France caps first sick‑leave prescription at 31 days and limits telemedicine stops

From 1 September 2026 a French decree limits the initial prescription of sick leave to a maximum of 31 days, with renewals capped at 62 days. The measures aim to curb alleged abuses and reduce the annual cost of sick‑pay, estimated at around €18 billion.

A related "anti‑fraud" law restricts telemedicine‑issued sick leaves to three days, except when the renewal comes from the patient’s regular doctor or when the patient cannot attend an in‑person consultation. The rules also maintain a 48‑hour deadline for workers to send their certificates to the health‑insurance fund and their employer, with possible domicile checks.

The reforms come amid a rise in sick‑leave usage, especially among workers under 30 and executives, with psychological disorders now accounting for 38 % of long‑term absences.