New health fee for American retirees written into French law
France has passed legislation introducing a mandatory healthcare contribution for certain non-EU foreign residents, including many American retirees, as part of its 2026 social security budget.
France has passed a new measure that will introduce a mandatory healthcare fee for certain foreign residents, notably American retirees, as part of its 2026 social security budget.
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The legislation, which comes into force on 1 January 2026, includes an amendment creating a healthcare contribution for non-EU nationals living in France on a visitor visa or residence permit.
This status is most commonly used by retirees.
The measure targets people from countries that do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with France, such as the United States.
Under the proposal, those concerned would pay an annual flat fee in exchange for full access to France’s public healthcare system.
However, the law does not specify the amount of the fee.
At present, visitors to France must take out private health insurance, but after three months of residency they can apply to join the public healthcare system.
In theory, they may already be subject to a contribution known as the cotisation subsidiaire maladie (CSM), although in practice this has been applied inconsistently, particularly to American retirees.
The amendment proved politically divisive.
It was backed by centrist, right-wing and far-right MPs, while left-wing parties voted against it, arguing that it unfairly targets legal residents.
Although the budget itself takes effect from the start of 2026, the new healthcare fee will not apply immediately.
A government decree is still required to set out the practical details, including the cost, meaning the measure is unlikely to come into force before mid-2026 at the earliest.