French Healthcare Changes in 2026
Starting 1 January 2026, key changes will affect medical consultations and GP remuneration in France. These reforms are part of the ongoing Assurance Maladie medical convention, designed to support doctors and improve patient access to healthcare.
If you’re navigating the French system for the first time, check out our guide: How to Register for Healthcare in France.
Specialist Consultation Fees in France – 2026 Updates
Starting January 2026, official consultation fees for many medical specialists in France have been updated. These changes reflect the complexity and expertise of the care provided, while ensuring patients continue to have access to quality care.
Key Fee Updates (Sector 1 / OPTAM):
Pediatricians: Standard consultations for children under 2 years old are now €40.
Psychiatrists: Adult consultations are around €57, while child and adolescent psychiatry (up to 25 years old) can cost up to €75.
Neurologists: Standard consultations are approximately €57.
Dermatologists: Screening visits, including melanoma checks, remain around €60.
Other specialists: Endocrinologists (~€62), gynecologists (~€40), geriatricians (~€42), and others are included.
What this means for patients:
These amounts are the base tariffs used for public reimbursement via Assurance Maladie.
If your doctor is in sector 2 or charges extra fees, the actual consultation cost may be higher.
A mutuelle (top-up insurance) usually covers the remainder, depending on your plan.
Overall, these updates aim to fairly compensate doctors while keeping specialist care accessible and sustainable for patients.
For more on specialist coverage, see: Navigating Specialist Care in France.
New Long Consultations for Patients 80+
A “consultation longue” will now be available for patients aged 80 and over. This allows doctors to spend more time reviewing complex cases, preventive care, and post-hospital follow-ups.
Fee: €60 once per year, under specific conditions
Focus: Comprehensive care for older adults
Learn more about senior care in France: Healthcare Options for Seniors in France.
Updated GP Remuneration
General practitioners (médecin traitant) will see changes to how they are paid:
Introduction of a forfait unique (single annual payment)
Payments now consider patient age, chronic conditions, and follow-up needs
Goal: Strengthen continuity of care for patients with complex health requirements
For help finding a GP in France: Finding a Médecin Traitant in France: A Practical Guide
What These Changes Mean for Patients
Starting January 2026, patients may notice slightly higher consultation fees for certain specialists, but Assurance Maladie reimbursement rates remain unchanged, so your out-of-pocket costs should stay manageable if you have a mutuelle.
Key impacts for patients:
Families with young children: Pediatric consultations for children under 2 are now €40, with continued coverage for essential exams.
Mental health support: Psychiatrist consultations for adults (~€57) and children/adolescents (~€75) remain accessible, with standard reimbursements through the healthcare system.
Specialist care for complex conditions: Neurologists (~€57), dermatologists (~€60), endocrinologists (~€62), gynecologists (~€40), and geriatricians (~€42) provide consistent care, with fees aligned to their expertise.
Seniors 80+: The new long consultation (€60 once per year) allows for more thorough follow-ups, preventive care, and post-hospital support.
GP care: Médecins traitants now have updated payment structures that consider patient age and chronic conditions, improving continuity of care.
Takeaway:
These reforms are designed to support doctors fairly while keeping care accessible, especially for families, older adults, and patients with complex health needs. Your coverage via Assurance Maladie and a mutuelle continues to play a key role in minimizing out-of-pocket costs.
For personalized guidance on navigating these updates and understanding how they affect your appointments or reimbursements, contact Hello Santé for clear, practical support.
✅Summary: French Healthcare Reforms – January 2026
Specialist consultation fees increase
New long consultation for seniors 80+
GP remuneration updates to reflect patient needs
Overall goal: Strengthen the system, support doctors, and maintain access to care
At Hello Santé, we understand that navigating French healthcare reforms can feel overwhelming. We provide clear guidance to help you understand how changes affect your care, reimbursement, and access to specialists.
Not sure how these reforms impact your appointments, reimbursements, or access to care? Contact Hello Santé for clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation.
