To answer quickly, no, the carte vitale cannot be used abroad, it can only be used in France. However, there are other solutions that allow you to benefit from reimbursements of your healthcare costs abroad, whether you’re on vacation or expatriate. EHIC, international insurance and other social security systems abroad: we take a look at all the solutions available.
Why can’t I use my carte vitale abroad?
The carte vitale certifies your membership and entitlement to French health insurance. As a social security card, it entitles you to reimbursement of your healthcare costs, in France only. When you go on vacation or on a temporary stay in a foreign country, whether an EU member or not, you are still attached to
your primary health insurance scheme. However, you can only be reimbursed for necessary medical expenses incurred in the country concerned if you are in an EU member state and have an EHIC. If you go to live and work abroad, you are considered an expatriate and are no longer covered by the French social security system. You will no longer be covered by the French social security system: you will be obliged to join the scheme of the country to which you are moving. Your rights depend on your new country of residence and your status. We therefore recommend that you return your carte vitale to your health insurance fund. However, there are a number of ways in which you can take advantage of coverage when you move to a foreign country.
What is the EHIC?
As we told you, for a temporary stay in Europe (vacation, work or language study), you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card, also known by the acronym EHIC, which certifies your entitlement to primary insurance. Social security is coordinated between EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The EHIC enables you to have your medical expenses covered in accordance with the legislation in force in the country you are visiting. The EHIC provides you with health cover for necessary medical treatment, in line with current legislation and formalities, in EU member countries during temporary stays. Please note: whether or not you have to pay in advance depends on the country of destination, and the legislation and formalities in force in that country.
The European Health Insurance Card only
covers treatment required during your stay.
How do I get one?
To obtain the card, simply apply to your local health insurance office. It is advisable to apply at least 15 days before your departure. The EHIC is individual and nominative.
If you’re going away as a family, each member of the family must apply (even children under 16). No other documents are required. It is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Focus on other reimbursement options abroad
If you’re moving to a country outside the European Union, or if you’re moving abroad as part of an expatriation program, neither the carte vitale nor the EHIC will work. To benefit from health coverage and reimbursements, you’ll need to take out private health insurance with international coverage, or join the social security system of your country of expatriation or destination (if possible, and if your visa permits).
Can you benefit from the social protection system in a foreign country?
Many parts of the world, both European and international, have a social protection system, a social security organization. Not everyone can take advantage of it, however, as it mainly depends on your visa and status in the country, and not all systems are comparable to our French system. For temporary stays and tourist visas, you won’t be able to benefit from it. If your visa and your situation allow it, we advise you to join the scheme of the country in which you are working. Ask your employer or the appropriate people about the health insurance organization in force. As we said, very few systems are comparable to our French system. And whether or not you are eligible, we recommend that you contact an international insurance company to find out about complementary international health insurance. Whether you’re simply going on vacation abroad, or you’re an expatriate.
International health insurance
As there are complementary health insurance plans in France, which reimburse health expenses in addition to medical insurance, you can take out
international health insurance before you leave for a trip abroad. There are both international health insurance plans and travel insurance plans (the difference being in terms of coverage). Visit Santexpat.fr to find out which insurance company is best suited to your situation and destination country. Our team of insurance experts will make you the best proposals.
To find out more
For more information, you can contact the Centre des liaisons européennes et internationales de sécurité sociale, or CLEISS. This liaison center is responsible for providing information on social protection in the context of international mobility. It will provide you with all the information you need, whatever your country of destination
