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France Adopts Surtax on Complementary Health Insurance as 2026 Premiums Set to Rise

Mutuals say the exceptional levy will be passed on to policyholders, with premiums projected to climb faster than inflation in 2026.

Overview

  • Lawmakers approved a roughly 2.05% hike in the tax on complementary health insurance within the Social Security budget, expected to raise about €1–1.1 billion.
  • Independent forecasts for 2026 point to premium increases ranging from about 2.5% to as high as 10% depending on the insurer and contract, well above the 1.3% inflation outlook.
  • The FNMF warns the new charge will ultimately affect contributions, noting many 2026 prices are already set and that pass‑through could come over time.
  • The PLFSS also shifts more than €400 million in hospital costs to complementary insurers, adding to structural pressures from ageing populations and rising medical expenses.
  • Pricing remains uneven: Meilleurtaux reports seniors pay far more than young adults and premiums can run 15–20% higher in big cities and Mediterranean areas, with young workers facing a 7% jump in 2025.