An eye disease that affects a large number of elderly people across the world, AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, affects the ability to see, sometimes even resulting in total blindness. Costs for those affected by this ocular condition are partially reimbursed by the French social security system and can also be covered under health insurance plans from mutual insurance groups.

AMD and the French social security system

AMD affects more than one million people in France and is the root cause of 3,000 cases of blindness each year. This chronic disease which affects the central zone of the retina, the macula, results in a progressive loss of sharpness in vision.

The French social security system covers part of the costs incurred, but not the totality. Consultations with an eye doctor are reimbursed by up to 70%. Laser or medicinal treatments, based on anti-angiogenic or anti-VEGF therapy are covered at a rate of 100% by state health insurance, since AMD is considered a long-term health condition.

A mutual health insurance plan that’s made to measure

While treatment for AMD is covered by the French social security system, it’s nevertheless necessary to find a mutual health insurance plan that’s well adapted and effective. That way, the remaining 30% of the cost of eye care consultations will be reimbursed.

Moreover, certain specialist eye doctors practice under what is called “sector 2” in France, which limits eligibility for reimbursement from the state social security system.

For those over fifty, it can sometimes be difficult to find a good mutual health insurance plan, so it is advised to consult an insurance broker or an online comparison service in order to find a contract that’s adapted to this condition.