France to increase annual medical franchise cap to 140 euros

medical franchises healthcare costs social security deficit health insurance France

A new decree in France will increase the annual cap on medical franchises from 100 to 140 euros, effective October 1, 2026. This change affects nearly all insured individuals, covering costs for consultations, medications, paramedical acts, and sanitary transport.

The new cap is split equally, with 70 euros allocated to consultations and 70 euros to medications and related services. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated that the previous limits had not changed in 20 years and the increase accounts for inflation. Starting in 2028, these caps will be re-evaluated annually based on inflation.

The government's decision follows a previous proposal to double the caps to 200 euros, which was withdrawn due to criticism from healthcare professionals and patients. Officials estimate the average impact will be less than one euro per month for most, and approximately two euros per month for those with long-term conditions (ALD). Approximately 18 million French citizens, including minors, pregnant women, and those with certain social protections, remain exempt from these increases. The measure is part of a broader effort to reduce the Social Security deficit, which reached 21.6 billion euros in 2025.

Entities

France · French government · Ligue contre le cancer · National Cancer Institute · Social Security · Stéphanie Rist

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] The annual medical franchise ceiling will increase from 100 to 140 euros on October 1. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] The 140 euro ceiling is split into 70 euros for consultations and 70 euros for medicines, paramedical acts, and sanitary transport. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] The Social Security deficit reached 21.6 billion euros in 2025 and is projected to reach 23.2 billion euros in 2026. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 18 million French citizens, including minors and pregnant women, remain exempt from these ceilings. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] The ceiling will be re-evaluated annually starting in 2028 based on inflation. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated that the annual ceilings for consultations and medicines had not changed in 20 years. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr
[● 4 SOURCES] The government previously planned to double the ceiling to 200 euros before withdrawing the proposal due to criticism. www.lejsl.com · www.republicain-lorrain.fr · www.ledauphine.com · www.leprogres.fr