Analyze the need for medical care
When reaching retirement age, it is essential to consider specific age-related medical needs. At this age more comprehensive coverage is needed to address unique health concerns. Here are some things to consider:
Medical care coverage
Routine medical consultations, visits to the general practitioner and laboratory tests remain essential and will be more and more recurring for people over 60 years old. A suitable senior mutual insurance must cover these current expenses.
Support for specialized medical care
Needs for specialized care may increase with age. A gastroenterologist, a cardiologist or even a urologist are even recommended by health insurance from the age of 50. Make sure that the senior mutual insurance you are considering covers these types of specialists to avoid any unpleasant surprises during reimbursement.
Medication management
Medicines can represent a significant part of medical expenses for seniors and there are several types of stickers reimbursed differently by social security: white at 65%, orange between 15% and 35% and blue at 30%. Look for a senior mutual that will cover the difference for prescription medications, ensuring that non-reimbursed medications can also be reimbursed.
Dental and optical care
These are the most expensive treatments after hospitalization. Health insurance implemented in 2019 what we now call 100% health and which allows you to have no out-of-pocket costs for hearing, optics or even dental care. On the other hand, be careful, the choice of spectacle frames is limited, the materials of the teeth on precise criteria respected by the dentist and for hearing this formula only gives you access to certain models. On the other hand, it is indeed a mandatory measure which must be respected by practitioners.
Safety in the event of hospitalization
These costs are the most expensive and become more frequent with age, so be careful to have a high level of reimbursement. Hospitalization ranges from 800€ per day to 2000€ per day, 80% coverage by social security so if you have to be hospitalized for 10 days your remaining cost may be significant in the event of lack of mutual insurance. .
Compare the types of senior mutual insurance
Once you have identified your medical needs, it is time to compare the different types of senior health insurance available. Seniors often have several options to choose from, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
Mutual insurance dedicated to seniors
Some insurance companies offer senior mutual insurance specially designed for seniors. These senior mutuals take into account the typical medical needs of older people and often offer additional benefits such as discounts on dental care and preventive consultations.
Supplementary mutual insurance
Supplementary mutual insurance offers broader coverage than basic senior mutual insurance. They are often adapted to the needs of seniors who want extensive protection. However, they can be more expensive than basic senior mutuals.
Individual mutuals vs. municipal mutuals
More and more municipalities are negotiating directly with mutual societies in order to offer an attractive package to their constituents by relying on group volume. The prices are lowered significantly but be careful you will not have a very large choice, it is mainly one or two formulas generally offered. If you want personalized mutual insurance because your needs require it, you will then have to go directly to mutual insurance where the rates may be a little higher but on the other hand the reimbursements are more appropriate.
Third-party payment
Third-party payment is an advantage that allows you not to advance medical costs. This can be particularly convenient for seniors, as it avoids having to deal with repayments. Make sure the mutual insurance company you choose offers this option. There are also services where the mutual fund anticipates your reimbursements even for wellness care in order to avoid paying your osteopath or other practitioner in the same category in advance.
Analysis of guarantees and exclusions
Before subscribing to mutual insurance for those over 60, carefully examine the guarantees and exclusions of the contract. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not. Here are some things to check:
Deductibles and reimbursement ceilings
Some senior health insurance plans have deductibles, which means you have to pay a portion of the medical costs before the health insurance fund begins to reimburse. In addition, check the reimbursement ceilings for each treatment, it is often expressed as a percentage of the BRSS but this barbaric name is often accompanied by concrete examples, otherwise ask for examples of reimbursement from this mutual before making your decision.
The waiting period
Waiting periods are periods during which the mutual does not cover certain medical expenses. Make sure you know the duration of these delays and take this into account when initiating your future care.
Specific exclusions
Senior mutuals may exclude certain treatments or conditions from their coverage. Be sure to read the exclusions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises should you need specific care. These are often exclusions linked to your endangerment such as treatment while drunk or drug addicted, involvement in altercations but this can affect the choice of establishment so it is important to read carefully what the mutual insurance companies call the IPID which summarizes all these exclusions.
What discount options are available to seniors?
Seniors can often benefit from special discounts on their mutual insurance. Here are some options to explore to reduce costs:
Government aid
Find out about government assistance available to seniors. In France, for example, there is complementary health assistance (ACS) which can reduce the cost of your mutual insurance.
Solidarity mutual societies
Some solidarity mutuals are specially designed for people with low incomes, including retirees. They offer reduced prices and services adapted to the needs of seniors with limited income.
Associations and groups
Some associations and groups offer special mutual insurance to which you could be eligible as a senior. Check with these organizations to learn about potential benefits.
Pay attention to your geographic location
The cost of mutual insurance may vary depending on your place of residence. Senior mutual insurance rates may be higher in some regions than in others. Find out the average rates in your area and compare them with available deals.
Our advice for subscribing
Before subscribing to mutual insurance for those over 60, here are some important tips to take into account:
Read the contract carefully: nDo not sign a contract before having carefully read all the clauses and conditions. If anything is unclear, ask your insurer for clarification.
Anticipate your future needs: Health care needs may change with age. Try to anticipate your future needs to choose a health insurance plan that will continue to meet your needs as you age.
Consult an insurance professional : If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to consult an insurance professional or health expert. They can guide you in choosing the mutual insurance company best suited to your situation.
Choosing your own mutual insurance online without being guided by a professional carries the greatest risk of being disappointed by your reimbursements and putting yourself in difficulties, either in terms of care or financial.
Choosing the best health insurance for over 60s is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your quality of life and peace of mind during retirement. By carefully evaluating your medical needs, comparing types of senior mutuals, analyzing guarantees and exclusions, exploring discount options and taking into account where you live, you can find the mutual that suits you best. Take the time to do thorough research and ask questions before signing up for health insurance to ensure you are getting the best possible coverage for your specific needs as a senior over 60.
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