The dematerialization of the Vitale card sounds like a significant step forward in the modernization of the French healthcare system. After the identity card and the driver's license, the green plastic piece will soon allow you to assert your healthcare rights directly on your smartphone. While the device already exists, it is still far from being generalized across the entire country. Its deployment follows a precise timetable.
First tested since 2023 in eight pilot departments – Alpes-Maritimes, Loire-Atlantique, Puy-de-Dôme, Bas-Rhin, Rhône, Saône-et-Loire, Sarthe and Seine-Maritime – policyholders in these geographical areas were the first to benefit from this technological innovation. A year later, the service gradually expanded to reach 23 departments, including all of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions. This is an important interim step towards the generalization of the service. However, despite this availability expanded, only around 250,000 policyholders had downloaded the application by mid-2024. A few hours ago, the feature, available on iPhone and Android, opened to the whole of France.
How to install your Carte Vitale on your smartphone?
To add your Carte Vitale to your smartphone, you need an electronic identity card, in bank card format. This has a chip that allows it to be authenticated on a smartphone. You then need to download the France Identité application to connect your identity card. Only after this process will you be able to integrate your Carte Vitale into your smartphone. Once your identity has been verified by Health Insurance, you will need to create a four-digit PIN code that will be used to unlock your virtual card during medical consultations. The system then allows you to access the same features as the physical card, including automatic reimbursement of medical services. Also note: you must be over 16 years old and not be under guardianship to benefit from this system. An NFC-compatible smartphone is also required.
In practice, using the e-carte Vitale is done simply by presenting your smartphone to the healthcare professional, who can read the necessary information via an NFC reader or by scanning a QR code generated by the application. However, while this method offers the same efficiency as the traditional card, it is not yet supported everywhere.
An important point to note: the dematerialized Carte Vitale will not replace the physical version, at least not right away. As specified by the Health Insurance, the latter intends to respond to the growing use of smartphones and digital tools in daily life. However, the classic card will still be able to be used by healthcare professionals for billing and reimbursement of care. The system aims to establish itself more as a complement, which will allow a smooth transition to digital, without imposing a sudden change on users less familiar with new technologies.
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