Finding the balance: health coverage and controlled budget
First, we have to lay the foundations: yes, we are all looking to pay less. But is it really reasonable to look at than the price ? I can already see you rolling your eyes — of course we’re looking at the price, especially with the bills piling up everywhere. But the price, alone, is sometimes a mirage.
Why price shouldn’t be your only criterion
A very cheap contract may seem attractive on paper. But often, it’s because it covers… Not much. The result: the day you need good care, it’s a cold shower.
You end up paying a huge amount of out-of-pocket expenses, because the mutual insurance company does not reimburse the excess fees (very common among specialists) or that it does not even cover the famous daily hospital fee. And there, the bill rises quickly, well beyond the savings made on the contribution.
Factors that vary the mutual price insurance
It’s a bit unfair, but that’s the way it is: we don’t all pay the same price for the same health insurance company. Age matters a lot, of course (the further you go, the more insurers anticipate costs). Sex, the place where you live (some departments are more “expensive” to insure because care costs more), and so does your profession.
Not to mention the number of people covered. A mutual insurance for a family with three children obviously has nothing to do with that of a single person. And above all, what really weighs is the level of coverage: the higher you ask for reimbursements for optical, dental or hospitalization, the higher the premium.
Define your needs well to avoid paying too much
The challenge is therefore to pay for what you have really need, not for the rest.
Identify your real health needs
There is a little reflex that I find precious: to make a list of the treatments that are often used, even on the corner of the table. Do you wear glasses? Lentils? Do you have your teeth checked regularly or do you already have braces?
Because honestly, paying for a great optical package if you’re not even concerned… It’s a bit like throwing money out the window. Conversely, a family with children old enough to wear braces, or a mother-to-be who will need a birth bonus and certain specific follow-ups, will have every interest in aiming for a contract that focuses on these positions.
And after a certain age, priorities change again: we look at optics, audio, the coverage of prostheses. In short, to ask oneself “What is really important to me (and my family)?”, this is the best way to avoid overpaying.
Adapt the contract to your profile
Insurers are not mistaken and already offer mutual insurance companies designed for certain profiles: students or young professionals, with basic formulas (no need for large reimbursements at 20 years old in general); seniors, with reinforced guarantees on critical items (glasses, hearing aids, long-term hospitalization).
And for families, there are group contracts that “smooth” the cost. A bit like a family package, which makes it easier to absorb the peaks in expenses that you may have when the children start to break their teeth (sometimes in the literal sense).
Focusing on 100% Health to reduce your expenses
There is still a precious little boost from the reform: the famous 100% Health.
What 100% Health really covers
It’s simple: for some treatments, if you stay within the options of the “100% Health basket”, you will not have strictly nothing to pay. This is true for:
- glasses (frame + lenses) in certain ranges,
- dental crowns and bridges,
- and even specific hearing aids.
Enough to relieve the budget when you have specific needs.
Why it can reduce the cost of your health insurance
As a result, you don’t necessarily need to take out a huge optical or dental package in your mutual insurance company if you stay in the 100% Health basket. Your contract can then focus on other items.
A small downside though: if you want a more designer model of glasses or dental care outside the nomenclature, the rest of the cost can quickly come back. It’s up to each one to see How far we are willing to compromise.
The best strategies to pay less
Basically, looking for a health insurance company is a bit like buying a car: you have to compare, negotiate, look under the hood.
Regularly compare offers on the market
Contracts change all the time, with temporary promotions, loyalty bonuses. For example, some insurers offer +€200 on the dental item from the second year. It’s worth taking stock every two or three years. Especially since with the intra-annual cancellation, you can change whenever you want after the first year.
Take advantage of tips to reduce the bill
We don’t always think about it, but paying by the year instead of the month is often cheaper (management fees are reduced). Similarly, some mutual insurance companies offer one or two months free for any subscription before a given date.
Also check if your mutual insurance company offers a Partner Care Network. This allows us to have negotiated rates, especially for optics or dental implants, and to reduce the out-of-pocket expenses even more.
Don’t let yourself be seduced only by notoriety
A great brand is reassuring, that’s for sure. But it is not always the most competitive. Many insurers also offer their contracts under several commercial names, with price differences that are not always logical. Moral: never stop at a single quote.
Get support so you don’t make a mistake
Online comparators: a valuable tool but to be used intelligently
It’s a great reflex to do simulations on the Internet. In two clicks, you have an idea of the market prices, and often for free. But be careful: some comparators highlight insurers who pay them better. So always take the time to read the warranties carefully.
Advisor or broker: an ally for a truly adapted contract
If you’re a little lost, a broker can be a real asset. He analyzes your profile, knows where to scratch to find a more specialized contract, sometimes with players less known to the general public. And often, it will cost you less in the end than a bad mutual insurance company chosen alone.
When should you consider a mid-range or high-end mutual insurance company?
What needs is a reinforced cover for
There are still situations where pulling too much on the rope can be costly. If you often consult specialists who charge extra fees, if you like alternative medicine (osteopathy, hypnosis, smoking cessation, vaccines not covered, etc.), or if you absolutely want a single room in the hospital, a more covering mutual insurance company quickly becomes essential.
Why a “too basic” health insurance can cost more in the end
Because at the slightest glitch, it’s your wallet that takes over. A hospitalization with additional fees and a daily flat rate not covered, or a dental implant not covered, can represent thousands of euros. Sometimes, it’s better to pay €10 more per month to sleep peacefully.
FAQ
What are the pitfalls of cheap health insurance companies?
Limited coverage, waiting periods, or numerous exclusions. Read the fine print carefully.
How can you take advantage of 100% Health to pay less?
Staying in the 100% Health basket for optical, dental, hearing. No need for high packages.
What guarantees should be avoided so as not to inflate your premium?
Very high packages in optics or alternative medicine if you don’t have the use of them.
Family health insurance: how to reduce the bill?
Favor “family” contracts that pool the risk, and check multi-child bonuses.
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