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The French healthcare system is entering a new era of convenience and security with the nationwide rollout of the digital Carte Vitale. Since 18 March 2025, all insured individuals holding the new biometric French ID card can now activate their digital health card directly from their smartphone. Let’s explore what this change means, how to access the service, and the benefits it brings — especially for expats navigating the French healthcare system.
What Is the Digital Carte Vitale?
The digital Carte Vitale, or appli carte Vitale, is the modern, dematerialised version of France’s traditional health insurance card. It allows users to access the same benefits as the physical version, directly from their smartphone.
Previously available in just 23 départements, the app is now available to all users of the France Identité app across the entire country. This move marks a significant step in the digitisation of French public services and healthcare accessibility.
How Does the Digital Carte Vitale Work?
Seamless Access Through France Identité
To activate the digital Carte Vitale, users must:
👉 Be over 18 years old
👉 Hold a Carte Nationale d’Identité électronique (CNIe) — the new credit card-sized French ID
👉 Own a smartphone compatible with France Identité
Through the France Identité app, users can instantly and securely validate their identity. This identity verification enables immediate access to the digital Carte Vitale, without needing to visit an administrative office.
Activation in Just a Few Minutes
Once France Identité is set up:
👉 Download the Carte Vitale app on your smartphone
👉 Complete identity verification via France Identité
👉 Your digital health card is instantly active, with your entitlements automatically updated
Key Benefits of the Digital Carte Vitale
Always With You: As 87% of French residents now use smartphones, having the Carte Vitale on your device ensures it's available whenever and wherever needed.
Up-to-Date Information: Unlike the physical version, the digital Carte Vitale automatically updates your health insurance rights, reducing errors or delays during medical appointments or pharmacy visits.
High-Level Data Security: Security is a top priority. The digital card:
👉 Is GDPR-compliant
👉 Transmits only your name and ID photo to the app upon activation
👉 Has state-approved encryption to protect your personal health information
The Role of France Identité
The France Identité app has already surpassed 1.7 million users since its 2024 launch. It allows French citizens to carry digital versions of their ID and driving licence securely on their smartphone.
With its integration into the health system, France Identité is now central to simplifying administrative tasks and accessing services like the digital Carte Vitale.
What About Those Without the New ID Card?
If you don’t have the biometric Carte Nationale d’Identité (CNIe):
👉 You won’t be able to activate the digital Carte Vitale via France Identité (yet)
👉You will be offered an alternative activation route, as was used in the pilot départements
👉 The physical Carte Vitale remains valid and in full use across France
A full rollout for all insured individuals is expected to progress throughout 2025.
How to Use the Digital Carte Vitale
Just like the physical version, your digital Carte Vitale can be presented at:
👉 Doctor’s appointments
👉 Pharmacies
👉 Clinics and hospitals
👉 Laboratories
Your practitioner scans the QR code or connects via NFC technology (if available), and your medical data and rights are accessed seamlessly.
FAQ: Digital Carte Vitale in France
Is the digital Carte Vitale mandatory in France?
No, it is not mandatory. The physical Carte Vitale is still valid and widely accepted. The digital version is simply an optional convenience.
Can foreigners use the digital Carte Vitale?
Yes — if you are a legal resident, over 18, and hold the new biometric French ID card, you can use the France Identité app and activate the digital Carte Vitale.
Is the digital card accepted everywhere in France?
Yes. Healthcare professionals across the country are now equipped to accept the digital version. You should still carry your physical card as a backup during the transition.
What if I lose my phone?
Losing your phone does not impact your healthcare rights. Your data is protected by security protocols and can be accessed again by re-downloading the app and verifying your identity.
Does it store my medical history?
No. The Carte Vitale (physical or digital) does not store medical records, only your administrative health insurance data.
To Wrap it All Up
The rollout of the digital Carte Vitale across France marks a huge leap forward for healthcare convenience and accessibility. With the help of France Identité, setting up your digital health card is now a fast, secure, and paperless process — putting your rights in your pocket wherever you go.
For expats and residents with the proper ID, making the switch to digital offers enhanced flexibility, improved data security, and seamless interaction with the French medical system.
If you’re living in France and haven’t yet explored this feature, now is the time to do so. The future of French healthcare is in your hands — quite literally.
