Policyholders will soon have to bear more of their out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. A decree published Saturday in the Official Journal confirms the increase in the annual cap on medical deductibles, which will rise from €100 to €140 starting October 1, 2026. This cap, unchanged since 2005, regulates the maximum amount that a policyholder can be required to pay out of pocket for these co-payments.
The new limit will be split equally between two categories of expenses. Up to €70 can be deducted for consultations, while a separate €70 cap will apply to prescription medications, services provided by paramedical professionals, and medical transport. This measure concerns the medical deductibles that remain the responsibility of insured individuals after the national health insurance reimbursement rules have been applied.
Indexation is planned from 2028
The decree also provides for a regular adjustment of the cap. Starting in 2028, it will have to be reassessed annually based on inflation. This provision breaks with the amount fixed at €100 for over twenty years and aims to adjust the level of contributions required from policyholders in line with price changes.
This increase comes as healthcare spending is subject to several measures aimed at containing national health insurance expenditures. For policyholders, the change will translate into potentially higher out-of-pocket annual expenses. The new cap will officially come into effect on October 1st.
