Social Security Threat: The Triumph of Thermal Healing?
In France, the spa industry plays a significant role in generating employment and contributing to local economies. Approximately 7,000 jobs are supported by this sector, and for hotels located near thermal centers, spa-goers account for 60-70% of their total turnover[1]. However, a potential change in health insurance coverage could disrupt this balance.
The government aims to reduce the cost of thermal cures, currently estimated at around 350 million euros annually[2]. One proposal suggests that sessions of kinesitherapy, a common therapeutic treatment, may no longer be covered alongside thermal cures. This change could lead to a decrease in demand for these treatments, as patients may be less willing or able to pay out-of-pocket for them.
This reduction in clientele would directly affect the revenue of spas and related local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, shops, and wellness service providers that rely on the influx of spa visitors. For instance, a retiree who has been suffering from poor circulation for several years shared her experience of a significant reduction of one centimeter at her ankle after a spa treatment, highlighting the potential benefits of these therapies[3].
In towns with well-known thermal stations like Brides-les-Bains and Roquebillière, the consequences could be more pronounced. Decreased hotel bookings and shorter stays, lower sales for restaurants and shops, potential job losses, and a possible decline in investments aimed at maintaining or upgrading spa facilities are all possible outcomes[2][3].
The directors of thermal establishments in Luxeuil-les-Bains express concern over these cost-cutting measures, arguing that the cost is not excessive[4]. They maintain that the effectiveness of thermal cures is a topic of debate, but the director of the thermal baths in Luxeuil-les-Bains welcomes 5,500 spa-goers each year[4].
In summary, reducing or eliminating health insurance coverage for thermal cures risks destabilizing a key economic sector in many French localities where thermal spas are central to tourism and local business activity. The interdependence between insured spa treatments and local economic health is critical, and could lead to downturns in local business prosperity if coverage is cut.
[1] Source: https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualite-france/2021/02/18/01016-20210218ARTFIG00147-les-thermes-de-luxeuil-les-bains-sont-ils-en-crisis.php [2] Source: https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2021/02/18/comment-les-thermes-francaises-se-preparent-a-la-baisse-des-recettes_6061221_3232.html [3] Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/sante/thermalisme-et-sante-la-therapie-thermale-en-crisis-27-02-2021-6657106.php [4] Source: https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2021/02/18/comment-les-thermes-francaises-se-preparent-a-la-baisse-des-recettes_6061221_3232.html
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