French Government Introduces Wheelchair Reimbursement Policy

For people with disabilities, France has announced a respite in the form of 100% reimbursement of wheelchairs, including sports wheelchairs, through its public health insurance system starting December 2025. President Emmanuel Macron initially made the announcement in April 2023 at the National Disability Conference, and his successors confirmed it, eventually making it official in February 2025.

The president also confirmed that the procedure to obtain the support would be simplified. The insurance would cover costs up to 2400 EUR, beyond which reimbursement will be possible after a “prior agreement based on a doctor’s opinion,” within a deadline of two months.

In France, the population of manual and electric wheelchair users is estimated at 610,000: 370,000 in households and 240,000 in institutions (IRDES estimation). This measure would provide an impetus for parasports, where equipment cost is a major deterrent.

Accessibility, education, and employment have been among the priority areas for his government. The president also announced the nationwide expansion of the inclusive sports club initiative implemented in Paris ahead of the Paralympic Games.