Self-employed workers (TNS) include entrepreneurs , freelancers , artisans , tradespeople , and liberal professions . As a self-employed person, you are not eligible for group health coverage for employees, and it is crucial to take out mutual health insurance tailored 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 benefits these contracts offer.
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 plan 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 quickly add up, especially in the event of an illness or accident requiring extended care or costly procedures. Good health insurance protects you against 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 wide network of healthcare 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 self-employed people?
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 considering 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. Choose offers with short or no 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 to avoid paying healthcare costs upfront, as 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.
Tax benefits 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, including being a "responsible" and solidarity-based contract.
Conclusion
Taking out mutual health insurance is essential for self-employed workers to supplement basic Social Security coverage and protect themselves against unexpected health costs . By assessing your specific needs, comparing available offers, and taking into account the tax benefits of the Madelin law , you can choose a mutual health insurance plan that is suited to your situation.
At KT Assur&Bank , we help you choose the best health insurance for self-employed workers. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized advice and a tailor-made quote .