What does a Carte Vitale do?
The carte Vitale is a card with an embedded microchip that certifies entitlement to health insurance. It is issued to all persons aged 16 and over and contains all of the administrative information the patient’s health insurance fund needs in order to reimburse their healthcare expenses.
Who is eligible for a Carte Vitale in France?
Who is Eligible for a Carte Vitale? Anyone who has been legally resident in France for three months or more is eligible for a Carte Vitale. There are different pathways to joining the health service depending on whether you are working or self-employed, or retired.
How long does it take for CPAM to reimburse?
When you use it, there is no need to file a reimbursement claim (“feuille de soins”) by mail: you will be reimbursed within 5 days. If you have submitted an official banking information slip (RIB) to your local health insurance fund (CPAM), your reimbursement will be transferred to your bank account.
What does a Carte Vitale look like?
The Carte Vitale is an actual physical green coloured card with your photo, full name, French social security number and a chip. You use this card to identify yourself at every health-related occasion.
How do I claim back medical expenses from France?
You need to apply for reimbursement of your costs to the local office of the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance-Maladie (CPAM). You can do so by visiting them direct, or sending them the paperwork. The contact details of your local CPAM should be in the French yellow pages, the pages jaunes, or ask at the local mairie.
How much does Carte Vitale reimburse?
If the medication is determined to be “a major or important medical service”, such as antibiotics, then you get 65 percent back. Drugs that have only “moderate” medical benefits and homeopathic remedies are reimbursed at 30 per cent. While drugs that have only “low” medical value are reimbursed at 15 percent.
Is my French social security number on my Carte Vitale?
Your French social security number (numéro de sécurité sociale) is created automatically when you apply for the health insurance and then you get a Carte Vitale. They belong together.
What is Carte Vitale number?