Period panty reimbursement: what changes on 1 October 2026
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Time to read 15 min
Updated on 4 September 2026
[ The latest news about reimbursement of period lingerie have been constantly evolving. After months on hold, it’s finally here! The order of 6 August 2026 sets out the conditions for coverage of reusable period products listed under Article L. 162-59 of the Social Security Code. From 1 October 2026, people under 26 and C2S beneficiaries will be entitled to two reimbursed menstrual products bought in a pharmacy. We explain more in this article! ]
Maybe you’ve heard about this bill: the reimbursement of period panties! More specifically, since March 2023 there has been talk of reimbursing reusable period products for all young women. Note, we are specifically talking about reimbursement of washable period products like cups and panties, not pads and tampons.
Long discussed, this measure has finally become reality! From 1 October 2026 in France, insured people under 26, as well as people receiving C2S with no age limit, will be entitled to two reimbursed menstrual products (maximum of two products per year).
This is a concrete response to period poverty. This decree especially benefits teenagers but also students who often have a very limited budget to equip themselves properly!
Reimbursed period underwear – where do things actually stand? Are washable pads covered? What exactly is covered by the national health insurance (CPAM) and by top-up insurers? Which washable and reusable period products will be reimbursed by the national health insurance from 1 October 2026? Do we have to shop in a pharmacy to benefit from this measure? Which menstrual products are recognised by the national health insurance? What is the best period underwear, the most reliable and the safest?
In this article, you’ll find:
I - Are period panties reimbursed? What changes on 1 October 2026 II – Who can benefit? III – From when? IV – How much will you be reimbursed? Period underwear — pharmacy price: €19.00 Menstrual cup — pharmacy price: €15.80 V - How many products per year are reimbursed? VI – Where do you have to buy to be reimbursed? In pharmacies only VII – How to get reimbursed: step-by-step process How much will I have left to pay? VIII – Which products are covered? And what about washable pads? And tampons? IX – Not all period underwear will be reimbursed X – And what about teenagers? XI – And what about top-up health insurance plans? XII – Free period underwear: don’t confuse it with reimbursement 🩷 Louloucup’s commitments and values Top 3 most affordable Louloucup period panties 🩷 Product lifespan and care 🩷 The set of 5 Louloucup products at a discounted price How can you get free period panties? FAQ – menstrual underwear reimbursement To learn more... Want cheaper, more eco-friendly, and more peaceful periods?
I - Are period panties reimbursed?
Yes! From 1 October, period underwear (and menstrual cups too) will be reimbursed in France. A few conditions: buy them in a pharmacy, be under 26 or receive C2S.
This new measure aims to tackle period poverty. Here are a few key figures you should know.
Four million people were affected by period poverty in France in 2023.
44% of young women aged 18 to 24 have trouble accessing menstrual products.
In 2021, 130,000 young girls regularly missed school due to lack of period products. Many women miss work or give up sports because of their periods.
Estimated average cost between €8,000 and €23,000, from puberty to menopause.
What changes on 1 October 2026
Big, wonderful news! Reimbursement for period panties and menstrual cups purchased in pharmacies has finally been approved and confirmed. So how does it actually work in practice?
- This measure takes effect from 1 October 2026, as stated in the order of 6 August, published on 7 August in the Official Journal. Purchases of period underwear or menstrual cups made before this date will not be covered!
- Two types of products are covered and reimbursed, as stated in the decree of 17 April, published on 18 April in the Official Journal: period panties and menstrual cups.
- Likewise, only purchases made in pharmacies are covered.
- Again, not all menstrual products sold in pharmacies are eligible. You’ll need to check with your pharmacist that the specific panty or cup model is on the list of covered products.
- Not all insured people are concerned: only those under 26 years old and those benefiting from the complementary health coverage (C2S) are entitled to reimbursement for reusable period products.
- Finally, reimbursement is limited to two products per year.
Summary table: price, national health insurance coverage and remaining cost for complementary insurance
| Price | Covered by the National Health Insurance | Out-of-pocket amount (complementary insurance share) | In case of C2S | |
| Panties | €19.00 incl. VAT | €10.45 to €12.35 | €6.65 to €8.55 | €0 |
| Cup | €15.80 incl. VAT | €8.69 to €10.27 | €5.53 to €7.11 | €0 |
II – Who can benefit?
