The French minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, announced on Tuesday a new financial aid called the "rural territory bonus," which would provide 80 euros to certain independent nurses to help with fuel costs. This one-time payment is expected to be introduced by the end of 2026 and is aimed at nurses who travel more than 100 kilometers per day on average. The initiative comes in response to record-high fuel prices, which have significantly increased the costs for healthcare workers who rely on personal vehicles to reach patients in remote areas. Laetitia Chillaud-Bévier, an administrator of the ONSIL (Syndicat des infirmiers libéraux), which represents independent nurses, noted that the bonus would not cover even the cost of a full tank of SP95, a common type of gasoline in France. She has been working as an independent nurse for 17 years and travels over 100 kilometers daily in the Val-de-Marne area. Her fuel costs have risen by about 200 euros per month, and she is uncertain whether she will qualify for the bonus. Around 25,000 independent nurses are expected to benefit from the measure, though ONSIL represents a total of 100,000 nurses. Independent nurses currently receive a flat rate of 1.10 euros per patient visit, along with a mileage allowance of 0.35 cents per kilometer in flat areas and 0.50 cents in mountainous regions. However, ONSIL stated in 2024 that these allowances are no longer sufficient to cover rising fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Chillaud-Bévier explained that for a 30-minute trip, the 1.10 euros payment is often less than the cost of fuel alone, which now exceeds 2 euros per liter. The financial pressure has led some nurses to cancel non-urgent appointments, focusing instead on patients with more immediate needs. Chillaud-Bévier mentioned that she sometimes directs patients to other nurses closer to their homes, as many patients have to contact multiple caregivers before finding one available. She warned that rising fuel prices could severely impact access to healthcare, as independent nurses play a key role in preventing hospitalizations and reducing the burden on emergency departments. According to the union, independent nurses drive approximately 33,000 kilometers per year, far exceeding the 8,000 kilometers needed to qualify for other driving-related benefits. The new income ceiling for these benefits has been raised to 2,035 euros net per month for a single person and 6,104 euros net for a couple with two children, before tax deductions.