France adds physiotherapists to free prevention health check program

A decree published in the Journal officiel authorises French physiotherapists (masseurs‑kinésithérapeutes) to conduct "bilans de prévention" from October. The measure extends the "Mon Bilan Prévention" scheme, already available to doctors, midwives, nurses and pharmacists, to include 30‑45‑minute free consultations for people in four age brackets: 18‑25, 45‑50, 60‑65 and 70‑75.

The checks aim to identify fragilities such as unhealthy eating habits, addictive behaviours, mental‑health issues and early signs of chronic diseases. Practitioners use an auto‑questionnaire, propose lifestyle changes, arrange further tests if needed and send a personalised action plan to the patient’s primary doctor. The service is fully reimbursed by the French health insurance system, with a €30 fee per session (€31.50 in overseas territories).

By 30 June 2026 more than 612 000 preventive checks had been performed, the majority carried out by pharmacists. Around 10 000 health professionals are listed in the dedicated directory, and the ministry estimates that roughly 20 million French citizens could benefit from the programme.