CEAM or GHIC: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

Reader Question: I tried to apply for a Ceam health travel card in France but was told by health authorities to get a UK GHIC instead. I have a carte Vitale, so assumed I was meant to get a card via the French system. What should I do? 

To clarify for readers who may be unaware, we are discussing health travel cards that provide access to urgent medical treatment for travellers in certain countries at the same level as for insured citizens, including for treatment cost.

The French version of this card is called a carte européenne d'assurance maladie (Ceam) and is valid across the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and the UK (although non-EU/UK citizens cannot use it in certain countries).

The UK version of the card is now called a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), and also applies in the EU/EEA, as well as certain other countries. 

Card rights depend on a number of conditions 

Generally, if you are in the French healthcare system, a Ceam is the card you should be applying for. 

Note that this is not tied to your carte Vitale but your social security number – people who do not yet have a carte Vitale can still obtain a Ceam if they have signed up to the French Social Security system (Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie, or CPAM). 

If your healthcare is paid for by another EU country or the UK then you are not eligible for a Ceam and must instead apply for the relevant card in the country which pays for your healthcare. 

For British retirees, if you have a registered S1, then you should apply for a GHIC, as your healthcare costs are covered by the UK.

This is the case even if you live in France. 

This card will cover you outside of France (inside, you will still receive medical treatment through the state system/your insurance) in the eligible countries. 

However, a GHIC will not cover you in the UK. 

Read more: Do Britons lose access to NHS healthcare when moving to France?