Requesting a carte vitale for a foreigner: information and steps 

What is the carte vitale? 

The carte vitale is a document issued in the form of a green colour credit card. It's a social insurance card certifying affiliation and health insurance rights. It allows insured parties, whether French or foreign, to be automatically reimbursed after consulting a healthcare professional. 

With a microchip holding all necessary administrative information to cover healthcare expenses, the carte vitale is free for French citizens and foreigners who have rights. 

Among the information contained on the carte vitale is: 

• The identity of the insured party 

• The social security or matriculation number

• The affiliation regime (independent, employed, retired, etc.) 

• The health insurance company providing coverage, etc. 

At the time of a consultation, an electronic care form (FSE) is issued by data transmission directly to the health insurance company. In general, the reimbursement for the care occurs in the 5 days following the appointment. The carte vitale allows considerable time savings. 

Please note: The small green card does not allow full reimbursement for healthcare. Only the part covered by social security is paid. In case of signing up with an insurance company, the care forms are transferred directly to your organisation to implement the reimbursement of the insurance company afterwards.

The carte vitale also allows your attending physician to be declared, access to care received in the last 12 months, issue of sick leave, etc.

What are the conditions for obtaining a carte vitale as a foreigner?

It's possible for European and non-European foreigners to obtain a carte vitale if certain conditions are fulfilled. The request for a carte vitale differs depending on whether or not the person requesting it is a European citizen. 

Let's see the different specific cases for obtaining a carte vitale as a European and non-European foreigner. 

Requesting the carte vitale for a European foreigner

Have you have just arrived in the French territory and are wondering how to request a carte vitale? If you are a citizen of the European Union, you can already request your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid for one year. While waiting to obtain your carte vitale, this document allows you to be covered in case of accident or illness, without advance fees. Consider requesting it 2 weeks before your departure for France. 

But how do you obtain a carte vitale for a European foreigner? There are several solutions: 

• Requesting affiliation based on activity (or salary): to do so, it is necessary to complete form S1106 or form E104 and to attach a copy of your passport, an original birth certificate or certified copy, a copy of your employment contract, ideally a first payslip, as well as a French bank statement on which your name appears.

• Requesting affiliation based on residence. You don't work, but wish to know how to obtain your carte vitale for the first time as a resident? You must provide certification of being retired, a job seeker, or, for example, family reunification. It is necessary to make the request using form S1. This European form requires the same documents as for affiliation based on activity. 

Do you have a question about the steps to take to request your carte vitale for foreigners? It is recommended to contact the CPAM on which you depend, located in the department where you live. 

Requesting the carte vitale for a non-European foreigner

Due to universal sickness coverage (PUMa), all persons with stable and continuous employment or residence in France for a period of over three months have the right to benefit from coverage of healthcare fees. This is universal sickness coverage. It is necessary to make the request using form S1106 and to attach the following documents:

• Proof of legal residence in France, such as a residence permit or visa 

• Copy of your passport

• Copy of your birth certificate translated by a professional sworn translator

• a RIB (bank statement)

• Proof of residence, demonstrating residence in France for over 3 months, if you're not employed 

• Copy of the employment contract, or payslip.

Do you still have questions about the steps to take to obtain a smart health card as a foreigner? The Ameli health insurance website can answer specific cases. 

Requesting the carte vitale for French citizens living abroad

Do you wish to live outside of France? In order to benefit from reimbursement for your medical care in your new country of residence, you can request document S1 from your CPAM located in France. This must then be sent to the official insurance body of your country of residence. 

Situations may differ depending on your status abroad, with the following specific cases: 

• Posted worker abroad 

• Expatriate worker abroad 

• Student abroad 

• Job seeker abroad

• Retired abroad 

How to obtain a carte vitale with a residence permit? 

Are you a non-European national and wondering how to obtain a smart health card for a foreigner with a residence permit? If you're legally residing in France, and have the documents proving this (residence card, residence or work authorisation, residence permit, residence certification, etc.), you can visit your nearest health insurance company. 

How to update your carte vitale? 

You must update your carte vitale each year, even if it is a carte vitale for foreigners. 

Most pharmacies authorise the update of the carte vitale. In a situation where you are a European or non-European national residing in France, your health insurance company reserves the right to verify your documents certifying your residence, or your employment situation in France. 

How to renew your carte vitale in case of theft or loss? 

If you have a carte vitale for foreigners or a heath smart card for French citizens, the process for renewal in case of loss or theft is similar. Firstly, notify your health insurance company. This can be carried out from your online personal space, by telephone, by post, or directly by visiting your nearest branch. Documents proving your identity and your insurance number will be requested. If your carte vitale is faulty, the process is similar.

You now have all the information you need to request your carte vitale for foreigners. WorldRemit is there to guide you! Discover our other articles for foreigners residing in France or French citizens living abroad!

This article has been provided for informational purposes. It may not be considered as legal or financial advice. If you require financial or legal advice, consult an advisor or specialised lawyer.