If you live in the right area, you may be able to save on supplemental health insurance by purchasing a policy called communal mutual.
A collective police for the city
Sometimes known as village mutualit is a communal collective subscription to complementary health insurance.
The idea is that if a large number of people in a village or town take out a collective policy, it can simplify processes and reduce costs.
The scheme was first introduced in 2013.
Aimed at unemployed people
Every resident in France has the right to be in the French healthcare system, but most also have a “complementary”, commonly called mutualto cover part of the costs that are not reimbursed by the State.
Read more: French “complementary” health insurance explained
Municipal mutuals are aimed at people who do not benefit, for example, from a contract via their employer, which French companies are obliged to offer.
Advantages and disadvantages
It is estimated that approximately 20,000 people in France benefit from a communal mutual and that 2,000 municipalities offer one.
Where they exist, there are no limits in terms of age, income or medical history.
Some councils offer a standardized policy at a fixed rate, while others offer a variety suited to different people – for example, students, job seekers, professionals or retirees.
Standardized policies can be disadvantageous for some people if they have specific needs or incomes.
However, the diet has many benefits.
It is estimated that communal mutuals can offer up to 60% savings compared to mutual.
Advice available
In addition, your municipality, sometimes via a partner association, can help you set up the supplementary insurance contract and guide you on all the practical questions you may have.
They can also help you negotiate the best deal and advise you.
To find out if your municipality offers a communal mutualcontact your local town hall, or in larger towns the section called community center for social action (CCAS).
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