called “Protection universelle maladie”, also known as social security or “sécurité sociale”.
You can apply for a “carte vitale” as soon as you receive your personal number known as your social security number or “numéro de sécurité sociale”.
There are two ways to apply for a “carte vitale”, either online or by post.
Log into your ameli.fr account and select “Mes démarches > Commander une carte vitale”, and follow the instructions.
Before completing the application, you will need to upload a scanned identity photo and an identity document.
You should have received an application form entitled “Ma nouvelle carte vitale” when you were enrolled in the “Protection universelle maladie” universal health insurance scheme, also known as social security or “sécurité sociale”.
To apply:
You will receive the “carte vitale” within approximately two weeks if you apply online, and three weeks if you apply by post.
Make sure that the information on the card is correct. If there is any error, report it to your “caisse d’assurance maladie”.
A few things to keep in mind once you have received your “carte vitale”:
In France, there are many services that can support you, give you advice, and assist you with procedures and paperwork. Most of them are free of charge.
“Comede” is an organisation that helps immigrants and refugees to have access to health care.
The "PIMMS Médiation" are organisations that inform, guide or support in administrative procedures in many areas: access to public services, access to health care, applications for state financial assistance, tax declarations, declarations to “Pôle Emploi”, etc.
Social workers or “travailleurs sociaux” and “assistants sociaux” are professionals who support people in their administrative procedures and help them find solutions according to the difficulties they are faced with.
While the utmost care has gone into providing you with the most accurate and up to date information, this page is not intended to replace legal or professional advice. Laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult qualified professionals.
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