For seniors, health care is one of the highest cost items. In order to cover them without spending too much, it is important to take out an adequate mutual health insurance. In particular, this involves choosing from a multitude of offers. To help you, here is a short guide with the criteria to take into account to choose the right mutual fund for seniors.
Summary
A mutual fund for seniors that meets your needs
Health needs can vary a lot from one individual to another. It all depends on the medical history, lifestyle or genetic heritage of each. So, to choose the right mutual fund for seniors, it is important to take stock of essential guarantees for you. Do this while taking into account your current health concerns, as well as your potential future needs.
As a general rule, it is recommended to opt for a contract including the following guarantees:
- Optical care (glasses, frames and / or lenses);
- Dental care (prostheses and implants);
- Consultations with specialists or health professionals who practice excess fees;
- Hearing care;
- Medication ;
- The management of osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
You can also consider additional guarantees like taking charge of a home medical help, the Autonomy loss or even the equipment.
Also be sure to remove superfluous guarantees from your contract so as not to pay too high a premium unnecessarily. For a senior, guarantees such as maternity or contraception are, for example, absolutely useless.
The conditions of the contract: details to consider carefully
To avoid unpleasant surprises, a careful consideration of specific conditions of the contract is essential before validating your choice. In this context, special attention should be paid to the following details:
The waiting period
Most insurers and mutualists apply what is called a waiting period. This is a period after signing the contract, during which you are not covered. It usually varies between 3 and 12 months. If you subscribe to a mutual insurance fund with the aim of being compensated for an immediate health problem, this can therefore represent a problem. Ideally, opt for a mutual that applies the shortest possible waiting period.
Age limit
The guarantees offered by certain mutuals are no longer valid after a certain age. Given the evolution of average life expectancy, this type of contract is not very advantageous. Indeed, no longer benefiting from protection after a certain age can constitute a real risk. Better to avoid subscribing to it.
The reimbursement limits
The bills for care for the elderly can quickly reach several hundred euros. If the coverage offered by your mutual fund for seniors is not substantial, then you may find yourself facing large expenses in your old age. So make sure that the reimbursement ceiling mentioned in the contract is as high as possible.
Warranty exclusions
The exclusions of guarantee are services which are not covered by your mutual insurance company. In other words, you have to pay for them out of your own pocket. Their list varies from one mutual to another, but in general, we find:
- Exclusions clearly mentioned in the contract : refractive surgery, thalassotherapy, stays in retirement homes. Care in certain types of clinics and long hospital stays are also generally excluded;
- Claims due to the behavior of the insured : the practice of certain dangerous sports, driving while intoxicated or under an illicit substance, etc.
Therefore, carefully consult the list of exclusions mentioned in your contract and do not hesitate to ask for more information if necessary.
At what age should you subscribe to a mutual fund for seniors?
Many people do not think about taking out a mutual insurance scheme for the elderly until they are approaching retirement (or around the age of 60). In fact, it is better to do it from the age of 50 in order to benefit from more advantageous rates. Because the older the subscriber is, the higher the premium to be paid. Mutuals consider that the risks of illness are generally greater with age. Some mutuals even refuse new members over the age of 65. So don’t wait until the last moment.
Use an online comparator
Do not choose your mutual insurance company by letting yourself be seduced by an exceptionally low price. Indeed, a premium that is too low often hides many exclusions and reimbursement ceilings that are too low. Instead, pay particular attention to each of the criteria mentioned above in order to make the right choice of mutual insurance for seniors. To save money, use a online comparator like Lesfurets.com. Clearly define your selection criteria, launch the search and make your choice.