What is student mutual insurance?
Student health insurance: principle
A student mutual is a type of health insurance intended for students. It covers medical expenses not reimbursed by Social Security, such as certain medications or dental and optical care.
A mutual insurance company for young people
Student mutual insurance companies offer guarantees adapted to the needs of young adults, often at preferential rates.
They can also offer additional services, such as prevention advice or reimbursements for alternative medicines.
Attachment of students to the social security system
Before 2019, students were attached to Student Social Security, a specific scheme which managed their health coverage.
Students are now attached to the general social security system, like all other workers. They must register with social security when they arrive at the university.
European Health Insurance Card: everything you need to know
Is it compulsory to have student mutual insurance in France?
Membership not compulsory
It is not mandatory to have student mutual insurance, but it is strongly recommended to take one out for several reasons:
- Social Security reimburses part of the medical costs, but there is often still a portion to be paid by the insured (excess).
- The mutual insurance company can offer additional guarantees for specific expenses.
- Student mutual insurance companies often offer advantageous rates for young adults.
Different options for students
To supplement the reimbursements from Health Insurance, if desired, the student has three options:
- join a student mutual insurance company;
- opt for any other complementary health organization of their choice;
- choose to be attached to their parents’ complementary health insurance.
Obtain a vital card certificate
How does student mutual insurance work?
If it is advisable to subscribe to mutual or supplementary health insurance for students, in order to be able to receive treatment, this has the same characteristics as ordinary mutual insurance.
Membership in student mutual insurance
The student chooses a mutual insurance company from the various options available and signs a contract. Registration can often be done online or by mail.
Generally, you will need to provide an identity card, proof of education, and sometimes a bank account number.
Student contribution
The student pays a monthly or annual contribution, the amount of which may vary depending on the guarantees chosen.
Reimbursement of health costs
When a student sees a doctor or receives treatment, Social Security reimburses part of the medical costs.
The student mutual insurance company then reimburses the portion of the costs not covered by Social Security, called the excess.
Refunds may cover some or all of the remaining costs, depending on the contract guarantees.
A warranty that ends at 28 years
The attachment of students to the general social security scheme cannot be maintained beyond the age of 28.
Older students can therefore no longer benefit from student mutual insurance and must join a traditional mutual insurance company if they wish to continue to be covered by supplementary health insurance.
Student social security
What is the student mutual insurance certificate for?
Mutual insurance certificate: principle
This is a document which proves that the student is affiliated with a student mutual insurance company, that his contributions are up to date and that he benefits from the guarantees provided for in the contract.
Contents of the certificate
The certificate mentions the name of the student, the name of the mutual insurance company, the contract number, the dates of coverage, and the main guarantees offered.
Uses
The student mutual insurance certificate can be requested in several situations:
- When registering at a university or higher education institution.
- Some applications for scholarships or social assistance may require the presentation of a mutual certificate.
- In certain administrative procedures related to health or insurance.
Minimum student income: principle, conditions and amount
Who is entitled to the 1 euro mutual insurance?
Complementary health insurance open to students
The Complementary Health Solidarity (CSS) is a system set up to help people with modest incomes to access complementary health coverage.
It is open to students, provided that they meet the necessary resource criteria, i.e. income below the defined thresholds. These thresholds are adjusted according to the composition of the household and the financial situation.
Students also benefit from the 100% health formula
Implemented at the start of 2021, this formula provides access to care, dental and hearing prostheses as well as optical products that are fully covered within the limits of what is provided by Social Security.
This system benefits all French people who have taken out a responsible supplementary health insurance contract, including students. It generalizes the zero remaining charge (zero RAC).
These guarantees are often offered without any advance payment.
CVEC (Student and campus life contribution): conditions and amount
Should you take out mutual insurance for studying abroad?
A more than useful mutual
Taking out student mutual insurance is essential if the student is required to stay abroad as part of their studies or an internship.
In fact, the mutual health insurance will cover the student’s civil liability, but will also provide “repatriation” guarantees.
Coverage of medical expenses
Likewise, in the most extensive formulas, it will cover health costs in the event of an accident or illness, from the first euro and up to the limit set in the contract.
https://www.capital.fr/conso/loi-chatel-pour-les-mutuelles-caracteristiques-et-resiliation-1441753
How to choose your student mutual insurance?
Estimate your needs
The student should consider how often he or she sees a doctor or specialist, and the types of care he or she might need (medication, consultations, hospitalizations).
He must also think about his needs in dental care, optical care (glasses or lenses), etc. Some mutual insurance companies offer extended guarantees for these items.
Compare warranties
It is important to check what each mutual insurance company covers in terms of reimbursement for medical consultations, hospital care, medications, etc.
It is also necessary to compare reimbursement ceilings and deductibles, which can affect the amount payable by the student.
Compare prices
In addition to the guarantees, the amounts of monthly or annual contributions should also be compared.
It is better to make sure that they are suitable for your budget and needs.
Review the reimbursement terms
Another important point: the time taken to reimburse medical expenses and the ease of submitting reimbursement requests, whether online, by mail or via a mobile application.
How much does student mutual insurance cost?
There are generally three or four formulas, the price of which varies depending on the guarantees granted:
- a basic formula covering only the risk of hospitalization;
- a medium formula guaranteeing coverage of the excess;
- one or two comfort or premium packages providing more comprehensive guarantees.
There are affordable options, particularly suited to the budget of scholarship students.
How to apply for a student social file (DSE)?
How to cancel your student mutual insurance?
Cancellation of student mutual insurance at any time
Supplementary health insurance is not affected by the Hamon law, whether it is a contract taken out individually or collectively.
However, since December 1, 2020, policyholders can cancel their supplementary health insurance at any time, once the anniversary date of the first year of subscription has passed, without fees or penalties.
Steps
To cancel student mutual insurance, you must:
- follow the conditions specified in your contract;
- prepare and send a written termination request;
- confirm that the termination has been accepted and carried out.
Also make sure that you do not have periods without coverage in the event of a change of mutual insurance company.
>> Our service – Cancel your subscriptions and contracts online, simply and securely, with automatic sending of your letter by registered mail
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