Protection for Self-Employed Professionals: Available Options

Self-employed professionals, as independent workers, do not benefit from the same level of social protection as employees. To cope with the uncertainties of professional life, it is essential for them to subscribe to appropriate protection guarantees. This article explores the various protection options available for self-employed professionals, and how they can protect themselves in case of illness, accident, disability, or death.

Why is Protection Essential for Self-Employed Professionals?

Self-employed professionals often hold positions of high responsibility, where the risks of work disability can have significant financial consequences. Unlike employees, they do not have complete social protection in case of hardship. That is why it is crucial for them to take out protection insurance to ensure the maintenance of their income in case of work disability, disability, or to protect their family in case of death.

Main Protection Guarantees for Self-Employed Professionals

Self-employed professionals can subscribe to various protection guarantees to protect themselves from professional life risks:

• Work Disability Guarantee: In case of sick leave or accident, this guarantee compensates for the loss of income by paying daily allowances. These allowances complement the benefits paid by the social security system for the self-employed.
• Disability Guarantee: If the self-employed professional becomes disabled following an accident or illness, this guarantee provides for the payment of a disability pension. This pension helps maintain a decent standard of living despite partial or total loss of work capacity.
• Death Guarantee: In case of death, this guarantee provides for the payment of a capital sum or annuity to the beneficiaries (spouse, children, etc.). This death benefit can be used to cover funeral expenses or compensate for the loss of income for the family.
• Work Stoppage Guarantee: This guarantee covers the fixed costs of the business (rent, salaries, social charges) in case of prolonged work stoppage, to keep the business afloat.

Protection Benefits for Self-Employed Professionals

Protection benefits for self-employed professionals vary depending on the guarantees subscribed to and the insurance contracts:

• Daily Allowances: In case of temporary work disability, daily allowances are paid to compensate for the loss of income. These allowances can be paid from the first day of absence, depending on the contract terms.
• Disability Pensions: If the self-employed professional becomes disabled, a disability pension is paid in addition to the disability pension from the social security system for the self-employed.
• Death Benefit: In case of death, a benefit is paid to the beneficiaries, in the form of a lump sum or annuity.
• Fixed Costs Coverage: In case of prolonged work stoppage, the work stoppage guarantee covers the fixed costs of the business to prevent it from closing.

Real-Life Examples

Let's say a self-employed doctor becomes disabled due to an accident. Thanks to his disability guarantee, he will receive a pension that complements the disability pension paid by the social security system for the self-employed, allowing him to maintain a decent income despite being unable to practice his profession. Furthermore, his work stoppage guarantee can cover the fixed costs of his practice, thus avoiding its closure.

Laws Regulating Protection for Self-Employed Professionals

Protection for self-employed professionals is governed by the Social Security Code and the Mutual Code. These texts specify the obligations of self-employed professionals in terms of social protection, as well as the conditions for accessing protection guarantees. It is important to refer to these texts to fully understand the rights and obligations of self-employed workers in terms of protection.

Conclusion

Protection is a key element of social protection for self-employed professionals. By subscribing to guarantees tailored to their situation, these independent workers can protect themselves against the risks associated with their activity and ensure the financial protection of their family in case of hardship. It is essential to fully understand the guarantees offered by protection contracts and to choose those that best meet their specific needs.