General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
If you are insured under the French health insurance system and are preparing a temporary stay in Europe, check your European Health Insurance Card, known in French as CEAM. It serves a different purpose from the carte Vitale used in France.
It helps with coverage of medically necessary care during the stay, under the country’s rules. A trip arranged to receive treatment follows a different process.
CEAM does not cover private care, rescue or repatriation. It does not guarantee free care either: you may have to pay upfront or bear some costs yourself.
The card is personal, including for children. Check its expiry date and your insurance rights. It can be valid for up to two years, without exceeding the duration of your health insurance rights.
Request it early through the procedures area of your ameli account or your health insurance fund. If departure is imminent, ask about a provisional replacement certificate. Do not rely on a guaranteed delivery time.
Ask which rules apply to your destination and nationality. If you pay for care, keep paid invoices and supporting documents for a possible reimbursement request; whether it is covered still needs to be checked.
Sources
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