Key points in 30 seconds
- Check eligibility on mes-droits-sociaux.gouv.fr or .fr.
- Make sure you have a social security number and an account.
- Gather household income for the last 12 months.
The procedure at a glance
Who qualifies
You must live in France stably and legally, be covered by the Assurance maladie and have household income over 12 months below a ceiling. Ceilings change every year and depend on household size — check them on .fr or mes-droits-sociaux.gouv.fr. recipients qualify for the free version. For recipients, free is awarded automatically on application.
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
Free or with a contribution
Below the first ceiling the is free. Between the two ceilings a monthly contribution applies by age of each person, at most about €1 per day per person. This is usually much cheaper than private top-up cover.
Common mistake
Not applying because you assume foreigners can't.
What it covers
Full tiers payant at doctors, pharmacies and hospitals; no extra fees; glasses, dentures and hearing aids from the 100% Santé range; the daily hospital charge. Rights last 12 months and must be renewed.
Common mistake
Forgetting to renew after 12 months.
How to apply
Online in your account (“Mes démarches” → “”) or with form 12504 sent to . An answer usually comes within 2 months; silence after that means refusal. Renew 2–4 months before expiry.
Common mistake
Paying a private mutuelle on top of free . The private policy can be cancelled.
Step by step
- 1Check eligibility on mes-droits-sociaux.gouv.fr or .fr.
- 2Make sure you have a social security number and an account.
- 3Gather household income for the last 12 months.
- 4Apply on or with the paper form at .
- 5If a contribution applies, choose or a partner mutuelle as managing body and arrange direct debit.
- 6Update your at a pharmacy and download the certificate.
- 7Set a reminder to renew.
Refused or missed a deadline: what to do
Appeal deadlines run from the day you receive the decision — keep letters and envelopes.
Rights or reimbursement refused
Within 2 months, write to the 's Commission de recours amiable (CRA), via or registered letter.
File stuck for months
Write to your mediator (form on .fr). For urgent care without cover, go to the hospital PASS.
Legal basis checked 23/10/2026service-public.gouv.fr — Litige avec l'Assurance maladie
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- ID and residence document (or , APS)
- Social security number /
- Latest
- Proof of income for 12 months Salary, benefits and pensions.
- payment certificate
- if a contribution applies
FAQ
Where do I check the CSS is active — attestation de droits?
Download the from your account: it shows your social security number and period. Show it if your isn't updated.
Can I get CSS without a carte Vitale?
Yes, a social security number, even a temporary one, is enough. The certificate proves your entitlement.
My application was refused — what now?
Write to the 's Commission de recours amiable within 2 months, and check the contribution-based option.
Related guides
Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.