How much does a trusted companion cost?
The answer depends on a key distinction that's often misunderstood: the legal status of trusted companion and paid professional support are not the same thing. Here's how to make sense of it, and what it actually costs.
1The legal status: entirely free
Designating a trusted companion under article L1111-6 of the French Public Health Code costs nothing. It is a status, not a service: you draft a signed document and give it to a relative — family member, friend, treating physician — who accepts the role. No payment is involved when it is held by a relative.
Good to know: if you're only looking to complete this formality, here's the guide to designating one — there's nothing to pay.
2So why does paid support exist?
A cost only appears when the trusted companion is an independent professional, called on in addition to or in the absence of an available relative. This is the case when family lives far away, when they struggle to free up time themselves, or when the person being supported prefers to rely on a neutral third party rather than placing that burden on their children.
In that case, the professional charges for their time and availability — being present at appointments, coordination, follow-up — exactly like any other personal-service provider.
3Typical rates
There is no official rate scale: each professional sets their own rates depending on the formula and region. As an example, here are mine:
| Formula | Rate |
|---|---|
| One-off support one appointment, one specific task | €90 / appointment |
| Remote Watch monthly contact, no minimum commitment | €99 / month |
| Regular support (Follow-up) 3 appointments included, €75 beyond that | €250 / month |
| Emergency intervention | €120 / intervention |
These figures give an order of magnitude; they can vary from one professional to another depending on the geographic area and the level of availability offered.
4What makes the price vary
- Frequency — one-off support costs less overall than regular follow-up, but more per appointment
- Distance — travel costs may be added outside the professional's usual coverage area
- Urgency — an unplanned intervention is generally billed higher than an appointment scheduled in advance
- Level of availability — a service with on-call support and immediate alerts (like Remote Watch) has a different cost than a simple one-off visit
5Is it reimbursed or covered?
No: it is not a medical procedure, so it is not reimbursed by French health insurance. Some social assistance schemes — APA (Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie) or PCH (Prestation de Compensation du Handicap) — fund hours of home help, but do not specifically cover this type of support. It's best to check case by case with your local council (conseil départemental) whether your situation qualifies for available assistance.
Also read
How to designate a trusted companion? — the free process, step by step.
Elderly parent living far away: how to help from a distance? — when regular professional support can make sense.
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