Health Insurance Premiums Set to Rise by Over 4% in France for 2026 Amid Cost Controls Urgency

In 2026, health insurance premiums (mutuelles) in France will increase by an average of 4.3% for individual contracts and 4.7% for company contracts, the Fédération nationale de la mutualité française announced on December 16. While this rise is lower than previous years — with increases of 6% in 2025 and 8.1% in 2024 — it remains above the pre-pandemic average of 2.6% annually between 2010 and 2020. The federation attributes the continued rise to an average 4.4% annual growth in healthcare expenses since 2020, driven by an aging population, new medications, and cost shifts from public health insurance to mutuals.

Mutual health insurers, representing less than half the complementary health market, will also face fresh financial pressures in 2026 including new charge transfers and a planned tax that could cost them €1 billion. Eric Chenut, president of the federation, criticized the government for passing these costs onto insured individuals, calling it a ‘VAT on health’ and lamenting the lack of government responsibility.

The federation called for urgent measures to contain spending by improving healthcare efficiency, reducing redundant procedures, combating fraud, and investing in prevention. The French Court of Auditors supports this urgency, estimating that up to €50 billion in social security expenses could be saved, with €20 billion immediately achievable.

This premium increase highlights the ongoing challenge France faces in managing rising healthcare costs while maintaining access and quality for its population.