Retirees in France worst hit by mutuelle fee rises
Rates for individual policies have risen 25% in the past three years - try these tips to cut costs
Pensioners are among the hardest hit by mutuelle increases, partly because they are more likely to have increased health problems as they age
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The cost of top-up health insurance in France - known as mutuelles - has soared in the past three years, with retirees among the hardest hit.
Rates for individual policies have increased by an average of 7% in 2025, and by almost 25% in the past three years, reports consumer association Que Choisir.
Pensioners are among those hardest hit, the association warns, because - unlike employees - they have to pay the full cost of their health insurance contributions. They are also more likely to have increased health problems as they age, meaning that they are most likely to pay the highest fees.
Read more: What is a mutuelle in France?
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Another consumer association, 60 Millions de consommateurs, said that in 2024, the average cost of a senior citizen mutuelle was €120 per month, which would rise to around €136 in 2025 (an annual increase of some €200).
This association recently carried out a survey on top-up insurance costs, including 232 retirees aged 62 to 80
The study showed an average increase in contributions of 9.1% between 2023 and 2024 (all ages included in the study combined), bringing the average monthly payment from €157.20 to €171.50.
This increase is partly the result of government changes, which have seen some costs being transferred from state healthcare service l’Assurance maladie to top-up health insurance. It also comes as some healthcare services have been re-evaluated, and inflation has been rising in recent years.
Yet, some of the rise is due to rising management costs of certain organisations, said Que Choisir.
There are currently an estimated 18 million retirees in France, show figures from Health Ministry statistics office DREES.
How to keep your mutuelle costs down
Que Choisir has offered some tips to help keep costs as low as possible:
Check that you have the right contract for your real needs. Depending on your actual healthcare costs and needs, you may not need the most comprehensive policy offered.
Check that your policy provider is offering you the best rate. Some have a wide variety of rates, so it is worth checking and asking if a better option exists.
Use a comparison tool to check for better deals on the market, and choose a highly-rated top-up insurance company. Shopping around and switching your policy every year could help to ensure you always have the best deal (Since December 2020 you can cancel your policy for free anytime after one year of commitment).
The best comparison tools will give you quotes tailored to your personal situation and needs, and should also clearly outline the different levels of cover, with examples, so you can clearly see what you would be getting with each policy.
Read more: How to save money on mutuelle cover in France
Read also: Tip to find affordable top-up health insurance in France
If you are struggling with your costs, you may be eligible for help from the Complémentaire santé solidaire (CSS) scheme.
This offers assistance in reducing healthcare costs, and is aimed at those on low incomes. It enables eligible people to have top-up health insurance for free or for a small amount. The scheme is means-tested.
