NOVEMBER 2025
The Carte Vitale on Your Smartphone
From today, November 18, 2025, the long-awaited digital version of the Vitale Card will officially become available to nearly 28 million more people in France. This marks a major step in making health services more modern and convenient.
It is free, official, and safe.
What Is It?
The digital Vitale card is an app you put on your phone.
It does the same job as your plastic Vitale card.
You can still keep your physical card — this app is just an extra option.
Who Can Use It?
Everyone who is covered by French Social Security and already has a carte Vitale, including British residents in France, EU citizens in France, non-EU citizens with a residence permit, retirees with an S1 who already have a Carte Vitale, workers, students, and family members registered with CPAM
In total, 28 million more people can install it starting November 18.
How to Install It
- Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
- Search for “Carte Vitale”.
- Download the official app.
- Open it and follow the steps:
Enter your social security number
Show your ID card or passport
Take a quick face scan (to confirm it is really you)
If you have the new electronic ID card, you can also activate it through the France Identité app.
How to Use It at the Doctor or Pharmacy
- Open the app
- Enter your 6-digit code
- Show your QR code to the doctor or pharmacist
- They scan it, and that’s all. No need for the physical card.
Why It’s Useful
- You never forget your card — it’s on your phone
- Your rights update automatically
- You can see your medical expenses in the app
- Less paperwork
- More protection against fraud
- It works for almost all doctors and pharmacies
Is It Safe?
Yes. The app uses:
- A face scan to verify you
- A personal 6-digit code
- Your phone’s own security
- Full GDPR protection (European data protection regulations) for your data
Things to Know
- Your phone must be recent enough to support the app
- Activation may take longer if you do not have the new electronic ID card
- Only download from the official stores to avoid fake apps