Reform of Wheelchair Care in France: What You Need to Know
Starting 1 December 2025, all wheelchairs in France will be fully covered by Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) . This reform aims to simplify access to equipment, remove out-of-pocket costs, and ensure mobility for everyone with a disability, loss of autonomy, or following an accident. This information is based on the official Service-Public.fr website.
Full Wheelchair Reimbursement
Under the new rules, Health Insurance will cover the entire cost of wheelchairs, provided they are prescribed by a doctor or occupational therapist to meet a verified need for disability compensation. No additional user charges will apply.
*Important: The €2,500 Limit — What It Means
While the reform promises full coverage, it also introduces a maximum reimbursement ceiling of €2,500 for standard wheelchairs, including sports wheelchairs.
Here’s what this means in practice:
Most standard wheelchairs fall under €2,500, so the reform will fully cover the majority of users.
However, highly specialised or customised wheelchairs often exceed this limit.
If the price goes beyond €2,500, the user is responsible for paying the difference unless additional financial support is approved (via MDPH, complementary insurance, or specific aid programmes).
This means the reform removes out-of-pocket costs for many—but not all—wheelchair users.
The government notes that costs above the €2,500 limit may still be partially reimbursed upon review, but this is not automatic.
Custom Options and Additions
Wheelchair options or custom additions that aren’t listed in the standard nomenclature can be reimbursed on estimate, after approval by Health Insurance. The organization has a maximum of two months to respond, and silence within this timeframe is considered approval.
Single-Window System for Easier Access
The reform introduces a single-window system, meaning all wheelchair claims are centralized through Health Insurance. This reduces processing times and removes the need to apply for extra financial support from other sources.
Coverage for All Wheelchair Models
The reform now includes all wheelchair types, including sports chairs. To qualify for full reimbursement, the prescribed wheelchair must meet minimum technical standards and be validated by a trained health professional who confirms the need for disability compensation.
No Advance Payment Needed
Beneficiaries no longer need to pay upfront for wheelchairs. Health Insurance will cover the cost directly when professionals are contracted, ensuring easier and faster access.
Sales Limit Price
To prevent overcharging, a maximum sales price is set for all reimbursable wheelchairs. Distributors must include this price in the quote to guarantee that users do not pay anything beyond the Health Insurance reimbursement.
Oversight and Implementation
A steering committee under the Ministry for Autonomy and Disability will monitor the reform. The committee includes associations of users, manufacturers, health professionals, and distributors, ensuring proper implementation and adjustments as needed.
Why This Reform Matters
Previously, Health Insurance only partially covered wheelchairs, leaving users to combine funding sources like complementary health insurance, MDPH support, or local authorities. Many users faced significant out-of-pocket costs.
From December 2025, wheelchair users will benefit from:
Full coverage for all models
Simpler access through a single-window system
No advance payment required
Clear rules for repairs, sports chairs, rentals, or renewals
This reform is a major step forward in supporting mobility and independence for people with disabilities in France.
References:
Will/does this include motorized wheel Chair’s
Great question — and yes, the new 2025 wheelchair reform does include electric wheelchairs, under certain conditions. Here’s what English speakers in France need to know:
✅ Will the 2025 Reform Cover Electric Wheelchairs?
Full Coverage for All Wheelchair Types
According to the official government site, starting 1 December 2025, all wheelchairs are eligible for full reimbursement by Assurance Maladie, including electric models.
Prescription Is Required
You’ll need a prescription from a doctor or ergotherapist that validates the medical need for a wheelchair.
Options and Extras Are Covered on Estimate
If your electric wheelchair has custom parts (e.g., special wheels, posture supports), these can be covered via a devis (quote) submitted to Assurance Maladie. They must respond within 2 months, and if they don’t respond, the request is automatically approved.
Not All Models Automatically Qualify
For very specific or sports-use electric wheelchair models, there may be a requirement for “entente préalable” (prior agreement) with Health Insurance.
Technical Requirements Apply
Your wheelchair must meet minimum technical standards defined in the nomenclature.
💡 What This Means for You
If you use a standard electric wheelchair or a model that meets the technical requirements, you should be eligible for full coverage, meaning you likely won’t have to pay out-of-pocket (assuming the supplier/provider is approved).
For highly customised or very advanced electric chairs, be prepared to submit a quote for review, and allow up to 2 months for the decision.
Make sure your prescription clearly states the need to compensate a disability — this is a key criterion.