Period underwear covered by insurance: what does the law say?
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Time to read 7 min
To combat period poverty and make washable menstrual products more accessible, there’s growing discussion in France about reimbursing period underwear.
So, are free period panties and reimbursement a fact or just a rumor? What does the law currently say about reimbursed period underwear?
Who is eligible for this? What are the criteria? Which period underwear brands qualify? Do you need private health insurance, and if so, which one? What does social security cover, and what does supplemental insurance pay for? Are there deals, promos, or bundles that already let you get free or reimbursed period underwear?
Yes to reusable period products that are accessible to everyone—but not at any cost! Find all the info about reimbursed period underwear in this article.
Also, discover the Louloucup brand and its quality menstrual products. This French brand offers period panties, period swimwear, and menstrual cups at very reasonable prices.
In this article
I. New reimbursement measures for period underwear 1- A measure adopted in 2023 but not yet implemented 2 - Reimbursed period panties: who is eligible? 3 - Objectives of the law and the fight against period poverty II. Refund Policy and Points of Sale 1. Amount and coverage by health insurance 2. Eligible Purchase Locations and Points of Sale III. Criteria for reimbursable products and eligible brands IV. Steps to get a refund V. The benefits of reimbursed period underwear Product lifespan and care Average prices and potential savings FAQ: Reimbursement for period underwear
I. New reimbursement measures for period underwear
1- A measure adopted in 2023 but not yet implemented
As of the time we’re writing this (June 2025), the policy for reimbursement of reusable period products for women under 26 and those in financial need was passed at the end of 2023 for the 2024 budget.
In reality, this measure has faced major delays and still hasn’t been implemented. Nothing concrete has been done: there are no official guidelines, no information for pharmacists, no finalized lists of eligible brands or models, etc.
On May 29, 2025, Minister Aurore Bergé was questioned in the National Assembly about the issue and acknowledged the "unacceptable delay." She also stated that the government is committed to making the policy effective before the end of the year.
So, stay tuned!
2 - Reimbursed period panties: who is eligible?
Reimbursement for period panties in France applies to women under 26 and those eligible for supplemental health coverage. According to a February 2023 report, 4 million people in France experience period poverty. This is a much-needed measure!
Young women under 26 and those with complémentaire santé solidaire (C2S) coverage can request reimbursement for certain washable period products (not all are eligible) at their pharmacy.
3 - Objectives of the law and the fight against period poverty
The law on reimbursing period underwear aims to fight period poverty while encouraging the use of reusable hygiene products.
Some figures:
4 million people 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.
II. Refund Policy and Points of Sale
1. Amount and coverage by health insurance
Health Insurance would cover 60% of the price of period panties for those under 26, and 100% for C2S (solidarity health insurance) beneficiaries. Supplemental health insurance would cover the remaining 40%.
Comparison chart: reimbursement rates for period underwear depending on the beneficiary's profile
|
Beneficiary profile |
Social Security Reimbursement Rate |
Special Conditions |
| Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Health Solidarity (CSS) |
100% |
Full reimbursement without supplemental insurance |
| Young women under 26 |
60% |
40% covered by supplemental insurance |
2. Eligible Purchase Locations and Points of Sale
Purchases of reimbursed period panties must be made at a pharmacy. No prescription is required to get your reimbursed period underwear.
However, a detailed invoice and CPAM verification are required, along with confirmation that the brand is listed among the reimbursable products published by CPAM (this list has not yet been created and made official).
A few models on sale (while supplies last!)
III. Criteria for reimbursable products and eligible brands
1. Standards and requirements for eligible period underwear
Reimbursable underwear must meet strict health standards, such as being free from toxic substances, with certifications like Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 or Origine France Garantie.
Eligible menstrual products must guarantee non-toxicity for health and the environment, using organic and sustainable materials.
At Louloucup, all of our washable period underwear, without exception, is lined with organic cotton on the inside. All our fabrics are safe and non-toxic. Our manufacturing workshops (over 80% of our products are made in Europe—manufactured in Portugal) hold ISO 9001, BSCI, Oeko-Tex® 100 certifications, and the fabrics are approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
You can also find on our website a report conducted by an independent, accredited laboratory specializing in textile testing and analysis.
