Is the rollator covered by the French Health Insurance?

If you need a roller to improve your mobility or independence, there are several financing and reimbursement options available in France. Here's everything you need to know to benefit from coverage by the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) and additional assistance.

1. Is a rollator covered by Health Insurance?

Yes, a walker or rollator can be covered by Health Insurance if it meets certain conditions:

• It must be prescribed by a doctor.

• It must be listed on the List of Reimbursable Products and Services (LPP), which lists medical devices eligible for reimbursement.

• It must be provided by an approved provider (pharmacy, medical supply store).

Example: the base price for a standard walker is approximately €53.81 according to the LPP.

2. What is the reimbursement amount?

• The standard reimbursement rate is 60% of the base rate, or approximately €32.28.

• If you have a Long-Term Illness (ALD) or benefit from a special scheme, coverage can be 100%.

• If you choose a more advanced model (lighter, all-terrain, with brakes, seat, etc.), the difference between the actual price and the base price will remain your responsibility.

• Your supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) may cover all or part of this remaining cost.

3. What steps are required to obtain reimbursement?

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Consult your doctor:: they will issue a medical prescription for a walker or rollator.

2. Check the LPP code:: the prescribed device must correspond to an LPP code.

3. Purchase your rollator from an approved supplier (pharmacy or medical equipment store).

4. Send the following to your CPAM: the prescription, the invoice, and, if necessary, the prior agreement form for validation.

5. Receive the reimbursement: the amount will be paid into your account. If you have supplemental health insurance, it may cover the remaining portion not reimbursed.

4. Which models are eligible?

• The device must be recognized as a walking aid in the LPP nomenclature.

• It must comply with medical standards and be supplied by an approved provider.

• High-end models (brakes) sophisticated, large wheels, outdoor use) are reimbursed only up to the base rate; the excess remains your responsibility.

5. Other possible sources of funding

• Your health insurance: some cover the difference between the purchase price and the Social Security reimbursement.

• Departmental assistance: the Departmental Centers for Disabled Persons (MDPH) or the departmental councils can grant aid to help finance adapted equipment.

• Associations and foundations: some charities or patient associations can contribute towards the purchase of a mobility device.

• Temporary rental: if you need the rollator for a limited period (rehabilitation, convalescence), renting can be an economical solution and is partly reimbursed (base rate about €2.21 per week).

6. Points to watch and practical advice

• Check that the model you choose matches the prescription and the LPP reference exactly.

• Buy only from an approved supplier, otherwise reimbursement may be refused.

• Keep every document: prescription, invoice, prior agreement and the letter from your CPAM.

• If you are recognised as having a long-term illness (ALD) or a lasting disability, ask for 100 % coverage.

• If the device requires prior agreement, allow a few weeks for processing.

7. In summary

To obtain funding for a rollator in France:

• Consult your doctor and obtain a medical prescription.

• Choose a reimbursable model listed in the LPP.

• Buy it from an approved supplier.

• Send the documents to your CPAM for reimbursement.

• Top up if needed with your complementary insurance or local assistance (MDPH, associations).

Tip: the standard reimbursement covers about 60 % of the base rate (a little over €30), but with good complementary insurance or additional help you can reduce or even eliminate what you pay yourself.