If I live long enough, I may get one of these. (Not my artwork, by the way.)
The image above, from the web site of the agency issuing them, is of a Carte Vitale, which is a card indicating that one is in the French insurance system. I already have a French nombre se securité social, not to be confused with my American Social Security Number, so I am covered, but without the card I must apply for reimbursement of every medical expense (this is automatic with the card, and I can’t buy “top off” or supplemental insurance to make it all free. Also, I can’t set up my éspace sanitaire, or personal online area where I can do all the stuff one needs to do to use the French insurance. You can even link your “top off” insurance, so everything becomes automatic. Swell, huh? Buy why, I know you want to know, do I have that SS number, but not the card? Well . . . . .
First thing I had to do was apply for the social security number. The initial application was one simple page. Short and sweet. Then I heard nothing for quite a spell. Quite a spell. Then I got a letter explaining what my next steps were, which involved filling out the form again only online this time, and sending documentation like proof of residence (electric bill) and ID. Done. Now more time passes. And some more. Then I get a letter telling me how to log into the site to proceed. Which procedure does not work. Thus begins the real fun part. I go online looking for help to log into my account. I get some help. I really want that card, and the only advice I get is not working. I do receive my social security number along about now, but that in itself isn’t sufficient. I am told, finally, by someone whose job it is to dispense useful advice, to log into my account, click on a certain icon, and fill out the forms there. Unfortunately, I can’t log into my account, you may recall. After a week or so of back and forth I got the definitive word: one cannot log into one’s account without that card! Hmmm. I think I see an issue here. So, I fill in the original application, this time with my social security number on it, and mail it in. Two weeks later I get a letter explaining how to get them to send my card, one way being to log in (!) and another using la poste, which was easy enough. I had to send another photocopy of my passport, plus a photograph in the format of a passport photo. I had already sent these items, but hey, I remain optimistic. I may get that card yet this year!
I am not badmouthing the functionaires who handle these things. Even they, in surveys, say that it’s over-the-top. They are all very polite, helpful, and nice to deal with. The overall system? Patience is key. In another example, I applied for my residence card in April, had an appointment in July, and should get my card in November. See? Things do work out. For the patient. Now, on to my drivers’ license.