Using your mutuelle in France is straightforward, especially once the télétransmission is set up. Here’s how it works:
At the doctor, pharmacy, or hospital
Show your Carte Vitale and your mutuelle card at the appointment or pharmacy counter
The healthcare provider will process your treatment using the public system first
If the télétransmission is activated between your mutuelle and Assurance Maladie, the information about your expenses is sent automatically, and your mutuelle processes its part of the reimbursement without you needing to do anything
For services where the télétransmission isn’t possible (for example, some alternative medicine or optical care), you may need to pay up front and then submit your receipts in your Feather account
How do I activate the télétransmission?
The télétransmission is the automatic data link between Assurance Maladie (the public system) and your mutuelle
As soon as your mutuelle policy is active and your social security number is confirmed, Feather will request the télétransmission to be activated for you
It may take a few days or weeks for the link to be set up, depending on how quickly your local CPAM processes it
Once the télétransmission is active, reimbursements are automatic. You can check the status at any time in your Feather account
Do I need my Carte Vitale?
Yes, the Carte Vitale is required for automatic processing at most healthcare providers. Your mutuelle card alone is not enough
If you don’t have your Carte Vitale yet, keep all receipts and submit them through your Feather account for manual reimbursement
In summary
Always show both your Carte Vitale and your mutuelle card at appointments
Check that the télétransmission is active for automatic reimbursements