Faced with a plethora of offers and contracts full of technical clauses, How to avoid mistakes and choose the right individual health insurance ? Follow the guide to find coverage that is perfectly suited to your profile, without blowing your budget.
The steps to choosing the right health insurance
Identify your real needs
Before you jump on the first offer that comes along, take the time to assess your health needs. An effective mutual insurance company is above all a mutual insurance company that covers your priority expenses.
- Are you young and healthy? Hospitalisation cover alone may be sufficient.
- Do you have children? Orthodontics and pediatrics must be well reimbursed.
- Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? Optics must be a key criterion.
- Do you consult specialists outside the care pathway? Check the reimbursement levels for fee-free consultations.
Astuteness: Review your health care spending Last 12 months to identify your main needs.
Deciphering the essential guarantees
Not all contracts are equal! To make the right choice, compare the guarantees offered in detail:
- Hospitalization: Coverage of fee overruns, single room.
- Routine care: Consultations, analyses, X-rays.
- Optical and dental: Glasses, lenses, prostheses, implants.
- Alternative medicine: Osteopathy, acupuncture, sophrology (some health insurance companies reimburse them).
Beware of the reimbursement limits: Some mutual insurance companies have attractive rates but severely limit the amounts covered.
Understanding Reimbursement Levels
The rates displayed on your contract may seem misleading. A refund to 200% of the Social Security base means that the mutual insurance company reimburses twice the agreed ratebut not necessarily all of the fee overruns.
Case in point:
- A consultation with a specialist costs €80.
- The Social Security reimbursement basis is 30 €, with 70% coverage (i.e. €21 reimbursed).
- A 100% mutual insurance company will only reimburse 30 € (basis of reimbursement), leaving €50 at your expense.
- A 300% mutual insurance would cover up to 90 €, i.e. the entire exceedance.
Always check whether your mutual insurance company reimburses as a percentage of the Social Security base or as an annual lump sum(especially for optical and dental care).
Scrutinizing care networks and partnerships
Some mutual insurance companies negotiate Preferential rates with networks of health professionals. Result: discounts on glasses, dental care and even some hospitalizations.
Why is this important?
- Consultation with a partner dentist→ Reduced rate and best refund.
- Buying glasses from a licensed optician→ savings on the remaining out-of-pocket expenses.
Tip: Before choosing a mutual insurance company, check whether it offers a care network and whether the professionals you are interested in are part of it.
Finding the right balance between coverage and price
An ultra-comprehensive health insurance is tempting, but if it costs 150 € per month, is the investment justified?
How to optimize your budget?
- Compare offers via online simulators.
- Don’t overestimate your needs: there’s no need to pay for guarantees you’ll never benefit from.
- Opt for formulas Evolutionary, which adapt to your situation (e.g. a temporary optical reinforcement if you change your glasses this year).
Good deal: Some mutual insurance companies offer reduced rates for young people, seniors or large families. Remember to ask Specific discounts!
Pitfalls to avoid
Subscribe without comparing
Don’t be seduced by the first offer that comes along. Take the Putting several Mutual to find the one that best suits your profile.
Neglecting waiting periods
Some mutual insurance companies impose a waiting period before certain benefits apply (e.g., several months for dental or optical care). Read the fine print!
Rely solely on price
A cheap health insurance is good… if it reimburses properly! Always check the support levels before signing.
Tools to help you choose
Use an online comparison tool
Comparators make it possible to:
- Save time by displaying offers adapted to your profile.
- Compare benefits and reimbursement levels.
- Get free quotes in just a few clicks.
Request custom quotes
A detailed quote will help you Visualize Precisely refunds and exclusions. Don’t hesitate to contact several mutual insurance companies to get the best deal.
Astuteness: Some insurance brokers can also help you negotiate advantageous rates.
FAQ
What is the difference between a mutual insurance company and a health insurance?
A mutual insurance company is a complementary health insurance that supports Social Security, while a health insurance company can offer additional or specific guarantees (e.g. expatriate insurance).
Can I change my mutual insurance company at any time?
Yes, thanks to the infra-annual law, you can cancel your mutual insurance after 12 months of subscription, without fees or justification.
How do I cancel a mutual health insurance company?
All you have to do is send a cancellation letter to your mutual insurance company respecting the notice period indicated in your contract (generally 1 month).
Do mutual insurance companies reimburse alternative medicine?
Yes, but it depends on the contract. Some cover osteopathy, acupuncture or chiropractic within the limit of an annual fee.
By following these tips, you will be able to choose a mutual insurance company adapted to your needs and your budget, without any unpleasant surprises. It’s up to you!
