Could reimbursement rates for medical consultations be lowered in France?

Reimbursement levels for medical appointments in France may be cut in efforts to slash the annual healthcare deficit, a leading French media is reporting.

Reducing the level of coverage could save up to €1 billion annually for the government, which is desperately looking to reduce the deficit on social security spending in France.

This deficit in healthcare spending is predicted to reach up to €17 billion by the end of 2024, higher than initial estimates. 

It is forecast to reach nearly €25 billion next year, higher than during the peak of the Covid pandemic.

Similar measures were introduced last year when state reimbursement costs for most dental care were cut from 70% to 60%.

Read more: French state to reduce the amount it contributes to your dental bills

What changes may happen?

Currently, 70% of the cost of (most) medical appointments is covered by social security payments for patients set up in the French healthcare system.

Much of the remaining 30% is usually covered by top-up mutuelle health insurance, either through an employer or a private contract with an insurer although this is voluntary.

Read more: 'French healthcare is baffling and complex... but it works'

However, Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his new government are reportedly exploring the possibility of reducing the amount covered by the state to 60%, according to Les Echos, which says the information is directly from its sources.

This would see mutuelle / top-up insurance payments increase from 30% to 40%, and most likely increase the cost of policies across the board.

Mutuelle insurance costs are already set to rise by between 5% and 10% in 2025, according to insurance watchdog Addactis.

No official confirmation of exact government plans has been made to support or deny this.

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