The Carte Vitale is an essential component of the French healthcare system. This guide will walk you through the process of getting your Carte Vitale in three main steps:

  1. Apply for Assurance Maladie to get a permanent social security number
  2. Create your Ameli account
  3. Order your Carte Vitale

Step 1: Apply for Assurance Maladie

When to Apply

If you’re moving to France from the United States, you’ll need private health insurance for the first three months. You can contact one of our partners, FabFrenchInsurance, for a quote. After the first three months, you must register with the French healthcare system, as all residents are required by law to be covered by Assurance Maladie.

Note: If you’re working in France, your employer will handle the enrollment process, and the three-month waiting period doesn’t apply.

How to Apply

For non-working individuals:

  1. Fill out the “Demande d’ouverture des droits à l’Assurance Maladie” form (Cerfa #15763*02)
  2. Mail the form to your local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM or health insurance fund)

Required Documents

  • Copy of your passport
  • Proof of legal residency in France
  • U.S. birth certificate (check if translation is needed)
  • Proof of stable residency (justificatif de domicile) for the past three months
  • For children under 18: “Demande de rattachement des enfants mineurs” form, copy of passport, and birth certificate
  • RIB (French bank account information) for reimbursements

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Obtaining Your Social Security Number

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a temporary French social security number. This allows you to be reimbursed for medical expenses, but you’ll need to mail your “feuille de soins” to your local CPAM until you receive your Carte Vitale.

Step 2: Create Your Ameli Account

Once you have your permanent social security number:

  1. Go to the Ameli website and click Créer un compte [Create an account]
  2. Fill out your personal information, including your social security number
  3. If you encounter an error, contact the CPAM English helpline (09 74 75 36 46) for assistance

Step 3: Apply for Carte Vitale

Online Application

  1. Log into your Ameli account
  2. Go to “Mes démarches” > “Commander une carte Vitale”
  3. Submit a photo and proof of ID
  4. Your card should arrive by mail within two weeks

Mail Application

  1. Use the “Ma nouvelle Carte Vitale” form (sent after receiving your permanent social security number)
  2. Verify your personal information and attach a photo
  3. Send a copy of your ID with the form in the provided envelope
  4. Expect to receive your card within 3 weeks

After Receiving Your Carte Vitale

  • Update your Carte Vitale regularly, at least once a year
  • Update after changing your médecin traitant or mutuelle
  • Most pharmacies have machines to update your card

Additional Information

  • Consider getting a top-up insurance (mutuelle) for better coverage
  • The French social security number (NIR) is a 13-digit number used primarily for healthcare and some government agencies
  • While waiting for your Carte Vitale, you can use the “attestation de Carte Vitale” as proof of coverage

By following these steps, you’ll successfully navigate the process of obtaining your carte Vitale and integrating into the French healthcare system. Remember to keep your information up-to-date and consider additional coverage options to ensure comprehensive health protection during your stay in France.