E-cigarette reimbursement: What's the situation?

Recognized by the state and society, vaping is an effective way to stop consuming traditional cigarettes and quit tobacco gradually and gently. More and more mutual insurance providers are partially or fully reimbursing the e-cigarette, as it is considered a tobacco substitute. Regarding social security, it does not cover products related to the e-cigarette, as it classifies it alongside tobacco products.

Nevertheless, as part of the anti-tobacco plan, health insurance is considering possible coverage of vaping-related products in the coming years. Thanks to the purchase voucher system, Le Vapoteur Discount can reimburse the e-cig. Find out everything you need to know about e-cigarette reimbursement.

Is the e-cigarette reimbursed by mutual insurance?

In order to understand the situation regarding vaping reimbursement, it is essential to look more closely at the subject. E-cigarettes are the least risky and most effective way to stop smoking traditional cigarettes and begin tobacco cessation without feeling frustrated. Unlike tobacco, which is a scourge, the e-cigarette helps reduce the diseases and conditions contracted due to the consumption of traditional cigarettes. The government is increasingly supportive of vaping products, which it considers a genuine nicotine substitute, which is not yet the case for the WHO (World Health Organization). As for the opinion of health specialists, they consider this product to have health benefits and to allow daily smokers to enjoy a better quality of life. Indeed, thanks to the e-cig (more effective than nicotine patches), the skin is clearer, breathing is better, and the taste of food is more pronounced.



According to a British study, this product would be up to 95% less harmful than tobacco (link to the British study) and would present considerably fewer side effects. Part or all of the healthcare expenses not covered by social security are covered by mutual insurance providers. The e-cigarette is partially or fully reimbursed by certain mutual insurance providers, under certain conditions.

Indeed, for mutual insurance providers, a policyholder who vapes costs less than one who smokes, given that they have less risk of falling ill and that their life expectancy increases. As a result, supplementary health insurance providers have every interest in setting up plans that include reimbursement for the e-cigarette, e-liquids, and vaping equipment. According to health insurance, even when not prescribed by general practitioners, it is possible to be reimbursed for vaping products by a large number of health mutual insurance providers.

Contacting your supplementary health insurance provider is important to find out whether it covers vaping equipment. While mutual insurance providers such as Groupama and AXA do reimburse such products, not all have yet taken that step. Depending on the mutual insurance provider, the reimbursement terms differ and may evolve over time. The overall amount of e-cigarette-related purchases and the caps influence the level of reimbursement.

Mutual insurance providers that cover the e-cig

The mutual insurance providers that cover the e-cig are:

• AXA: this mutual insurance organization provides coverage for the costs of e-liquids certified by AFNOR, ranging from €50 to €150;
• Groupama: depending on the plan, this mutual insurance provider offers reimbursement for the e-cigarette of up to €40. The vaper must provide an invoice as well as a doctor's prescription.
  
  We invite you to check with your mutual insurance provider to find out the reimbursement terms. Our after-sales service is available to you after placing your order to provide you with the documents needed for your reimbursement.

Does social security reimburse e-cigarettes?

A public service that protects citizens from social risks, health insurance covers up to 70% of healthcare expenses. It also reimburses part (up to €150/year) of the costs incurred for the purchase of nicotine substitutes as well as all cessation medications (nicotine gum and patches) up to 65%. However, social security does not reimburse e-cigarettes, which it considers tobacco products.

The Minister of Health and Prevention, François Braun, who regards vaping as a reliable and low-risk solution for health when one stops smoking traditional cigarettes, announced in May 2023 that this situation could change in a few years. Consequently, health insurance could eventually accept reimbursement of e-cigs as part of the anti-tobacco campaign. To benefit from social security coverage, the vaper will need a prescription from their general practitioner for the use of an e-cigarette.

Take advantage of the "Your kit 100% reimbursed" promotion!

At Le Vapoteur Discount, we have set up an exceptional offer for our customers from February 20 to 29, 2024: the "Your kit 100% reimbursed" promotion! This unique initiative is designed to reward your loyalty and enrich your experience with us! Find out how you can make the most of this one-of-a-kind opportunity! How does it work? It's simple and advantageous. When you order one or several e-cigarettes, a surprise awaits you! Fourteen days after your order, you will be delighted to find 3 purchase vouchers added directly to your customer account. These vouchers, not combinable with each other, open the door to three separate future orders, maximizing your benefits. Each voucher is specific and can only be used once. Furthermore, their validity begins 14 days after your initial order and extends up to 180 days, offering you great flexibility. However, the minimum amount to use these vouchers is equivalent to the value of the kit(s) purchased during your first order. Ready, set, vape! You have until February 29, 2024 to take advantage of this! Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to make the most of your purchases at Le Vapoteur Discount!