Renewal and updates: what are the rules for French health cards?
Does our top-up insurance have to match the card dates?
Cards do not have an expiration date on them as bank cards do
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Reader Question: I recently received my carte Vitale, but do not know if it has an expiry date. Must I renew it annually or is this automatic? Also will our private insurance work with the card until it runs out this summer, or do we need a mutuelle as well?
French health cards (cartes Vitale) do not have a physical expiration date as bank cards, etc often do.
However, these physical cards do need to be ‘updated’ once per year, or in the event of a major life change (new address, change in status of long-term illness, marriage, change of GP etc).
This update can be done by inserting the card into certain machines at pharmacies, health insurance buildings, or some doctor’s surgeries or hospitals.
The process is free.
Although there is no expiration date, if you move away from France permanently you must make the health authorities aware of the change.
Read more: Do dual nationality citizens keep healthcare rights if leaving France?
You should send back your carte Vitale before leaving, and within one month of moving must complete the ‘S1105 Déclaration de transfert de résidence hors de France’ form.
You can read our explainer on how to obtain a carte Vitale below.
Read more: Moving to France: how does a retiree apply for a health card?
Private insurance may not be compatible with state healthcare
In terms of your insurance, you should check whether it is compatible with coverage under state healthcare.
We assume you received the private insurance before receiving your carte Vitale to be covered in the event of any issue before obtaining the health card
Some insurance is complementary and will provide additional care on top of the basic French state health coverage (for example, fully reimbursing the cost of appointments), but some may not be, leaving you out of pocket.
Check your policy and if it is not compatible, see if you can cancel it and obtain a mutuelle now.
Note however a mutuelle is not mandatory, but highly recommended.
Read more: Health insurance in France: See average mutuelle cost for retirees after new rises
