With inflation, health spending is sacrificed for 6 out of 10 French people, according to a study by Harmonie Mutuelle. Here are some ways to avoid having to choose between health and your wallet.
Since Wednesday, November 1, the price of a doctor’s consultation has increased. It no longer costs 25 euros but 26.50 euros for a consultation with general practitioners who do not charge excess fees. Until now, the average annual out-of-pocket cost that each French person must spend on their health after reimbursement by social security amounts to 288 euros, according to a study carried out by Cofidis. And with inflation, health spending is often sacrificed, reveals a study by Harmonie Mutuelle for daily life West France.
To save money, first compare the price of mutual insurance, identify your needs: optical, dental, care, etc. Do not hesitate to look at mutual insurance online, which is often cheaper, or to call on an expert who studies your contract. current and offers you the same services at a lower price. It’s interesting because it’s a free service offered, for example, by Omniiz or lesexpertsante and which still allows you to save around 300 euros per year. And if you don’t want to change mutual insurance, target those that reward loyalty. Because for some, the longer we stay, the better we are reimbursed.
Before making an appointment with a specialist, or changing your glasses, always check with your mutual insurance company to see if it has a care network. These are platforms bringing together health professionals who all practice third-party payment and undertake to cap their prices. This way, you will be better reimbursed by your mutual insurance company. Expect between 10 to 20% savings for a dental crown and around 35% reduction on optical glasses.
Get treatment from students
You can also spend less by being treated by students. Rest assured, they are always accompanied by professionals and it is possible in all areas: general medicine, osteopathy, dental surgery, podiatry… A great plan: you can, for example, save between 30 and 45 euros on a session of osteopathy, and it is even on average 40% cheaper for dental care. Just allow a little more time, because sometimes the actions take longer to complete. If you are interested, find out more from hospitals and university health centers.
The last advantageous vein is the health centers. They are open to all and do not charge overcharges. The third-party payment allows you to advance nothing and there is therefore no remaining liability. There are more than 2,200 in France. You can find the list online on the FNCS.ORG website, section: health centers.