France raised health insurance deductibles and flat-rate contributions, impacting millions. The change aims to balance rising healthcare costs with patient responsibility.
Health insurance changes in France
Since October 1st, 2026, new rules for health insurance deductibles and flat-rate contributions have taken effect in France, affecting insured individuals who are not exempt from these changes.New limits for health expenses
The annual combined limit for medical deductibles and flat-rate contributions has increased from 100 to 140 euros per insured person, divided into two envelopes of 70 euros each. One envelope covers consultations, while the other covers medication, paramedical acts, and health transport.More contributions allowed per year
The maximum number of flat-rate contributions considered in a year has also increased from 25 to 35. The unit amounts for consultations and medication remain unchanged at 2 euros and 1 euro, respectively.Many remain exempt from changes
Approximately 18 million people remain exempt from these changes, including minors, beneficiaries of the Solidarity Health Supplement (C2S), pregnant women, and victims of terrorist acts. Health insurance supplements, including those offered by employers, are not allowed to reimburse the increased deductibles and flat-rate contributions.Estimated cost for affected individuals
According to estimates from the Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, the average additional cost for most affected individuals is less than one euro per month. However, patients with long-term illnesses, who often have multiple appointments and treatments, may face an additional cost of up to two euros per month.Reasons for the increase
Minister Rist justified the increase as a "catch-up," explaining that the limits had not changed in twenty years, despite rising living costs and healthcare prices. The government initially considered doubling the limit to 200 euros but opted for a more measured increase of 40 percent.Broader goals of the reform
The reform aims to have insured individuals contribute more to health expenses without increasing unit rates, which remain symbolic. This adjustment reflects a broader effort to control the expenses of the Health Insurance system, particularly as healthcare needs continue to rise due to an aging population and an increase in chronic diseases.Shift in healthcare funding
The changes highlight a trend toward a healthcare system that gradually demands more financial participation from those who require the most care, while still protecting the most vulnerable populations.
