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Guide • Health insurance

Joining French health insurance

Social security, Carte Vitale and mutuelle.

Reading time: 8 min Last updated: 2026-05-02Difficulty: Medium
This guide is in beta. Always confirm details on official websites.

Some content is shown in the original language.

What is Sécu?

Sécu refunds roughly 70% of medical costs. A mutuelle covers the remainder.

Required documents

  • Passport and residence permit
  • Translated birth certificate
  • RIB
  • Proof of address

Step-by-step

  1. 1File the request on ameli.fr.
  2. 2Receive the Sécu number (can take months).
  3. 3Apply for the Carte Vitale.
  4. 4Subscribe to a mutuelle if needed.

Things to watch out for

  • Before Carte Vitale, keep paper care receipts.
  • Declaring a referring doctor improves reimbursement.

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