French Health Budgets Soar 75% in 5 Years, Leaving Many Without Treatment: Cofidis Study

This is undoubtedly yet another consequence of the health crisis: the French are more concerned about their health and are paying a high price for it. For five years, the annual budget for their health costs has increased by 75%, from €715 per year in 2018 to €1,249 today, according to a Cofidis study published on Wednesday. The credit company, in partnership with CSA Research, surveyed a sample of “1,004 French people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over”. Half feels “an increase in his charges”, while inflation has been restricting scholarships for several months and further widening inequalities in access to care.

The majority of respondents say they have not encountered any difficulties in paying their health costs, but a quarter nevertheless admit to having had to “to tighten one’s belt”, especially households with dependent children. More alarming: 26% of respondents say they have given up seeking treatment in the past twelve months. Along with families, the 25-35 year olds are the ones who abandon care the most. The youngest, 18-24, are also nearly 40% struggling to pay their health costs.

To deal with this, more than 40% of those surveyed mentioned setting up “strategies” and adapt their behavior. Like comparing prices between pharmacies, asking to be prescribed only generic or reimbursed drugs, favoring appointments with doctors without exceeding fees…

Out-of-pocket charges too high

If the French spend more, it is mainly because, despite reimbursements from social security and mutual insurance companies, the remainder to be paid remains high. It is now estimated at 288 euros per year, 46€ more than in 2018. Dental and optical care have the highest remaining costs. And are therefore the least accessible: more than half of the French people questioned say they give up treating their teeth, including 60% of those over 50 years old.

Prices are not the only factors that lead to giving up making an appointment: once again, the lack of doctors, available places and more generally medical deserts hinder access to care.