The medical equipment rental market in France

A medical device ("MD", also known as medical equipment) is defined as "an instrument, apparatus, equipment or software intended by its manufacturer for use in the diagnosis, prevention, control or treatment of disease or injury, or for other purposes". [ANSM]

MDs are very diverse, which means that a wide range of products are included within the scope of this product category. In France, there are between 800,000 and 2,000,000 product references, according to HAS Health. Generally speaking, medical devices can be segmented in the following way, according to their use [Financière d'Uzès ]:

- Medical devices for individual use (hospital equipment, anesthesia or respiratory equipment);

- Equipment (non-active implants, dental equipment);

- In vitro diagnostics (pregnancy tests, glucometers);

- E-Health (real-time monitoring of physiological parameters at home).

Medical equipment rental is offered to healthcare professionals:hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, independent practices, social action centers, etc.The main types of equipment rented to healthcare facilities are "durable" equipment (hospital beds, patient elevators, wheelchairs, respiratory assistance equipment, etc.), electronic diagnostic equipment, equipment for home consultations, and surgical equipment.

The medical equipment market is undergoing a major transformation, driven by strong structural dynamics at both national and global level. on an international scale, sales in the sector were worth €488.98 billion in 2021, and should reach €720.74 billion in 2029, reflecting growth driven by innovation, an ageing population and increasing healthcare needs. In France, this trend is reflected in the continuing rise in consumption of healthcare and medical goods, from 204 billion euros in 2018 to 249 billion in 2023, and in a medical device market which, after a slight contraction in 2021, will reach 21.9 billion euros in 2023.

Among the major players in this dynamic, home healthcare service providers (HSPs) illustrate the evolution of practices and uses. Their sales have risen from 3.5 billion euros in 2018 to 4.5 billion in 2022, 90% of which will be covered by the French Assurance Maladie. Against this backdrop, medical equipment rental is emerging as a strategic solution, accounting for 6% of the sector's sales. This alternative to purchasing enables healthcare professionals - whether in institutions or private practice - to control their costs, while having access to equipment that is constantly renewed and compliant with the latest technological advances.

This business model is all the more relevant in an environment marked byrapid equipment obsolescence, growing regulatory complexity complexity (notably with the European MDR regulation), and the need to adapt to changing patient profiles. Leasing therefore appears not only as a lever for financial optimization, but also as a flexible response adapted to new medical and industrial requirements.

The aim of this market study is to analyze the potential, uses, players and prospects of medical equipment leasing in France, based on recent economic data, demographic dynamics (in particular, the number of patients), and the market environment.cent economic data, demographic dynamics (notably the aging of the population), and changes in the sector, notably through the prism of subcontracting, production and homecare demand.