Washable menstrual protection (including menstrual cups and period underwear) is reimbursed by Social Security only for insured persons under 26 years old as well as for those benefiting from C2S. (Decree no. 2026-288 of April 17, 2026 (Official Journal of April 18)
To benefit from free reusable period products from 1 October 2026, you must:
- be under 26 years old;
- or be a beneficiary of the Complementary Health Solidarity (C2S) with no age condition;
- choose a menstrual product listed by the national health insurance;
- Another condition is that the period product must be purchased exclusively in a pharmacy. However, no prescription is required.
This is excellent news both for people with C2S (on low incomes) and for all insured teenagers, high schoolers, and students! They will be able to access durable, high-quality period products at no cost!
III – From when?
The reimbursement of your period underwear will take effect from 1 October 2026, not before.
Because this measure was announced a long time ago and then postponed and delayed, many dates were mentioned incorrectly. Today it’s official, we know for sure: remember the date 1 October 2026!
IV – How much will you be reimbursed?
Period underwear — pharmacy price: €19.00
| Profile | Rate | Reimbursed | Out-of-pocket cost |
| Under 26 | 55 to 65% | around €10.45 to €12.35 | around €6.65 to €8.55 |
| C2S beneficiary | 100% | €19.00 | €0 |
Menstrual cup — pharmacy price: €15.80
| Profile | Rate | Reimbursed | Out-of-pocket cost |
| Under 26 | 55 to 65% | €8.69 to €10.27 |
€5.53 to €7.11 |
| C2S beneficiary | 100% | €15.80 |
€0 |
From 1 October 2026, the national health insurance will cover part of the cost of your cup and/or period underwear, between 55 and 65%. The remaining share may be covered by your supplementary health insurance, depending on your plan, OR covered 100% if you receive the complementary solidarity health cover (C2S).
V - How many products per year are reimbursed?
This measure reimburses up to two products per year:
- you can therefore get two pairs of period panties of your choice,
- or two menstrual cups,
- or one cup and one pair of period panties.
The year starts from the date of the first purchase. For example: you buy two pairs of period underwear at your pharmacy on 15 October 2026. You are reimbursed. You use your two products. You then have to wait one year, until 15 October 2027, to be able to get two new reimbursed menstrual products.
Year after year, you can gradually build up your collection and be properly equipped to experience more eco-friendly and more peaceful periods.
VI – Where do you have to buy to be reimbursed? In pharmacies only
To benefit from the new measure on health insurance coverage for reusable period products, you must buy your two pairs of period underwear or your two menstrual cups, or one cup and one pair of period underwear, that are listed, and you must do so in a pharmacy. Purchases made online, in supermarkets or in organic shops are not eligible. You then pay at the till. According to the decree, this applies to people living in mainland France, the overseas departments and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
VII – How to get reimbursed: step-by-step process
- In the pharmacy, you choose from the eligible menstrual products: two pairs of underwear, two cups, or one cup and one pair of underwear.
- If you are under 26: your pharmacist will ask for your Carte Vitale and your health insurance card. If you receive C2S, everything is covered and you don’t pay anything.
- The national health insurance covers between 55 and 65% of the amount; the remaining share may be covered by your supplementary health insurance, depending on your plan.
How much will I have left to pay?
- If you are a young insured person under 26, you will probably have to pay 35 to 45% of the amount upfront before being reimbursed a few days later by your health insurer (the remaining share may be covered by your supplementary health insurance, depending on your plan). In some cases, you won’t have anything to pay because your insurer is directly recognised by your pharmacist.
- If you benefit from C2S, you don’t have to pay anything.
- If you are under 26 but don’t have complementary health insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover period products, you will have to pay about 35 to 45% of the cost. Health insurance reimburses between 55 and 65%. The table below gives you an idea of how much you will have to pay out of pocket.
VIII – Which products are covered?
Not all brands are eligible for reimbursement. The system in place imposes many criteria on menstrual product brands. This is to offer users products of impeccable quality.
Durable and high-performing, the targeted period panties are tested and examined inside and out. They must demonstrate their durability, absorbency, and reliability.
Period underwear must also clearly state a composition free from toxic substances (nanoparticles, PFAS, etc.) and be certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100 class I or II.
“After many long months of waiting, countless teens and young women will finally be able to equip themselves with the best possible products and experience truly calm, stress-free periods.”
