Published on: December 23, 2024 | Article No: 286 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
In France, children are required to undergo 20 mandatory medical examinations from birth until the age of 16 to ensure proper health and development. Starting January 1, 2025, this schedule will be updated. One examination during the first three years after birth will be removed, and a new examination will be added for children aged 7 to 16.
Purpose of Mandatory Medical Checkups
The 20 mandatory medical examinations in France for children aim to:
- Ensure children’s overall health and development.
- Provide families with guidance or additional care if necessary.
Medical Checkups Schedule from 2025
Birth to 3 Years: Currently, 14 of the 20 medical exams take place within the first three years after birth. Starting January 1, 2025, this will be reduced to 13. The exam scheduled between the third week and the end of the first month will be removed. The revised schedule is as follows:
| Age of the child | Medical Exam |
| Within 8 days after birth | 1st checkup after birth. At the end, the doctor issues the 1st health certificate |
| During the 2nd week | 1 checkup |
| 2nd month to 6th month | 5 checkups (once a month) |
| During the 9th month | 1 checkup. At the end, the doctor fills out the 2nd health certificate |
| During the 12th month | 1 checkup |
| During the 13th month | 1 checkup |
| Between 16 and 18 months | 1 checkup |
| During the 24th or 25th month | 1 checkup. At the end, the doctor fills out the 3rd health certificate |
| During the 3rd to 6th years | 4 checkups (once a year until the age of 6 years) |
Note: A medical examination is organized at school for children aged 3 to 4. It is one of the 20 mandatory examinations reimbursed by health insurance.
Ages 7 to 16: An additional exam will be added during a child’s seventh year. The new schedule will include:
| Age of the Child | Medical Exam |
|---|---|
| During the 7th year | 1 checkup |
| Between 8–9 years | 1 checkup |
| Between 11–13 years | 1 checkup |
| Between 15–16 years | 1 checkup |
With this change in 2025, children will now have four mandatory exams between the ages of 7 and 16 instead of the current three.
What happens during these Checkups?
Medical professionals evaluate the children for:
- Growth patterns: Monitoring height, weight, and general development.
- Psychomotor skills: Assessing abilities such as walking and grasping.
- Psycho-emotional development: Observing emotional and social behavior.
- Vaccinations: Ensuring up-to-date immunizations.
Starting in 2025, these mandatory checkups will also include:
- Screening for mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
- Administering preventive treatments for certain childhood illnesses if needed.
After each mandatory health checkup, the examination results are recorded:
- In the child’s health record (carnet de santé de l’enfant).
- And, if applicable, in Mon espace santé, the child’s shared medical record.
Some key points to remember
- Mandatory Participation: Parents or guardians must ensure children attend these exams.
- Who Conducts the Exams?: Exams can be conducted by the child’s general practitioner or any doctor chosen by the parents.
- Medical exam cost: These consultations are fully reimbursed (100%) without upfront payment, except for cases where fees exceed the standard insurance rates.
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