Hospital Costs in France

Hospital care in France is covered at 80% by the Assurance Maladie for most stays, with the remaining 20% (ticket modérateur) typically covered by the patient's mutuelle. For stays exceeding 30 days, the Assurance Maladie covers 100% from the 31st day onward. Certain conditions, including long-term illnesses (Affections de Longue Durée, ALD), pregnancy (from the 6th month), and work-related injuries, are covered at 100% from the outset.

Patients in hospital are also subject to a daily flat fee (forfait journalier) of €20 per day for general hospital stays and €15 per day for psychiatric stays. This fee is not capped and applies for the entire duration of the stay. Most mutuelles cover this daily charge. Additionally, a €24 flat fee applies to procedures costing more than €120, replacing the percentage-based copayment.

Public hospitals operate under a regulated pricing system (tarification à l'activité, T2A), while private clinics may charge dépassements for surgeon and anaesthetist fees. A private hospital stay can cost €200–€500 per day including all fees, compared to the fully covered public system. Having a single room in a public hospital is an optional supplement costing approximately €40–€80 per day, typically not covered by basic mutuelles.