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France to tighten sick leave rules and reduce compensation
The French government is implementing new measures to tighten controls on sick leave and reduce costs for the national health insurance system. Two decrees, recently validated by the Conseil d’État, aim to address rising absenteeism and the financial burden on social security, which is estimated by some organizations to reach 18 billion euros annually.
One decree targets “medical nomadism,” a practice where individuals consult multiple doctors to obtain various sick leave certificates. Those identified as practicing this may face immediate sanctions, including the obligation to reimburse daily allowances or pay financial penalties. In 2024, approximately 13,000 insured individuals utilized five different general practitioners for sick leave.
A second decree will reduce the maximum duration of compensation for certain long-term sick leaves from three years to one year. This specifically affects patients with non-exempt long-term conditions, such as mild depression or musculoskeletal disorders, who have been on leave for more than six months. In 2023, roughly 400,000 people fell into this category, costing the health insurance system over 3 billion euros.
The Ministry of Health states these changes are intended to encourage better medical follow-up and a faster return to employment through increased cooperation between primary care physicians and occupational doctors. However, advocacy groups like FNATH have criticized the move, arguing the government is viewing sick leave primarily through the lens of cost reduction.
Entities
Assurance Maladie · Conseil d'Etat · Conseil d’État · FNATH · French government · Ministry of Health · iFrap
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A new decree will reduce the maximum compensation duration for certain long-term conditions from three years to one year. www.lalsace.fr · www.zinfos974.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The IFRAP foundation estimates the annual cost of absenteeism at 18 billion euros for Social Security. www.valeursactuelles.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The French government is preparing new reductions to sickness benefits paid by Health Insurance. www.lalsace.fr · www.zinfos974.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2024, 13,000 insured individuals received five sick leaves from five different general practitioners. www.zinfos974.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] New rules will target 'medical nomadism' by sanctioning individuals who consult multiple doctors to obtain various sick leaves. www.zinfos974.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Conseil d'État validated two decrees on September 9, 2026, aimed at strengthening sick leave controls. www.zinfos974.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Non-exempt long-term sick leaves cost the Health Insurance 3.2 billion euros for 400,000 people in 2023. www.lalsace.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The new measures are expected to save several hundred million euros. www.lalsace.fr