The price quoted to someone else does not tell you what your complementary health insurance will cost. A useful quote identifies the people covered, the benefits and the start date. Before looking for the lowest monthly premium, consider which expenses you want help with and what you can afford over time.
Why do two people receive different prices?
Premiums depend in particular on age, place of residence, employment status and level of cover. The number of people insured and the features of the offer also affect the quotation. A policy for one person is therefore not a reliable price guide for a family or a retired couple.
Benefits make a difference too. Specialist fees, a private hospital room, glasses and dental treatment cannot be compared using a single headline percentage. Plans with similar names may have different allowances, ceilings and eligibility conditions.
Use the same period and include every fee
Start with the same cover start date and the same household members. Look at the monthly premium and then the cost over a full year. Check any membership or association fees shown, the payment arrangements and the conditions of a temporary discount. An introductory reduction does not describe the budget you will need afterwards.
Keep the date and validity period of each proposal. If you return to it later, confirm the terms rather than assuming an old price still applies. The start of your new policy must also fit with the end of your existing cover.
Match the benefits to your needs
Select the few areas that matter most to you, then compare the relevant lines:
- Routine care: reimbursement base, extra fees and conditions relating to the practitioner.
- Hospital care: medical fees, private room allowance and limits on duration.
- Dental and optical care: treatment categories, allowances, ceilings and replacement rules.
- Additional benefits: eligible practitioners, number of sessions and evidence required.
Read waiting periods, exclusions and benefits that increase over time. A lower premium may suit your priorities, provided you understand what you would pay yourself. Equally, adding optional benefits without a clear need can increase your premium unnecessarily.
What to prepare for a useful quotation
Have each insured person’s date of birth, your postcode, your public health insurance scheme, the desired start date and your current benefits table ready. Note planned expenses and the gaps that concern you. If treatment has already been quoted, that document is more useful than a general request for the “best insurance”.
If you have workplace health insurance, first check the benefits available and whether your family can join. If affordability is a concern, also check whether you qualify for France’s Complémentaire santé solidaire before choosing an individual policy. These checks can change the type of cover you need to compare.
Our France health insurance comparison tool searches for prices using your profile. If you work in Switzerland, use the cross-border health insurance comparison tool to explore appropriate cover instead. To discuss two proposals, contact Alperea Assurances.
Sources in French: DGCCRF: comparing complementary health insurance and Service Public: health insurance costs and benefits.
