The UFC-Que Choisir published this Wednesday a study on the evolution of the prices of individual complementary health contracts in 2020. According to her, the increase is "massive", by "5% on average" with the consequence "an expense additional 80 euros per year on average or even 150 euros for 20% of the contracts studied ”.
As in many sectors, it is important to regularly review your contract, the annual renewal of which, by tacit agreement on the anniversary of the signing of the contract, can result over the years in a high invoice. Sometimes, the beneficiaries of these aging contracts and therefore consuming more care, their financial equilibrium requires increasing prices. It is therefore important not to stay too long on an “old generation” contract.
Change contracts without changing mutuals
To start saving, therefore, try to change your contract without changing your mutual or insurer. New contracts are often more competitive or even better suited to new needs. Otherwise, wait and terminate your contract within the two months preceding the anniversary date of its signature. This possibility will be offered at any time of the year from next December at the latest, thanks to the reform on the termination of health contracts.
The complementary health solidarity for low income
Another solution: if the total of your income is less than 12084 euros for a single person and 18126 euros for a couple, you can also request the Complementaire santé solidaire, (CSS). Seven million people are theoretically entitled to it. Depending on resources, it is either free or invoiced at most 30 euros per month. Requests are made in writing to your Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) or online via your Ameli.fr account.
Standard contracts soon to facilitate comparison
Finally, be aware that since February 2019, the National Union of Complementary Health Insurance Organizations (Unocam), which groups the complementary, has undertaken, at the request of the Minister of Health, to standardize all contracts. To make them more understandable, on the one hand, and to favor their comparison on the other. A Monitoring Committee for this reform is to meet by the end of March. There will be an opportunity to act on the launch of these 2.0 contracts by the end of 2020. If you fear the jargon of current contracts, wait a few months, then you will choose with better knowledge of the facts.
Final advice: a lot of complementary products encourage you to take an “extra” to get better coverage. Make your calculations well: at 120 euros or even 240 euros per year, they are not always profitable.
