Hospital Fees March 2026: New Daily Copayment Rates

Hospital Copayment Increases March 2026

The "forfait hospitalier" (daily hospital copayment) increases from March 1, 2026. Here's what you need to know about the new rates and how to minimize out-of-pocket costs. For more on insurance in France, explore our complete guides.

New Rates from March 2026

What is the Forfait Hospitalier?

This daily fee covers:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Non-medical services

It does NOT include:

• Medical treatment (covered by Social Security)
• Medications (covered by Social Security)
• Operating costs (covered by Social Security)

Who Pays?

#### You Pay If:

• Admitted to hospital or clinic
• Stay overnight (or multiple nights)
• Not in an exempt category

#### Exemptions Include:

• Accident at work or occupational disease
• Maternity (from 6th month of pregnancy)
• Children of CMU-C beneficiaries
• Pensioners with war disability
• Hospitalization for disability treatment
• Organ donation

Coverage Options

#### Social Security

• Pays 0% of the forfait hospitalier
• Not covered under basic coverage

#### Complementary Health Insurance (Mutuelle)

Most plans cover the forfait hospitalier:

• "Responsible" contracts: Required to cover
• Standard coverage: Full reimbursement
• Basic plans: Check policy details

#### CSS (Complementary Health Solidarity)

• Full coverage for eligible low-income households
• No out-of-pocket for forfait hospitalier
• Learn more about health insurance 2026

Reducing Your Hospital Costs

#### Before Admission

• Verify your mutuelle coverage
• Confirm exemption eligibility
• Ask about outpatient alternatives

#### During Stay

• Request single supplements only if needed
• Personal items (TV, phone) may have extra charges
• Ask about included services

#### After Discharge

• Review itemized bill carefully
• Submit all receipts to mutuelle
• Challenge any errors

Cost Example

A 5-night hospital stay in 2026:

• Forfait hospitalier: €110 (5 × €22)
• Single room supplement (if chosen): €60-150/night
• TV rental: €5-10/day

Without good mutuelle: €110+ out-of-pocket

With standard mutuelle: €0 out-of-pocket

Day Surgery (Ambulatory)

If you enter and leave the same day:

• No forfait hospitalier charged
• Only medical costs apply
• Growing trend for many procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

**Is the forfait hospitalier charged for day visits?**

No, only for overnight stays.

**Can I refuse to pay?**

No, it's a mandatory contribution, but your mutuelle should cover it.

**What about emergency admissions?**

Same rules apply, though exemptions may exist for accident victims.

**Are these rates the same in private and public hospitals?**

Yes, the forfait hospitalier is standardized nationwide.

Related Articles

• Health Insurance 2026
• 100% Santé 2026: Wheelchairs and Wigs
• Bank Fees 2026: How to Avoid

Sources

• Ameli.fr - Hospital Costs
• Service-Public.fr - Forfait Hospitalier

Ensure your health insurance fully covers the forfait hospitalier. Contact your mutuelle to verify your coverage before any planned hospital stay.