France healthcare spending for long-term conditions hits 19.7 billion euros

French health insurance expenditures for long-term conditions (ALD) reached 19.7 billion euros in 2025, according to data published by the Direction de la recherche, des études, de l'évaluation et des statistiques (Drees). This figure represents a 72% increase in current euros over the last decade, rising from 11.5 billion euros in 2015.

Approximately 15 million people, or 22% of social security beneficiaries, are covered under the ALD scheme, which provides 100% reimbursement for costs related to serious chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cancer. Despite representing a minority of insured individuals, these patients account for 67% of the 189 billion euros in total health expenditures reimbursed by mandatory health insurance. On average, an individual in the ALD category costs 1,300 euros per year, which is seven times higher than the average for other insured persons.

The Drees study attributes this rapid growth to an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing treatment costs. Diabetes remains the most frequent condition with 4 million patients, followed by cancer with 2.8 million. The rising costs highlight a structural imbalance in the public health budget, as total health expenditures reached 353.2 billion euros in 2025.