As of September 1, 2026, a new decree tightened the rules for prescribing sick leave by limiting its duration, while maintaining exceptions for serious illnesses.
The reform aims to limit the increase in health insurance expenditures, which have reached a record level 16 billion euros in 2023 For daily allowances only. So far, France has been among the rare European countries to leave Initial duration of closure At the full discretion of the prescriber. From the beginning of the next academic year, the legal framework will be significantly tightened to better control short- and medium-term stops.
New prescription limits effective September
The decree of June 13, 2026 imposes a strict limit on any first prescription, from now on Maximum 30 days. This measure breaks with previous practices that allowed for more extensive initial rest periods. This rule officially goes into effect on September 1, 2026 for all new sick leave.
Oversight also affects medical renewals. Each extension is now subject to a limit set at one Duration is a maximum of two months. If your health condition requires a long period of rest, your doctor may prescribe several successive extensions, but must medically justify each period of sixty days.
Strengthening oversight of the health insurance budget
The main objective of the Social Security Financing Act (LFSS) 2026 is to halt the growth of public spending. To reassure patients, the government is ensuring that the current total ceiling is maintained. Insured retention Right to receive daily allowance for 360 days (IJ) Over a rolling period of three years.
This cost control is accompanied by a stated desire to intensify administrative medical control. Once the patient reaches the new maximum prescription limit, the health insurance fund performs automatic checks. The lack of an appropriate medical justification exposes the insured to direct danger Stop daily allowances.
Will employees be less protected?
For the majority of patients, this reform does not modify rights to daily allowances. Above all, it changes the terms of prescription and medical monitoring. Employees with a condition that requires extended leave will still be able to benefit from support, provided their condition is regularly reassessed and medically justified.
Health problem at work
However, many occupational health professionals stress the need to find a balance between controlling public spending and protecting vulnerable employees. Returning to activity too early can sometimes encourage relapses, especially after occupational burnout, major surgery, or certain chronic illnesses.
Medical exceptions and serious chronic diseases
The regulations protect individuals with significant health problems. Advertise patients in Long term condition (ald) Ignore these new duration restrictions. Occupational diseases and Work accidents Also maintain excellent support mechanisms.
The law provides immediate exemptions for patients with extremely disabling diseases. These exceptions include:
- Cancers that require long treatment.
- Severe and advanced neurological diseases.
- Major surgeries that require prolonged rehabilitation or immobilization.
The treating physician or specialist retains full discretion. If he deems a long extension necessary, he draws a Detailed medical justification. This memo, sent directly to your health insurance medical advisor, ensures that your financial aid will continue to be paid without administrative interruption.
