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Social Security Number

Last modified by Tatiana Kulikova on 2025/05/27 17:45

How to Get Refunded for Medical Expenses in France

Everyone who lives or works in France must have a social security number.
🔗 ameli.fr – English pages

Depending on your region, the reimbursement percentage for medical exams, treatments, and prescriptions may vary.
🔗 Reimbursement rates by treatment

📝 If You Don’t Have a Social Security Number Yet

If you don’t yet have a social security number and need to visit a doctor or pharmacy, make sure to ask for a “feuille de soins” (treatment form) after your visit.

  • Keep this form.
  • Once you receive your social security number, you can fill out the feuille de soins and send it to your local CPAM for reimbursement.

📍 Find your local CPAM address here:
🔗 Where to send your feuille de soins

📬 What Happens After You Get Your Social Security Number

  1. First, you will receive a letter from CPAM with your social security number.
  2. Later, CPAM will send you another letter containing a form to request your Carte Vitale.
    • On that form, you must:
      • Paste your photo
      • Sign the form
      • Attach a copy of your ID
  3. You have 2 weeks to return the completed form.
  4. Once sent, you'll typically receive your Carte Vitale within 2.5 to 3 weeks.

After that, you’ll no longer need paper forms (feuille de soins) for reimbursements—your Carte Vitale will be scanned directly at the doctor’s office or pharmacy, and your refunds will be processed automatically.

You’ll also be able to log in to your account on ameli.fr using your Carte Vitale.

💡 If Your Club Is Partnered with a Mutuelle (Private Health Insurance)

If your club works with a Mutuelle (complementary private health insurance), you may be eligible for 100% reimbursement.

Here's what to do:

  1. Ask your club for the name and contact of their Mutuelle provider, and request your policy number.
  2. Contact the Mutuelle to create your online account.
  3. Once registered:
    • Go to ameli.fr, log in to your account.
    • Click on “Mes paiements”, then “Remboursement de soins”.
    • Download the document related to the treatment you want to send.
  4. Log in to your Mutuelle's platform or app:
    • Find “Mes demandes”or “Mes actions rapides” click to  “Demander un remboursement”.
    • Upload the file you downloaded from Ameli and submit your request.

After your first refund is processed, CPAM will automatically connect your Mutuelle to your profile, so future refunds will be done without manual submission.