French healthcare professionals linked to majority of social fraud

A report by the Inspection générale des finances (IGF) and the Inspection générale des affaires sociales (Igas) reveals that healthcare professionals are responsible for the majority of social fraud in France. In 2024, detected fraud involving healthcare professionals amounted to 433 million euros, representing approximately 68.9% of the total identified fraud, despite these professionals accounting for only 27% of processed files.

The total annual social fraud is estimated to be between 1.4 and 1.9 billion euros, significantly higher than the 628 million euros currently detected. The inspections recommend shifting control efforts toward these professionals and securing payment chains.

This fraud issue coincides with growing financial pressures on the French social security system. The deficit for the Assurance Maladie is estimated at 13.8 billion euros for 2026, while the overall social security deficit is projected to reach 23.2 billion euros. This deficit increase is attributed to economic shifts, including rising oil prices and potential geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.