Health insurance policies in France vary widely in coverage of alternative medicine and self-medication, with some offering up to 60 € for wellness products.
Coverage variation in health insurance
A comparison of health insurance policies in France shows that there is a wide range of coverage for alternative medicines and self-medication. Nine mid-range policies were studied, all including some form of coverage for self-medication and alternative treatments. These policies were priced for a 65-year-old person who has retired from the general health insurance system and lives in Paris or Châteauroux.Reimbursement amounts differ
The annual reimbursement for self-medication, often called "non-reimbursed pharmacy" or "non-prescribed medications," varies between 20 € and 50 € depending on the insurer. For example, GMF and MAAF offer the lowest amount at 20 €, while Miltis, MMA, and Crédit Mutuel provide up to 50 €. Crédit Mutuel also offers an additional 60 € for prevention and well-being, but this requires an extra 14 € per month.Coverage varies by policy
The list of products covered under each policy differs significantly. Most policies cover all medications approved by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), but some have restrictions. For instance, GMF only covers medications for colds, sore throats, pain, headaches, or digestive issues. Alptis covers only homeopathy, essential oils, phytotherapy, and gemmotherapy.Reimbursement conditions
Only products purchased from a physical pharmacy or online are eligible for reimbursement. Items like a toothbrush or sunscreen will not be covered if bought in a supermarket. Additionally, a named invoice that has been paid is required for reimbursement; a simple cash register receipt may not be sufficient to identify the insured person and the products involved.Non-conventional care practices covered
The nine contracts studied also cover certain non-conventional care practices, such as osteopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. These packages often use different names for these services, including "gentle medicines" or "well-being." Cédric Ménager from Lesfurets.com notes that these packages help complementary insurances stand out in a market where 100% health has standardized some offers in areas like optics and dentistry.Variation in covered disciplines
The range of disciplines covered by the policies varies widely. Some policies cover only a few practices, while others include long lists of disciplines. Aésio includes 18 disciplines, and Miltis includes 19. Practices such as naturopathy, shiatsu, reflexology, sophrology, or hypnosis are often covered alongside osteopathy and acupuncture. Eight of the nine contracts studied also include psychological consultations in their guarantees.Reimbursement limits and conditions
The amounts allocated for these treatments range from 50 to 105 €, but these limits do not fully reflect the generosity of a policy. For example, the MAAF package allows only two sessions reimbursed up to 25 €, while Macif allows three sessions covered within a limit of 35 € each. Aurélie Delachaume from Swiss Life emphasizes the importance of considering the amount per session, the number of sessions covered, the disciplines covered, and how the package functions.Practitioner qualifications matter
Norbert Bontemps from Groupama reminds that complementary insurances only reimburse disciplines explicitly listed in the contract. Additionally, the practitioner must meet certain criteria, such as having a recognized diploma in their field or an RPPS number. It is important to confirm these conditions and the required documents before making an appointment.