And what about washable pads? And tampons?
This measure to combat period poverty only supports the use of menstrual cups and period underwear.
Washable pads, as well as menstrual discs, menstrual sponges and single-use pads, tampons and panty liners are not eligible for reimbursement of period products by the national health insurance.
IX – Not all period underwear will be reimbursed
For now, the list of registered and eligible products is not yet available (Article L. 162-59 of the Social Security Code: principle of the list). Louloucup is following this very closely and working to meet the requirements of the new framework. Sign up to our newsletter to be informed as soon as we have an update.
We can already tell you that the products in question will necessarily have:
- the following labels or certifications OEKO-TEX Standard 100 class I or II for underwear;
- the EU Ecolabel or ISO 10993-1 labels for cups;
- a minimum absorption capacity of 12 ml for period underwear;
- 20 ml or less, and between 20 and 30 ml for menstrual cup capacities.
X – And what about teenagers?
Teenagers are fully covered by this measure since they are under 26! This is excellent news for experiencing first periods in a calmer, more relaxed way. Teen period underwear are excellent hygienic solutions for young girls. Menstrual cups in small and extra-soft sizes are also an option, especially for swimming without worrying about leaks.
Schemes for teenagers and students
For younger users, Louloucup has adapted! We offer our nicest designs in XXXS, XXS or XS so that the youngest, from around 10 or 12 years old, can get equipped! Our favourite? The Simone heavy-flow teen period underwear, available from 3XS!
Our teen period underwear are very affordable but still high quality, made with organic cotton and highly reliable absorbent protection.
XI – And what about top-up health insurance plans?
Several health insurers already offer reimbursement for one or more period products per year.
Reimbursement depends on the contract subscribed. It may cover period panties, a menstrual cup, or even absorbent fabric pads. Terms vary from one contract to another. Don’t hesitate to ask your advisor or reread the contract you signed. Send a simple email to your insurance agent to get the information.
Once you’ve made your purchase, simply send your invoice to your insurance provider so they can reimburse you. Nothing could be easier!
Good to know: very often we don’t know all the details of the contracts we sign! In addition to partially or fully reimbursing our medical expenses, health insurance plans can also cover some of our more “extra” costs, like contraception (which isn’t always fully covered) or even condoms!
XII – Free period underwear: don’t confuse it with reimbursement
With this new measure, it’s easy to confuse the reimbursement of two products per year by the CPAM with the various offers and/or marketing promotions run by brands.
Know this: Louloucup didn’t wait for government subsidies to offer period products at the best prices and to fight period poverty. What are our commitments, prices, and offers?
🩷 Louloucup’s commitments and values
Louloucup positions itself as one of the washable and eco-friendly menstrual protection brands with the best value for money on the French market. We have always worked to offer attractive prices to make washable period protection as accessible as possible to the greatest number: middle school girls, high school girls, university students, young women in working life, and new mothers in the postpartum period.
On our online shop, you’ll find a wide range of period underwear to use during your period instead of tampons and disposable pads. Our must-have? The heavy-flow period underwear, without a doubt!
Louloucup offers period underwear for teens, postpartum underwear for mums, as well as plus-size period underwear. These reusable period panties are washable, reusable, eco-friendly, long-lasting and sustainable. Lined with organic cotton, they’re as comfortable as they are absorbent!
You can also find our Loulou cup in two sizes: small and medium, as well as our period swimwear so you can enjoy swimming with no risk of leaks.
Top 3 most affordable Louloucup period panties
🩷 Product lifespan and care
Washable period underwear have an average lifespan of around 5 years. If they are properly cared for (well rinsed, washed and dried), they remain reliable and absorbent month after month, cycle after cycle! Over their lifetime, period underwear can replace up to 2,000 tampons or pads.
At Louloucup, we recommend:
- rinse in cold water after use (as soon as you take off your period underwear, run it under water to flush out the flow stored in the absorbent layer);
- wash gently by hand or in the machine at a maximum of 30°C, without fabric softener and using a natural detergent free from alcohol and fragrance;
- and finally, let your period underwear air dry away from any heat sources (no heaters, dryers, fireplaces, or direct sunlight) to preserve the fibers.
