100 % Santé audiology: hearing aid price and reimbursement in 2026
Price limit, reimbursement base and out-of-pocket cost of a hearing aid in 2026: adult and under-20 schedule, what 100 % Santé covers, and the impact on a hearing centre's management.
Expert note: This article was written by our chartered accountancy firm. Information is current as of 2026. For a personalised review of your situation, contact us.
Quick answer: how much does a hearing aid cost and how is it reimbursed under 100 % Santé audiology in 2026?#
The 100 % Santé audiology scheme lets a patient obtain a Class I hearing aid with no out-of-pocket cost in 2026. For an adult, the price limit is 950 € incl. VAT per ear, social security reimburses 240 € and the responsible complementary insurer covers the balance. Final out-of-pocket cost: 0 €.
Class I with zero out-of-pocket cost or Class II at a free price#
The scheme rests on two equipment families. Class I is capped by a price limit (PLV) and produces a zero out-of-pocket cost under a responsible complementary insurance contract. Class II has a free price: its remaining cost depends on the insurer's guarantees.
The hearing care professional has one simple obligation to remember: every quote must include at least one Class I equipment with zero out-of-pocket cost. The patient then chooses in full knowledge, without being steered by default toward a paid option.
The adult schedule (over 20), per ear#
For an insured person over 20, the Class I equipment is capped at 950 € incl. VAT per ear. The social security reimbursement base (BRSS) is 400 €. The health insurance fund reimburses 60 % of that base, i.e. 240 €. The responsible complementary insurer covers the remainder to reach a 0 € out-of-pocket cost.
For an appliance fitted on both ears, these amounts are counted per ear: the price limit, the base and the reimbursement apply device by device.
The under-20 schedule (and people affected by blindness)#
For those under 20, and for people affected by blindness, the cover is markedly more favourable. The price limit of a Class I equipment rises to 1 400 € incl. VAT per ear, and the reimbursement base is also 1 400 €. Social security reimburses 60 % of 1 400 €, i.e. 840 €, with the responsible insurer covering the balance for a 0 € out-of-pocket cost.
| Item (per ear, Class I) | Adult (over 20) | Under 20 / blindness |
|---|---|---|
| Price limit (PLV) | 950 € incl. VAT | 1 400 € incl. VAT |
| Reimbursement base (BRSS) | 400 € | 1 400 € |
| Social security reimbursement (60 %) | 240 € | 840 € |
| Out-of-pocket cost with responsible insurer | 0 € | 0 € |
What 100 % Santé really includes#
Zero out-of-pocket cost is not limited to the device. The cover includes follow-up, adjustments and maintenance of the hearing aid. An important planning point for both patient and centre: cover can only be renewed after a period of 4 years per ear.
What Class I actually covers, to check on the quote:
- at least one Class I equipment offered on every quote;
- price limit respected (950 € adult, 1 400 € under 20);
- follow-up, adjustments and maintenance included in the service;
- cover renewal possible after 4 years, per ear;
- zero out-of-pocket cost under a responsible contract.
What this changes on the management side for a hearing centre#
Behind this zero out-of-pocket cost for the patient, the cash-flow mechanics of a hearing centre are less simple. These amounts pass through third-party payment: the social security share and the insurer share are collected with a lag, which creates receivables to track item by item. A rejected or pending insurer share is cash tied up for several weeks.
The margin on Class I is also capped by the price limit. Steering therefore plays out on the Class I / Class II mix, on the actual collection time for both shares and on the rigorous tracking of teletransmission rejections. In hearing-centre files, the most frequent frictions do not concern the device sold, but the recovery of the complementary share and the reading of net margin once the PLV is factored in.
To structure this cash-flow monitoring and build a dashboard suited to third-party payment, our firm supports hearing care professionals: see our dedicated page on the chartered accountant for hearing care professionals, which details the accounting, tax and steering issues specific to the sector.
This article informs on the 2026 framework; a decision specific to your situation requires reviewing your contracts, your figures and the rules in force.
Frequently asked questions
Is the out-of-pocket cost really 0 € for a hearing aid in 2026?+
Yes, for a Class I equipment and with a responsible complementary health contract. Social security reimburses 60 % of the base (240 € for an adult, 840 € for those under 20, per ear) and the complementary insurer covers the balance within the price limit.
Only every four years: what does this period correspond to?+
Cover for a hearing aid can only be renewed after a period of 4 years, calculated per ear. During this period, follow-up, adjustments and maintenance remain included in the initial service.
What is the management difference between Class I and Class II for the centre?+
Class I is capped by the price limit, which frames the margin but secures the patient's zero out-of-pocket cost. Class II has a free price: the remaining cost varies with the insurer's contract, and tracking third-party payment receivables becomes a management item in its own right.
Article written by Samuel HAYOT
Chartered Accountant, registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Regulated French accounting and audit firm based in Paris 8, built to support companies across France with a digital and decision-oriented approach.
Sources
Official and operational sources cited for this page.
This topic is part of our service Tax accountant in Paris | CIT, VAT & tax audits
Need a quote or personalised advice?
Our accountancy firm supports you through all your steps. Get a free quote to review your situation and receive a bespoke fee proposal, or contact us directly.