2. List of brands and models eligible for reimbursement
Nothing is official or confirmed yet! Like many users, as well as pharmacists and social security agents, we’re eagerly awaiting the release of official and regulatory texts that will clarify which brands and models are covered, as well as the exact terms.
IV. Steps to get a refund
Social Security Reimbursement Process
What we already know (but this still needs to be confirmed with the official regulations expected to be released by the end of the year).
Reimbursement is available at the pharmacy with an invoice in your name. Young women under 26 or those with CSS coverage don't have to pay upfront thanks to third-party payment.
Required documents
You will most likely need to show your pharmacist:
- a health insurance card,
- an insurance card,
- an ID card.
Reimbursed period underwear combines comfort, savings, and eco-friendliness. Under 26 or have government-supported health insurance? Get access to reusable protection that matches your flow. It’s the start of a lighter cycle for your budget and the planet!
V. The benefits of reimbursed period underwear
Product lifespan and care
Washable period underwear lasts about five years. If properly cared for (well rinsed, washed, and dried), they stay reliable and absorbent month after month, cycle after cycle, for years! Over their lifespan, period underwear can replace up to 2,000 tampons or pads.
At Louloucup, we recommend:
always rinse with cold water after use (as soon as you remove your period underwear, rinse it in water to flush out the flow stored in the absorbent layer);
gently hand wash or machine wash at no more than 86°F (30°C) without fabric softener, using a natural detergent free of 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.
Average prices and potential savings
Let’s talk money. A pair of period underwear costs between €20 and €40 each, but since you can reuse them for years, your period budget will drop significantly.
At Louloucup, our period underwear has a single price: €28.90. That’s also the price for our menstrual cups and period swimwear. This is already lower than competitors’ prices.
We also, and most importantly, offer our customers the opportunity to set of menstrual products entirely of their choice. The more products they add, the lower the price per item! A menstrual panty at €28.90 drops to €22.90 each if you have 5 products in your cart. You save €6 per item.
Price of a single Louloucup period underwear |
Number of items in cart |
| €28.90 | 1 |
| €26.90 | 2 |
| €25.90 |
3 |
| 24.9 |
4 |
| €22.90 |
5 |
In other words, if you select 5 products (which could be 1 swimsuit, 1 cup + 3 panties, OR 2 swimsuits + 2 panties + 1 cup, OR 5 panties, OR 1 cup + 4 panties, etc.), you’ll pay €114.16 instead of €144.50. You save €30.34—just over the price of a Louloucup period panty! By buying in bundles, you basically get a free or reimbursed period panty.
FAQ: Reimbursement for period underwear
Where can I find the official list of partner pharmacies?
Unfortunately, there’s no official list yet of partner pharmacies offering reimbursement for period underwear. The CPAM is still waiting for the regulatory texts to be published. More info coming soon!
Does the reimbursement for period underwear apply to all women?
Reimbursement for period underwear at the pharmacy won’t be automatic. Only young women under 26 (middle schoolers, high schoolers, college students, and young women in the workforce), as well as those eligible for the supplemental health solidarity plan (C2S), will be reimbursed as part of efforts to combat period poverty.
To qualify, the purchase must be made at a pharmacy and involve eligible products that meet strict non-toxicity criteria. Reimbursement is 100% for C2S recipients and 60% for those under 26, with the remainder potentially covered by their insurance. More info coming soon!
What should I do if my insurance doesn’t cover it?
If your insurance refuses to reimburse menstrual underwear, check the coverage you selected with them (basic, intermediate, or premium). Carefully review your policy’s reimbursement conditions and the eligibility criteria defined by law.
Does the reimbursement cover all types of reusable period products?
Reimbursement applies to certain types of reusable period products, including washable pads, period panties, and menstrual cups. Only products purchased at a pharmacy are eligible. More information coming soon!
