Carte Vitale: The French Green Card for Healthcare

For expats in France and foreigners living in the country, understanding the French healthcare system is essential. One of the key components of this system is the Carte Vitale, a personal and confidential card that simplifies access to healthcare services. This article will explore what the Carte Vitale is, how it works, and how expats and foreigners in France can obtain their first card

Carte Vitale The French Green Card for Healthcare

What is the carte vitale?

The Carte Vitale is a smart card issued by the French Assurance Maladie (Health Insurance). It stores essential information about the cardholder’s health coverage and facilitates electronic billing for medical care.

With the Carte Vitale, you no longer need to send paper reimbursement forms for your healthcare expenses. Instead, healthcare professionals directly transmit the information to your insurance provider, ensuring faster reimbursements—usually within a week. The card also allows for tiers payant, which means you may not need to pay upfront for some medical expenses.

The Carte Vitale is personal, secure, and free. An electronic version of the card is also being gradually introduced via a mobile application, which will be available nationwide by December 31, 2025.

Information contained in the carte vitale

The physical Carte Vitale contains important information, such as:

  • Your social security number.
  • Your photo (if issued after 2007).
  • Your postal or electronic address.
  • Details about your health insurance coverage.

Additionally, it may include:

  • Information about your designated primary care doctor.
  • Details of any supplementary health insurance (mutuelle).
  • Information related to work-related accidents and occupational diseases.

Benefits of the carte vitale

  • Streamlined billing: Healthcare professionals use the card to create electronic care sheets, eliminating the need for paper forms.
  • Faster reimbursements: Reimbursements are typically processed within one week.
  • Cost savings: In some cases, the Carte Vitale allows you to access care without upfront payment through tiers payant.
  • Comprehensive coverage: The card is valid throughout France, including overseas territories (DROM-COM).

Who can obtain a carte vitale?

To be eligible for a Carte Vitale, you need to have a social security number in France. Foreigners, including both European and non-European citizens, can apply for the Carte Vitale if they meet certain criteria.

European citizens

European Union (EU) citizens can obtain a Carte Vitale if they:

  • Have a stable residence in France.

To prove residency stability, European nationals must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Receive specific benefits such as family allowances, housing aid, or RSA (income support).
  • Be enrolled in an educational institution or participate in an internship through cultural or scientific cooperation agreements.
  • Return to France after international volunteer service.
  • Join a family member who resides or works in France.
  • Be recognised as a refugee or asylum seeker.
  • Be a minor or under 21 years old in care under child welfare or judicial protection.
  • Provide documents proving a residence in France for over three months.

Non-European citizens

Non-European citizens can also obtain a Carte Vitale under France’s Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) system. To qualify, they must:

  • Reside continuously in France for at least three months at the time of the request

Similar conditions apply as for European nationals, including eligibility through family reunification, educational enrolment, or refugee status.

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How to apply for your first carte vitale?

Obtaining your first Carte Vitale is straightforward. Applications can be submitted online or by mail through the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).

Applying online through Ameli

The easiest and fastest way to request a Carte Vitale is through your Ameli account (the official platform for health insurance in France). Here are the steps:

  1. Log in: Access your Ameli account and navigate to Mes Démarches > Ma Carte Vitale > Commander ma carte Vitale.
  2. Select the assured party: Choose the individual for whom the card is being requested.
  3. Verify information: Check your personal details, including civil status, address, and email.
  4. Upload required documents: Provide a digitised ID photo and a valid identity document.
  5. Confirm and submit: Review your information and validate the request.

Once submitted, the request is processed by Assurance Maladie. You should receive your Carte Vitale within two weeks, along with a paper copy of your healthcare information. Keep this document as a backup.

Applying by mail

If you prefer the traditional method, you can apply by mail. Typically, Assurance Maladie contacts individuals turning 16 and sends the necessary form to request the card. Follow these steps if you receive the form:

  1. Verify information: Ensure the information on the form is correct. Do not make corrections directly on the form—instead, contact CPAM if any details are incorrect.
  2. Attach Required Documents: Include a colour passport-sized photo and a photocopy of a valid identity document.
  3. Mail the Application: Send the completed form using the pre-addressed envelope provided. Ensure you affix the correct postage.

You should receive your Carte Vitale within approximately three weeks.

Important tips for expats and foreigners in France

  • Keep Your Information Updated: Ensure that your personal and insurance details are accurate by regularly reviewing your Ameli account.
  • Beware of Scams: The Carte Vitale is free. If someone asks for payment to issue or replace your card, it is a scam. More on this here.
  • Backup Your Information: Keep the paper copy of your healthcare information in a safe place in case you lose your card.

To wrap it all up

The Carte Vitale is a crucial tool for accessing healthcare in France. It simplifies the reimbursement process, provides faster access to care, and is essential for expats and foreigners living in France. By understanding how to obtain and use this card, you can navigate the French healthcare system with confidence and peace of mind. 

Are you ready to take the next step? Register to one of our upcoming webinars, check out our resources on the blog, or book a consultation call where our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.