🩷 The set of 5 Louloucup products at a discounted price
At Louloucup, you fill your cart with your favorite products, select the size you want, the model you want. Then enjoy the instant discount on each item in your cart. At Louloucup, the more menstrual products you add (whether panties, menstrual cups, or period swimwear), the more you save!
Take a look instead: a period product has a unit price of €28.90 at Louloucup (excluding certain heavy-flow styles). Add two items to your cart and they automatically drop to €26.90 each. Add a third product of your choice and they’re then €25.90 each. With 4 items in your cart, every product in your order costs €24.90. Finally, once you reach 5 products of your choice, each item has a unit price of €22.90.
A cart with 5 period panties or with 1 cup + 4 period panties costs €114.50 instead of €144.50. You save €6.07 per item. Overall, you save €30—the price of one pair of period panties!
When you buy 5 Louloucup items of your choice, you get one item fully refunded, free, and on us! A great deal, right?
How can you get free period panties?
Fighting menstrual discomfort? Providing clear answers to all young girls and women who menstruate? Beyond France, many countries around the world have taken up this issue affecting many women. Most often, measures are put in place in schools, high schools, and universities to reduce absenteeism among girls.
Scotland legislated in August 2022 to make tampons and pads freely available to all women. The government had already allowed Scottish high school and university students to have free tampons and pads at their place of study since 2018.
Some US states provide free period products. This is the case in Ohio, where menstrual products are offered in restrooms.
FAQ – menstrual underwear reimbursement
Are period underwear reimbursed by the national health insurance?
From 1 October 2026, yes, certain models of period underwear available only in pharmacies will be partially reimbursed by the national health insurance. Coverage ranges from 55 to 65% of a price capped at a maximum of €19.
Who is entitled to reimbursement for period underwear?
Reimbursement for period panties and menstrual cups purchased in pharmacies does not apply to all insured people. It only concerns insured persons under 26 (middle schoolers, high schoolers, students, and young working women) as well as beneficiaries of the Complementary Health Solidarity (C2S), as part of the fight against period poverty. To benefit, the purchase must be made in a pharmacy and concern eligible products that meet strict non-toxicity criteria. Reimbursement is 100% for C2S beneficiaries and 55 to 65% for young people under 26, with the remainder potentially covered by their complementary health insurance.
How many pairs of period underwear are reimbursed per year?
Two products are reimbursed per year. The year starts from the date of the first purchase. If you get your two pairs of period underwear on 15 October 2026, you will only be entitled to two new reimbursed pairs of period underwear from 15 October 2027.
How can you get your period underwear reimbursed?
You must be under 26 or be a C2S beneficiary. You have to buy your period underwear or cups in a pharmacy and choose from those that are eligible for reimbursement.
Does the reimbursement cover all types of reusable period products?
Reimbursement only applies to two types of reusable, washable period products: period panties and menstrual cups. Other products (pads, discs, sponges, tampons, panty liners) are not covered.
Is the menstrual cup reimbursed?
Yes, menstrual cups are eligible for reimbursement by the national health insurance from 1 October 2026. The listed products are available in pharmacies only.
Do you need a prescription?
No, you don’t need a prescription to benefit from reimbursement of period products from 1 October 2026.
Can you get reimbursed for underwear bought online?
No, you cannot get reimbursed for period underwear bought online. Only models that are eligible under the scheme and purchased in a pharmacy can be reimbursed.
Is the reimbursement retroactive?
Only purchases made from 1 October onwards will be reimbursed. Reimbursement is not retroactive. If you buy period underwear on 30 September, you will not be able to benefit from the reimbursement scheme starting on 1 October. Only purchases made from 1 October are taken into account.
Where can I find the list of reimbursed products?
As of today, the list of products is not yet available. Louloucup is following this very closely and working to meet the requirements of the new framework. Sign up to our newsletter to be informed as soon as we have an update.
Are washable pads included?
No, washable sanitary pads are not reimbursed by the national health insurance.
How can you get free period panties?
If you order 5 Louloucup items (any items!), you get €30 off, which is the equivalent of one pair of period panties! So you get a free pair of period panties when you order 5 menstrual products of your choice from Louloucup.
To learn more...
Camille
I’ve been writing for Louloucup for several years now, and I love chatting about everything from period panties to grandma’s remedies for easing period pain! Every week I share my favorites and inspirations with one goal in mind: finally experiencing calm, stress-free periods! 🩷
