For English Speakers Living in France
If you’re an expat or English speaker navigating the French healthcare system, you’ve probably heard about the digital Carte Vitale. It’s one of the biggest updates to French healthcare in years — but with new information comes confusion.
This guide explains everything clearly and simply:
what it is, how it works, who can get it, how to activate it, and what it means for you.
What Is the Digital Carte Vitale?
The digital Carte Vitale is the smartphone version of France’s green health insurance card.
Instead of handing over a plastic card, you can show a QR code or tap your phone with NFC when visiting a doctor, pharmacy, lab, or hospital.
Quick facts:
It’s official and issued by Assurance Maladie
It’s secure and protected under GDPR
It works alongside your physical card — it’s not a full replacement yet
It’s available on Android (9+) and iPhone (iOS 16+)
Good to know: You should still carry your physical card for now, because not all healthcare providers have the scanning equipment.
Who Can Use the Digital Carte Vitale?
You’re eligible if you are:
Insured under Assurance Maladie, MSA, or MGEN
Generally 16 years or older
Using a compatible smartphone
Living in a department where the service is already deployed (nationwide rollout expected by autumn 2025)
If you already have an ameli account, you’re halfway there.
How to Activate the Digital Carte Vitale
There are two ways to activate it, and which one you use depends on whether you have the new electronic French ID card.
✅ 1) If You Have the New Electronic ID (CNIe)
This is the fastest and smoothest method.
You will:
Download France Identité
Download the Carte Vitale app
Scan your electronic ID
Confirm your identity using NFC
Create your 6-digit security code
Activation takes just a few minutes.
✅ 2) If You Don’t Have a CNIe
No worries — you can still activate your digital card using video verification.
You will:
Record a short selfie video
Show your identity document
Wait for identity verification (usually within 24–48 hours)
This option is rolling out across France, so availability may vary by department.
How to Use the Digital Carte Vitale
Using it is simple:
Open the Carte Vitale app
Unlock it with your 6-digit code
Show your QR code, OR
Tap your phone on the healthcare provider’s NFC reader
It works at:
Doctors
Pharmacies
Dentists
Hospitals
Labs
Radiology centres
But remember: not everyone is equipped yet, so keep your physical card with you just in case.
Benefits for English Speakers in France
Moving to France is wonderful — but understanding the healthcare system can feel overwhelming.
The digital Carte Vitale makes life noticeably easier.
Here’s how:
You always have it on you — it lives on your phone
Your rights update automatically
You can check your reimbursements anytime
Less paperwork and fewer lost documents
Still works even if your physical card is lost or stolen
Perfect for people who are still learning how the system works
For many expats, the digital version is simply more intuitive and closer to what they’re used to back home.
Is the Digital Carte Vitale Secure?
Yes — extremely.
It uses:
Phone lock + personal 6-digit code
Verified identity (through France Identité or video check)
No storage of medical history
GDPR-compliant data security
Official apps only (App Store / Google Play)
If your phone is lost or stolen, your health information cannot be accessed.
Common Questions
Do I still need my physical Carte Vitale?
Yes — for now. Not all healthcare providers have QR or NFC scanners.
Can I use it outside France?
No. The digital card works only in France.
Does it include my mutuelle?
Not yet. Integration with complementary insurance is planned for the future.
Can two people use the app on one phone?
No. One person = one phone.
Need Help Activating Your Digital Carte Vitale?
Hello Santé specialises in helping English speakers in France understand and navigate the healthcare system.
We can support you with:
Setting up your ameli account
Checking whether your department is eligible
Step-by-step activation
Troubleshooting video verification
Using the app with healthcare professionals
Understanding reimbursements and claims
If you want personal guidance, just reach out — we’re here to make French healthcare clear, calm and stress-free.
FAQ's
❓ What is the digital Carte Vitale?
It’s the smartphone version of the green health insurance card used in France.
❓ Does it replace the physical card?
Not yet — you should keep your physical card as backup.
❓ Who can download it?
Adults insured with Assurance Maladie, MSA, or MGEN, using a compatible smartphone.
❓ How do I activate it?
Either with the France Identité app (if you have a CNIe) or with video identity verification.
❓ Is it secure?
Yes. It uses phone security + a personal code and does not store medical history.
❓ Can I use it in pharmacies?
Yes — if the pharmacy has QR or NFC scanning equipment.
❓ Does it show my mutuelle?
Not yet, but integration is planned.
❓ Can Hello Santé help me set it up?
Absolutely. We offer step-by-step support in English.