Health insurance in france: see average mutuelle cost for retirees after new rises

PRICES HAVE BEEN RISING STEADILY FOR SEVERAL YEARS WITH OLDER PEOPLE HARDEST HIT The cost of mutuelle top-up health insurance has been rising steadily for several years in France and 2025 is

no exception. Here is why retirees bear the brunt of the increased cost.  Top-up health insurance is not obligatory in France, but most people (more than 90%) have some form of it to cover

the costs that remain for patients after reimbursement by the social security system. The price of this cover increased on average by 4.7% in 2023, 8.1% in 2024 and a further 6% in 2025. For

many people of working age, a top-up insurance deal is provided through their employer, which is usually negotiated at an advantageous price and deducted from their gross pay. However, for

retired people the costs are higher. The average price of cover for over-75s in 2025 is €173 a month (€2,076 a year), and €136 a month on average for retirees.  This compares to a cost of

€35 for people aged 16-25, according to data from mutuelle price comparison website Mutuelle.fr.  Read more: How to save money on mutuelle cover in France This stark difference is due to the

particular needs of older individuals in terms of medical treatment and follow-up. These needs include coverage for: * More frequent medical visits and hospitalisation  * A greater reliance

on medical transport (this is only 55% state-reimbursed) * The cost of prostheses (60% state-reimbursed) * Glasses (60% state-reimbursed on certain lenses and frames) Note that illnesses

categorised as ALD (affection de longue durée) or, long-term, are 100% reimbursed. Due to the greater take-up of mutuelles among older people - along with France’s aging population - the

2025 price increases have pushed the average price of health top-ups to over €100 a month.  The rise could see retirees pay on average as much as €250 more over the year, according to health

economist Frédéric Bizard. “Their mutual insurance already costs three times more because of their age,” Mr Bizard told La Dépêche, adding that the rise would see many opt for cheaper

contracts with less comprehensive cover. Read more: Top-up health insurance increasingly expensive for over-60s in France ‘SYSTEM NEEDS REFORM’ The year-on-year rise in the mutuelle price is

due to the increased cost of seeing a doctor, lower reimbursement rates for hospital transport and the wider problem of the social security deficit forcing the state to rely on the private

sector, says the president of la Mutualité Française, France’s federation of mutuelles, Eric Chenut. “Healthcare spending is increasing two to three times faster than national wealth,” he

said in a press release. “With our aging population and scientific advances, and without a structural overhaul, these costs will continue to rise until we can no longer cope.” HELP FOR

RETIREES AND OTHERS ON LOW INCOMES France does offer state help for people on low incomes to purchase top-up insurance. Retirees, jobseekers or others on low incomes can benefit from

state-subsidised mutuelle, La Complémentaire Santé Solidaire, which limits the cost of top-up insurance to: Age Monthly price Annual price Under 29 €8 €96 30 to 49 €14 €168 50 to 59 €21 €252

60 to 69 €25 €300 Over 70 €30 €360