what changes for the French

The last month of 2024 brings many adjustments to the daily lives of the French. Increase in medical consultation prices, new rules for certain medications, increase in gas prices and increase in salaries in the hotel and catering industry: here is an overview of the main new developments.

Increase in consultations with doctors: an expected turning point

From December 22, 2024, seeing a doctor will cost more. The consultation with a general practitioner will increase from 26.50 to 30 euros. Parents will also have to plan a larger budget: a consultation for a child under six years old will cost 35 euros, and 39 euros for children under two years old.

Specialists are not spared from this increase. Consultations in neurology or psychiatry will now cost 55 euros, while those in child psychiatry will reach 75 euros. For dermatological screenings, the price will increase from 37 to 54 euros.

These increases result from the agreement signed in June 2024 between Health Insurance and private doctors, aiming to increase the value of consultations. Further increases are already planned for July 2025.

Read also – Health: here is the return of the ‘rabbit tax’ on missed appointments

Codeine-based medicines: stricter prescriptions

In order to combat the risk of dependence, medicines containing substances such as codeine, tramadol or dihydrocodeine will now be delivered only by secure prescription. This must mention the dosage and duration of treatment in full, and the prescription cannot exceed 12 weeks.

Gas prices: a new increase

Bad news for households: the price of gas continues to rise. From December 1, an increase of 2.5% will apply, bringing the cost per kWh for heating from 0.1093 to 0.1124 euros. This is the sixth increase for the year 2024, according to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE).

Wages increased in the hotel and catering industry

Good news, however, for employees in the hotel and catering sector. From December 1, 2024, the minimum gross salary will increase to 12 euros per hour, compared to 11.72 euros previously. This increase now exceeds the minimum wage, set at 11.88 euros, and is part of a decree of November 5, 2024 aimed at improving the conditions of employees in a key sector for the French economy.

End of aid for electric vehicles in Île-de-France

Residents of certain Ile-de-France departments will have to say goodbye to regional aid for the purchase of electric vehicles. This support, which can go up to 9,000 euros, will no longer be offered from December 1, 2024. This change will impact residents of Seine-et-Marne (77), Yvelines (78), Essonne (91 ) and Val-d’Oise (95), with specific exceptions in a few municipalities.

Read also – Reduction in the ecological bonus for electric cars in 2025!

Payment of the 2024 Christmas bonus

In 2024, the 2024 Christmas bonus will be paid on December 17, one week before the holidays, after a slight postponement from the date initially announced. Intended for recipients of minimum social benefits, it provides essential support, although its amount remains unchanged despite inflation. This exceptional aid targets 2.3 million beneficiaries in France. Automatically paid by CAF, MSA or France Travail, its amount varies depending on the composition of the household, with a base of 152.45 euros for a single person and increases for families.

Find out more about the 2024 Christmas Bonus

An end of the year marked by major changes

Between salary increases, rising health and energy costs, and the end of certain aid, the month of December 2024 promises to be busy. While certain measures aim to strengthen purchasing power, others risk weighing heavily on household budgets.