Digital technology in healthcare in France
68.5 million
population (2024)
11.5% of GDP
earmarked for healthcare spending (2024)
1st country
European Digital Health Investment Fund
The French healthcare system is centralized and covers anyone who works or resides in France on a stable and regular basis. The basic compulsory health insurance schemes operate on the principle of solidarity: they are financed by contributions based on income. Since the creation of the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) in 2010, the system has been decentralized, with responsibilities being developed at the regional level in order to better adapt to local contexts and strengthen dialogue with regional stakeholders. The 18 ARS now coordinate prevention, care, and support at the regional level.
The Ministry of Health oversees patient care, and the Health Insurance system reimburses healthcare expenses.
The Digital Health Delegation (DNS) is responsible for the national management of all digital health projects, in particular France 2030's "Digital health" acceleration strategy (SASN) and the "Ségur du numérique en santé" (Digital Health Agreement). The Digital Health Agency (ANS), the operational arm of the DNS, publishes the standards and corpus of the General Policy for the Security of Health Information Systems (PGSSI-S). It also participates in e-health projects throughout the country, such as the implementation of the National Health Identity (INS) and the common e-health authentication service, Pro Santé Connect.
France, a driving force behind digital health at the European level
The Digital Health Roadmap (2023-2027) sets out France's digital health strategy and proposes a dynamic and ambitious multi-year action plan to put digital technology at the service of health.
The National Health Data System (SNDS) is the largest medical-administrative database and allows data from multiple sources (health insurance, healthcare institutions, causes of death, and many others) to be linked together. Any person or organization, public or private, can access SNDS data with the authorization of the National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties (CNIL) for the purpose of conducting a study, research, or evaluation that is in the public interest.
For more information on the state of digital health in Europe, click here.
Telehealth in France
In France, telehealth is defined by a legal framework (L6316-1 and 2 of the Public Health Code) and corresponds to remote access by a patient to a healthcare professional or medical team using new technologies. It is divided into telemedicine for medical professionals and telecare for medical assistants.
To date, four activities are covered by health insurance: telemonitoring, tele-expertise, teleconsultation, and telecare.
In France, telehealth services are to be listed on the Operational Resource Directory (ROR), a digital platform for healthcare professionals. This will enable healthcare professionals to consult online how their patients can access teleconsultation, tele-expertise, telemonitoring, or telecare services.
How to access the French market?
The points below outline various useful steps for accessing the French market. They are not listed in any particular order.
1. Start your own business with help from Bpifrance
Discover the six steps required to start a business on the Bpifrance website. From defining your project to finding financing and choosing the right legal structure, BPI is there to support you.
Find grants and subsidies for your development in France on the Aides-Territoires G_NIUS search engine.
2. Seek additional funding using G_NIUS fact sheets.
Would you like your solution to be covered by health insurance, via a medical or healthcare procedure, or purchased by a healthcare facility?
Find out about all the coverage options you are eligible for with the G_NIUS fact sheets.
3. Assess the compliance of a digital solution on the Convergence platform
The ANS operates a service enabling manufacturers to have their digital health solutions certified for the security and interoperability requirements necessary for reimbursement via its Convergence platform.
This is a national platform for assessing the compliance of digital services and solutions implemented by digital health companies and applying for referencing or certification schemes. You have the appropriate tools to apply for referencing or certification schemes: Mon espace santé service catalog, SAS (Healthcare Access Service), digital medical devices.
4. Apply for advance digital coverage (PECAN)
PECAN allows for one year of exceptional coverage by the French national health insurance system for digital medical devices deemed innovative. This advance reimbursement allows the operator to finalize the demonstration of clinical and/or organizational benefits while deploying their solution among patients. You can find more information about PECAN on its dedicated page.
Applications will be evaluated by the National Commission for the Evaluation of Medical Devices and Health Technologies (CNEDiMTS) of the HAS and by the Digital Health Agency (ANS).
Additional information: To benefit from PECAN, it is not mandatory to set up a company in France, but you must have at least one entity in Europe. However, to bill the National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM), you must have an entity in France, although it is possible to do without one by going through an agent/service provider.
Government authorities
Responsible for the evaluation and regulation of health products.
Associations and unions
They bring companies together and facilitate their incubation.
National support and innovation initiatives
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies.
Regional and territorial support and innovation initiatives
The training framework
Since 2024, digital health has been taught in initial training courses for 14 professional categories in the health sector, covering the following topics: health data, cybersecurity, communication, tools and software, and finally telehealth.