Self-employed workers (TNS) include entrepreneurs, freelancers, craftsmen, tradespeople, and liberal professions. As a TNS, you are not eligible for employee group health coverage, and it is crucial to take out mutual health insurance adapted to your specific needs. In this article, we explain why mutual health insurance is essential for the self-employed, how to choose the best coverage, and what are the advantages offered by these contracts.
Why is mutual health insurance essential for the self-employed?
1. Supplement social security protection
Social Security provides basic coverage for health care costs, but it only reimburses a portion of medical expenses. As a self-employed person, you often have to pay for unreimbursed health care costs out of pocket. A mutual health insurance policy fills this gap by covering some or all of the remaining costs, such as specialist visits, dental care, eyeglasses, and hospitalization costs.
2. Protect your finances
Medical expenses can add up quickly, especially when you have an illness or accident that requires extended care or costly procedures. Good health insurance protects you from unexpected expenses, allowing you to focus on your work without financial stress.
3. Access to quality care
With mutual health insurance, you have access to a large network of health professionals and medical centers. You can choose quality practitioners and establishments without worrying about high costs, thus ensuring better care for your health.
How to choose the best health insurance for the self-employed?
1. Assess your health needs
Every self-employed person has different health needs. Take stock of your personal and professional situation:
- Do you have any chronic health conditions that require regular care?
- Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?
- Do you need dental or orthodontic care?
- Are you planning any major expenses, such as surgery or hospitalization?
2. Compare available offers
There are many health insurance plans on the market, offering varying levels of coverage. Compare the different offers by taking into account the following criteria:
- The guarantees offered : Check the reimbursement levels for consultations, medications, dental care, optical care, and hospitalization.
- Warranty Exclusions : Make sure you understand the limitations and exclusions of each contract.
- Waiting periods : Some contracts impose a waiting period before certain guarantees take effect. Favor offers with short or non-existent waiting periods.
- The price : Compare monthly or annual contributions based on the guarantees offered and your budget.
3. Consider additional services
Health insurance companies often offer additional services that can be very useful:
- Teleconsultation : Access to remote medical consultations, practical for obtaining rapid advice without having to travel.
- Third-party payment : Allows you not to pay healthcare costs up front, because the mutual insurance company reimburses the healthcare professional directly.
- The healthcare network : Access to partner healthcare professionals with negotiated rates and advantageous reimbursement levels.
- Prevention programs : Offers health checkups, vaccinations, and wellness programs to prevent disease.
The tax advantages of mutual health insurance for the self-employed
By subscribing to a mutual health insurance policy as a self-employed person, you can benefit from certain tax advantages thanks to the Madelin law. This law allows you to deduct contributions from your taxable income, thus reducing your tax base and lightening your tax burden. To be eligible, your mutual health insurance contract must meet certain conditions, in particular being a "responsible" and solidarity contract.
Conclusion
Taking out mutual health insurance is essential for self-employed workers in order to supplement the basic coverage of Social Security and to protect themselves against unforeseen health costs. By assessing your specific needs, comparing the offers available, and taking into account the tax advantages of the Madelin law, you can choose a mutual health insurance adapted to your situation.
At KT Assur&Bank, we help you choose the best health insurance for the self-employed. Do not hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and a tailor-made quote.