Cadmium tests are now reimbursable in France: who is eligible?
Medical experts say the eligibility criteria are too narrow
Eligibility criteria for reimbursed screening have been criticised by doctors
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France has launched reimbursed cadmium screenings for eligible patients.
The initiative forms part of a decision by the National Union of Health Insurance Funds and is aimed at people who are potentially overexposed to cadmium due to their place of residence, in particular where the soil has been previously identified by the authorities as contaminated.
The screening is also intended for those with chronic cadmium intoxication who are already being medically monitored for it.
The test is priced at €27.50 with 60% of the cost reimbursable by l'Assurance maladie. Similar to a doctor’s consultation, patients will have to pay a flat €2 ‘contribution’ fee plus any remaining costs not covered by supplementary health insurance.
A doctor’s prescription is required for the test to be performed. The screening involves an initial urine cadmium measurement.
If urinary cadmium levels are elevated, a blood cadmium measurement may be carried out as a follow-up, also covered under the same reimbursement conditions.
These tests are to be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the Haute Autorité de Santé.
However, the eligibility criteria for reimbursed screening have been criticised by medical experts as too narrow.
Doctors warn that restricting access mainly to people exposed through identified environmental contamination or specific workplaces risks missing the majority of cases, as most cadmium exposure in France is linked to food consumption rather than direct industrial contact.
Cadmium is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction by ANSES, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety. It is found naturally in soils and enters the food chain mainly through agricultural products, particularly cereals, bread, potatoes, vegetables and other wheat-based or plant-based foods, as it can be absorbed by plant roots.
A bill aimed at reducing cadmium exposure in France was adopted by the National Assembly on June 3, 2026.
