1- Mutual, health insurance, provident institute: let’s take stock.
In France, compulsory health insurance: “social security” covers part of the health expenses. To cover costs not reimbursed by social security, there are “complementary health”.
Three complementary health organizations are possible:
You can sign a contract with:
- of a mutual,
- from a health insurer,
- or a provident institution.
Regardless of the organization chosen, the contract that has been taken out guarantees the payment of all or part of the health expenses which remain the responsibility of the patient.
And for seniors, this “remaining charge” can be high.
2- What is the best mutual health insurance for seniors?
Recently retired or looking for complementary health insurance at a very advanced age? The best Senior Health supplement is the one that is adapted to your needs and that anticipates probable health problems.
* Comparative tables of Senior Health supplements
To make the right choice, you must carefully read the comparative tables of mutual insurance companies. These must imperatively be in euros (and not in percentages) and list many examples of medical acts. You will be able to compare the levels of reimbursement and the guarantees included: hospital costs, comfort costs, excess fees, etc.
* Waiting periods
Choose a complementary health insurance without a waiting period. In the event of hospitalization, you will thus have immediate coverage, as soon as the contract is taken out.
- Assistance guarantees
Some Senior mutuals offer a wide range of assistance in the event of immobilization or long-term illness:
- home help
- home care of children during hospitalization
- care of your pets
- repatriation in the event of illnesses contracted abroad
- administrative help, etc.
Choose from those that seem essential to you.
- Franchises
To avoid unpleasant surprises, take a close look at the warranty deductibles. This is what remains to be paid after reimbursement of health insurance and complementary health insurance. These amounts can be high.
* Exclusions
Some health supplements do not cover spa treatments or alternative medicine. Others have restrictions based on age, the practice of certain sports or even travel outside Europe. Depending on your needs and your profile, check the warranty exclusions of your contract.
* Other points of vigilance
Finally, check whether your senior mutual fund uses third-party payment and whether there is teletransmission between the mutual fund and the CPAM.
Finally, note that policyholders over 65 can take out complementary health insurance with a label that guarantees reimbursement levels and rates defined by decree.
Please note that some contracts cannot be taken out after 70 years!
3- Choose a responsible complementary health insurance to benefit from 100% Health and pay less.
Since the reform of January 1, 2021, the 100% health offer has improved access to care by reducing the rest payable by patients.
Anyone who takes out so-called responsible complementary health insurance (about 95% of market contracts) can be reimbursed 100% on a basket of goods:
- eyeglasses
- dental prosthesis
- hearing aids.
Vision, hearing and teeth are often major expense items for seniors. It can therefore be very economical to revise downwards the optical, audio and dental guarantees of the chosen mutual. Everyone is free to use it or not.
4- Which health insurance to take when you have a small retirement?
If your resources are low, you can benefit, free of charge or against a modest contribution, from Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (ACS).
With ACS, your health expenses are covered up to 100% of social security rates.
You also have coverage packages for your dental prostheses, your glasses, your hearing aids.
Finally, you do not pay your health expenses directly. This is the advance exemption of fees or third-party payment.
You know the conditions for obtaining the Complémentaire Santé Solidaire, consult the ACS website: https://www.complementaire-sante-solidaire.gouv.fr/complementairesantesolidaire.php
5- The ranking of the best Senior mutuals.
Mutual insurance comparators
To obtain a ranking of health supplements, there are specialized search engines on the Internet. Just enter your information: profile, need, resources, etc. Based on your information, the mutual insurance comparator will make automated requests to the various complementary health insurance. They will send you personalized quotes. It’s up to you to make your choice among the most competitive. Be aware, however, that the cheapest mutual insurance company is not necessarily the most suitable for your needs.
The Senior Health Insurance Broker
Another solution is to use a health insurance broker. This professional will be at your service to optimize your contract.
This service is chargeable, but in some cases it can be relevant and save you hundreds of euros.
6- How to subscribe to a cheap supplementary health insurance?
An economical solution: the hospitalization guarantee only.
From the age of 60, the hospitalization guarantee seems essential, because the costs during a hospital stay can be expensive.
If you are not planning large health expenses for other medical procedures, the hospitalization guarantee, taken alone, can greatly limit expenses.
Count 15 euros per month for an entry-level Senior formula. Of course the prices go up if you extend the formula.
Take advantage of promotional offers from complementary Senior Health.
On the anniversary date of your contract, you will surely receive a promotional offer: lower contributions, free, offer for couples. Enjoy!
Avoid duplication among your insurances.
If you have death or death and disability insurance, you can combine it with your complementary health insurance and thus lower the amount of your contributions.
Change mutual!
If you still have your old mutual employer, be aware that there is a risk that it is no longer adapted to your current needs. In this case, you can change mutual insurance very easily. All you have to do is send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to your insurer. Since January 1, 2022, this termination can be done at any time and without justification.
