Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees must offer responsible mutual insurance in accordance with ANI 2016. However, they can adjust the options (optical, dental, hospitalization) to control the budget and meet the needs of their employees.
Since the National Interprofessional Agreement (ANI) of 2016 , all companies, including very small structures (VSEs) with fewer than 10 employees, must offer mandatory company mutual insurance covering a minimum basket of care . But given the diversity of offers, it is not always easy to choose the most suitable formula for a small workforce and a limited budget.
In this article, KT Assur&Bank guides you to understand the legal fundamentals , the possible options , and the best practices for selecting tailor-made supplementary health insurance for your VSE.
1. Legal framework and mandatory minimum guarantees
ANI 2016 and ANI 2021
The National Interprofessional Agreement (ANI) of 2016 , reinforced by the ANI 2021 , requires employers to offer a compliant mutual insurance plan meeting the legal health care basket :
- Hospitalization costs : 100% coverage of the Social Security rate
- Routine care : co-payment reimbursed 100%
- Dental costs : minimum flat rate of 125% of SS rates for prostheses
- Optics : minimum coverage of €100 for both lenses and the frame
Employer participation rate
The financing of the mutual insurance company must be at least 50% of the amount of the contribution , without being able to exceed 60% in the event of a possible revaluation.
2. Choose adaptable options for a small business
Optical and dental reinforcement
Optical and dental needs vary greatly:
- “Premium lenses” option and frames at €150–200
- Reinforced dental package (implant, orthodontics) up to 500%
These options result in a controlled increase of €0.5 to €1.5/month/employee .
Dependency guarantee and associated services
Some VSEs add a dependency option (provident assistance and home help), ideal for retaining family staff:
- Amount of 10–15 €/month
- Support and childcare or assistance for caregivers
3. Optimize the total cost for the VSE
Pooling and labeling
Choose a mutual insurance company with the “Responsible Contract” label to benefit from social security contribution exemptions for the employer and tax advantages for employees.
Group negotiation
Group your mutual insurance with other VSEs through a purchasing group or a broker (such as KT Assur&Bank) to obtain negotiated rates and shared management services.
4. Best deployment practices
Employee information and membership
- Information meeting : clearly present the guarantees and how they work
- Dematerialized contribution : simplifies management for the manager
Annual review
Check the usage rate of options (optical, dental) each year and adjust the level of cover to avoid costly customization .
Conclusion
Even for a small business with fewer than 10 employees, offering compliant company mutual insurance is a legal obligation and a lever for motivation and loyalty . By combining a basket of ANI care with targeted options , and by negotiating through a broker, you ensure optimal coverage without straining your budget.
KT Assur&Bank supports you in setting up and managing your SME mutual insurance, for a turnkey service.
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