How to get a carte Vitale as a UK or US citizen in France

One of the key formalities to complete when you move to France as a UK or US citizen will be applying to get a carte Vitale. 

The carte Vitale is a green and yellow plastic card containing a microchip linked to the user’s information and entitlement data in the French health insurance system.

It makes healthcare reimbursements easy as all the necessary details are stored on the carte Vitale. 

When you visit a doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider, they just swipe this card to make the reimbursement.

Create an Ameli account online first

To get a carte Vitale as a UK or US citizen, you first need to have applied for and received your definitive social security number. 

The next step is to create your own personal account on the Ameli website. This is the online platform for France’s health insurance system.

Enter your surname, your social security number, your date of birth and your postcode in France to start the process of opening your account. 

If you encounter any errors you can call the English speaking Cpam helpline on  3646 (in French) or 09 74 75 36 46 (in English) for assistance.

Apply for a carte Vitale online 

Once you are set up with your Ameli account, it is easy to apply for your carte Vitale from here. 

On your main account screen, click on Mes démarches followed by Commander une carte Vitale. 

Next you will need to select the beneficiary, that is to say you, and then double check that all your personal details are correct. 

Now you can upload a digital passport-style ID photo of yourself as well as a scan of an ID document. 

Finally, you are asked to validate all the details and then you can submit your carte Vitale request. It should take around two weeks to receive your card using this method.

Use a paper form to apply for a carte Vitale

As a UK or US citizen newly registered for a French social security number, you may well receive a paper form in the post to apply for a carte Vitale. 

If you prefer using paper to applying online, complete the ‘Ma nouvelle carte Vitale’ form and attach a photo as requested. 

You will also need to send in a copy of your ID document then return everything in the prepaid envelope. 

You should expect to receive your card in around three weeks.

Use the Ameli app to get a carte Vitale

Another way to apply for your carte Vitale is by using the Ameli app for iOS or Android. Follow the same steps as above for applying online to make your request.

Carte Vitale for children of UK and US citizens

Up until 15 years of age, children born abroad of UK and US citizens can be attached to their parents’ cards. 

Once you have received your own carte Vitale, as a parent you can complete the process by filling in this form to request your child be attached to one or both of your cards. 

You can then use your own carte Vitale for your child when taking them to see a healthcare provider.

Parents can order a separate carte Vitale for their child from the age of 15. 

If they do not already have one then at the age of 16, children will be sent a form so they can apply to be registered in the health insurance system and receive a carte Vitale in their own right.