Increase in French GP Charges
Tuesday 13 June 2017
Since last month the charge for a visit to your French doctor has increased from €23 to €25, the first such increase since 2011.
For most patients there will be little or no impact as the increase will be covered by a proportionate rise in the level of reimbursement from the social security system and your complementary health insurer – often referred to as your 'mutuelle'.
However, that will not be the case for the 3.3 million individuals with no complementary insurance who will now have €8.50 out of pocket expenses for a visit to their GP, an increase of €0.60.
In addition, those who do not use their registered doctor (médecin traitant), will also pay more, as they will only continue to receive reimbursement at the rate of 30% from the social security system, as opposed to the standard rate of 70%.
Under the change, the rate of reimbursement from the social security system (assurance maladie) remains the same at 70%, less the €1 'participation forfaitaire' for which patients are responsible, and for which complementary insurers are not entitled to offer cover.
Thus, in detail, for a consultation at €25:
The rate for a consultation for a child under 6 years old also increases to €30 from €28.
Despite the increase, GPs remain far from satisfied, with the level of the charge having increased by only €3 since 2007. The doctors claim an increase in the tariff to €40, in line with the rate that applies in many other European countries.
There is no increase in the standard tariff for consultants, but most already impose a charge over and above the standard rate (dépassement honoraires) which may be covered by your complementary insurer, depending on the terms of the policy.
However, that will not be the case for the 3.3 million individuals with no complementary insurance who will now have €8.50 out of pocket expenses for a visit to their GP, an increase of €0.60.
In addition, those who do not use their registered doctor (médecin traitant), will also pay more, as they will only continue to receive reimbursement at the rate of 30% from the social security system, as opposed to the standard rate of 70%.
Under the change, the rate of reimbursement from the social security system (assurance maladie) remains the same at 70%, less the €1 'participation forfaitaire' for which patients are responsible, and for which complementary insurers are not entitled to offer cover.
Thus, in detail, for a consultation at €25:
- Patient Charge - €1
- Social Security - €16.50 (€25 x 70%) - €1
- Complementary Insurer - €7.50 (€25 x 30%)
The rate for a consultation for a child under 6 years old also increases to €30 from €28.
Despite the increase, GPs remain far from satisfied, with the level of the charge having increased by only €3 since 2007. The doctors claim an increase in the tariff to €40, in line with the rate that applies in many other European countries.
There is no increase in the standard tariff for consultants, but most already impose a charge over and above the standard rate (dépassement honoraires) which may be covered by your complementary insurer, depending on the terms of the policy.
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