The Burden of Hospitalisations for COVID-19 in France: A Study of All Cases in the National Insurance Claims Database in 2020

Background: The economic consequences of the recent COVID-19 pandemic were substantial. However, direct medical costs in France have not been determined. Objective: To describe patient characteristics, intensity of care, mortality, and direct medical costs in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 infections in France. Study design: A retrospective study of the French national hospital claims database for 2020. Setting: Hospital care. Patients or other participants: All patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in 2020 were included and classified by hospitalisation duration into acute phase and prolonged COVID-19. Intervention: Stratification by intensity of care (Level 1: no or low-flow oxygen support; Level 2: non-invasive ventilation; Level 3: mechanical ventilation). Main outcome measure: Cost of hospital care in 2020 Euros from a payer perspective. Results: 199,455 patients were hospitalised for COVID-19 in France in 2020. 17,824 patients (8.9%) received mechanical ventilation and 32,602 patients (16.3%) died. Mean per patient cost was €5510 ± 7142. This cost was highest in patients receiving Level 3 care, patients aged >80 years and in those with prolonged COVID. Conclusion: The economic burden of hospitalisations for COVID-19 infections in France during 2020 was substantial. The study provides robust baseline data to benchmark advances in the standard of care and to nurture epidemiological models.