There’s no such thing as an international carte vitale or carte sécu, which can raise questions about how to get the right cover abroad. You have two options for obtaininghealth cover when traveling abroad: either apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or take out international health or travel insurance. The latter solution guarantees you adequate protection, whatever the country you’re traveling to or expatriating to.
French health insurance when traveling abroad
French health insurance when traveling abroad The carte vitale (French national health insurance card) certifies your membership of your health insurance fund, and justifies your entitlement to healthcare and reimbursement. Thanks to this card, you don’t need to pay in advance for your healthcare costs in France, in public hospitals or with healthcare professionals: they are covered by your insurance fund (within the limits of reimbursements).
So what should you do if you’re traveling abroad to take advantage of health cover? You can apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which entitles you to coverage and reimbursements in member countries of the European Economic Area*, or you can take out international health insurance (or travel insurance).
How do I obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) certifies your entitlement to French social security cover abroad, enabling you to benefit from reimbursement of your medical expenses in Europe. It guarantees reimbursement of necessary treatment in the event of unforeseen illness or accident in a member country of the European Union or the European Economic Area*. Thanks to this card, you have access to the public healthcare system without having to deal with the local authorities beforehand. Treatment is provided on presentation of the EHIC, under the same conditions and at the same rates as those applicable to insured persons in the country concerned.
This card also covers chronic or pre-existing illnesses, as well as pregnancy and childbirth, provided that the purpose of your trip is not to receive treatment. Please note that the EHIC, like the international health card, applies only to temporary stays, whether for vacation, work or study.
Procedure for obtaining your EHIC
If you have an Ameli account, you can apply for your EHIC online. Log in to your personal space, go to “My procedures” and select “Order a European Health Insurance Card”. You’ll receive your card at home within 10 days. In the meantime, you can download and print a provisional certificate, which certifies your entitlement in the same way as the EHIC.
If you have any questions, you can also contact your caisse primaire d’assurance maladie on 3646 for information on the necessary steps.
How do you get your healthcare costs reimbursed?
On presentation of your card, health establishments or professionals will explain the procedures to you. Normally, the EHIC works in the same way as the carte vitale. However, if you have not requested reimbursement of your medical expenses during your stay in France, you can ask your caisse d’affiliation to reimburse them once you are back in France, on presentation of your invoices and proof of payment.
Duration and renewal
The EHIC is valid for two years from the date of issue. If your EHIC expires, you can request its renewal (not before) by e-mail or telephone, as for the initial request.
Outside the EU, think about international insurance
If you’re planning to travel outside the European Union, it’s a good idea to find out about the health situation in your country, and in particular about health costs (costs, situation for foreigners, etc.). This can be done by contacting CLEISS, the Centre des liaisons européennes et internationales de Sécurité sociale. Unlike the international social security card, which does not exist as such, we recommend that you take out international insurance (travel or health) to benefit from appropriate coverage. This insurance covers the reimbursement of your medical expenses abroad, as well as medical repatriation in the event of illness.
Please note that from April 1, 2025, a visa will be required for French nationals traveling to the UK.
How to choose the right health insurance abroad?
To find the right insurance for your trip abroad or expatriation, it’s essential to select coverage that meets your specific needs, taking into account your activity and the country of destination. It’s crucial to check the reimbursement terms for medical care, including hospitalization, repatriation and third-party liability.
What’s more, some insurances offer additional options, such as coverage for lost luggage or flight delays. Feel free to explore these options according to your specific situation and needs abroad.
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*When traveling to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
