Lexique.
The system runs on a dozen words nobody explains. Each one decoded in a sentence — with the full explainer a click away where we have one.
Carte Vitale
The green chip card that files your reimbursement claims — a payment key, not a medical file.
Médecin traitant
Your declared primary doctor; going through them keeps your reimbursement rate at 70%.
Mutuelle
Complementary private insurance that covers the part the state doesn't.
Assurance Maladie
The statutory health-insurance arm of the Sécurité sociale.
Ticket modérateur
The share of a fee left after the state's reimbursement — usually covered by a mutuelle.
Tiers payant
Third-party payment: the provider is paid directly so you don't advance the money.
PUMa
Protection universelle maladie — near-automatic cover for anyone resident in France.
Mon Espace Santé
The national digital health space opened, by default, for every resident.
CPAM
Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie — the local office that processes your claims.
ALD
Affection de longue durée — chronic conditions reimbursed at 100%.
Désert médical
An area with too few doctors for its population — a medical desert.
Téléconsultation
A reimbursed medical consultation carried out remotely, by video.