They remain exposed to specialists’ extra billing and high equipment charges. Their health spending is on average seven times higher; they pay out 240 euros a year. About 20 euros of the out-of-pocket amount comes from medical deductibles and flat-rate contributions. That amount reaches or exceeds 910 euros for 10% of the population.
Health spending amounts to 3,150 euros per inhabitant in 2023. Health insurance covers 81% of it, complementary insurers 15%.
Older people use more care and are often covered by individual contracts, which are generally less generous than company group contracts.
An insured person with one of the least comprehensive contracts has an out-of-pocket cost three times higher, on average, than someone with one of the most comprehensive contracts, the study notes.
Inequalities are marked: out-of-pocket costs average 40 euros for 80% of the population and 580 euros for 20% of the French. People with a long-term condition (ALD) are reimbursed 100% by Social Security for care related to their illness, excluding extra billing.
The amount rises with age. It is 80 euros between ages 20 and 39, versus 290 euros for those 70 and over.