Health · Healthcare & Policy · 3 hrs ago
French investigation examines rising costs of private health insurance
A Cash Investigation programme examines rising supplementary health insurance costs in France and is due to air on France 2 on 5 November 2026.
These plans help cover healthcare costs beyond what France’s public health insurance pays.
Contributions have risen 40% since 2011, while the public health insurance system faced a deficit of 16 billion euros in 2025.
The programme looks at how advertising, marketing and sales costs add to premiums.
It also examines why retirees, unemployed people and self-employed workers often pay more than employees, whose workplace plans are generally cheaper.
The state and insurers disagree over who should bear rising costs, leaving policyholders to pay more.
After the investigation, experts and sector representatives will discuss possible reforms in a debate on the programme.
A franceinfo report says a “Cash Investigation” programme will examine rising private health insurance costs and how the system works.
Health insurance contributions have risen by 40% since 2011, while France’s health insurance deficit reached €16 billion in 2025.
The investigation looks at hidden costs such as advertising, marketing and sales outreach that add to premiums.
Retirees, unemployed people and self-employed workers often pay more than employees with mandatory workplace coverage.
The programme also examines a dispute between the state and insurers over who should bear rising health costs.
- Who
- The “Cash Investigation” team, including journalists Julie Lotz and Mathieu Robert, investigates health insurance costs.
- What
- The programme examines rising premiums, hidden expenses and differences in what groups pay.
- When
- It is scheduled to air on 5 November 2026.
- Where
- France 2.
- Why
- Contributions have risen, and the investigation examines the costs and inequalities behind the increase.
The French state
Mutuelles and insurers
Costs and funding
The French state
The state is seeking new savings and revenue as health spending and the health insurance deficit rise.
Mutuelles and insurers
Mutuelles and insurers say taxes and levies on them are increasing.
franceinfo published its report about the upcoming “Cash Investigation” programme.
The programme is scheduled to air on France 2.
A debate with sector representatives and experts is scheduled to follow.
- Premium rise
- 40% since 2011
- Health insurance deficit
- €16 billion in 2025
- Broadcast date
- 5 November 2026
- Broadcaster
- France 2
- Journalists
- Julie Lotz and Mathieu Robert