The best health insurance for seniors in the UK 2023

A health insurance for seniors allows us to plan for the future and live more serenely. But how to choose and find the right mutual insurance that will meet our needs? The choice of a health insurance for senior citizens must meet certain criteria and above all suit the monthly budget. To help you in your search, here is a comparison of the best health insurance for seniors.

Santéis Senior Generali 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Santéis Senior Generali

The best health insurance for seniors

Santéis Senior has 3 offers adapted for retirees. Almost all care is reimbursed, and this within 48 hours. You are covered in case of hospitalization and you benefit from a complete health coverage.

68,98 £ on Generali
Macif 2
8/10

Best value for your money

Macif

The best health insurance for entry-level seniors

Macif offers four formulas that will perfectly meet the member's health coverage requirements. In addition, the offer takes care of reimbursing your health expenses by limiting the out-of-pocket expenses.

68,08 £ on Macif

Macif offers simple and adapted services to people over 50, whether retired or not. The senior mutual insurance is a health coverage offer directed towards the specific needs of seniors such as eye, ear and dental care. Macif provides a remote, but also direct service that is very convenient for seniors.

With Macif, seniors have their contract in their hands since they can consult the proposed guarantees and can subscribe to a modular, tailor-made formula. Moreover, Macif provides you with a reimbursement simulator so that you can correctly follow the evolution of your health expenses.

MAAF 3
9/10

Best value for your money

MAAF

The best health insurance for high-end seniors

With this mutual insurance, seniors can benefit from excellent and customizable coverage. They can choose from 5 levels of reimbursement with cover, or for care.

149 £ on Maaf

Among all the senior health insurance companies, MAAF offers a high premium but with a more than competitive reimbursement. It covers all consultation costs, whether they are fees or not. In other words, all your medical expenses (dentistry, optics, hospitalization) are covered by this insurance with a reimbursement up to 100%.

Thanks to the Maaf VIVAZEN contract, the registered seniors can benefit from an assistance to listen to you, they can also subscribe to teleconsultations. Indeed, it offers many advantages, including reimbursement of expenses and efficient services provided by partner health professionals.

Matmut 4
8/10

Excellent

Matmut

A great option

The Matmut mutual insurance company provides formulas dedicated to seniors. The elderly subscribers benefit from a complete reimbursement for all the care provided.

120 £ on Matmut

Offering 4 levels of coverage, the Matmut mutual insurance is suitable for people aged 55 and over. Concerning the guarantees you will have an insurance for private rooms in hospitals, dental care and hybrid glasses at reasonable prices or until being reimbursed.

In order to meet the needs of the elderly, Matmut has set up the "Ociane Matmut". By subscribing to Matmut's "Ociane Santé Évolution", seniors request comfort in hospitals, enhanced services through assistance, etc. This Matmut health offer brings many advantages, especially without reimbursements.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best health insurance for seniors

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The best health insurance for seniors

The best health insurance for entry-level seniors

The best health insurance for high-end seniors

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Comparison table of the best health insurance for seniors

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Santéis Senior Generali 5
9/10
Macif 6
8/10
MAAF 7
9/10
Matmut 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Santéis Senior Generali
Macif
MAAF
Matmut
Santéis Senior has 3 offers adapted for retirees. Almost all care is reimbursed, and this within 48 hours. You are covered in case of hospitalization and you benefit from a complete health coverage.
Macif offers four formulas that will perfectly meet the member's health coverage requirements. In addition, the offer takes care of reimbursing your health expenses by limiting the out-of-pocket expenses.
With this mutual insurance, seniors can benefit from excellent and customizable coverage. They can choose from 5 levels of reimbursement with cover, or for care.
The Matmut mutual insurance company provides formulas dedicated to seniors. The elderly subscribers benefit from a complete reimbursement for all the care provided.
Eligibility age
55 years old
50 years old
55 years old
Age 55
Offer
Optical, dental, hearing aid, hospitalization
Optical, dental, hearing aid, hospitalization
Optical, dental, hearing aid, hospitalization
Optical, dental, hearing aid, hospitalization
Assistance service
Telescoping, Direct. A CUSTOMER AREA AVAILABLE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Teleconsultation, Direct. 24/7 Assistance
Telescoping, Direct. A real helping hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Assistance 24/7 in case of emergency or serious illness. Local network accessible 6 days a week
Comfort benefit
Reform
Within 48 hours
Within 48 hours
Within 48 hours
Within 48 hours

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Buying guide - health insurance for seniors

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How to choose your health insurance for seniors

It is not easy to choose the best mutual health insurance for our seniors as their needs are so different. The mutual health insurance constitutes an additional guarantee on top of the classic care provided by the Social Security which sometimes prove to be insufficient. This is the challenge of choosing the best mutual health insurance to offer to our seniors.

#1 - Important benefits for seniors

As the age of a retired person changes, the level of contributions also increases. It is therefore essential to subscribe to a health insurance plan as soon as possible once you reach the legal retirement age. According to Santéis Senior Generali, one of the main criteria for retired people is the guarantee that an insurance company can provide.

Among the most important are the optical expenses in order to favor people with vision problems. Hearing problems, spa treatments and hospitalization costs are another.

All these guarantees must be taken into account when choosing your senior health insurance contract. You will thus benefit from a targeted reimbursement by subscribing to a senior health insurance. Another and not of the important means is the life guarantee for seniors which includes all the guarantees, and that, without age limits. However, this always depends on the insurance company.

#2 - Exclusions from coverage

Exclusion of guarantees means the benefits that are not considered by the complementary mutual insurance. Indeed, there are benefits that the mutual insurance company will not reimburse. It is important to find out more about this subject to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Normally, exclusions are not written in the contract, but it is up to you to dig into the subject. This is for example the case for retirement homes and thalassotherapy.

The best thing to do is to ask for a quote before signing the contract. That way, you will know your expenses beforehand.

#3 - Contribution amounts

Knowing how to choose a good mutual insurance company that reimburses well is important, because what's the point of having a mutual insurance company that does not meet your needs? For example, your main health expenses go towards dental or hospitalization. It would be ridiculous for your reimbursement to go towards buying your glasses instead.

However, depending on the insurer's offer, there are reimbursements in full as is the case with Santéis Senior Generali. The latter offers a wide choice in terms of reimbursement percentages. It is therefore necessary to think carefully about the cost of the services that the insurer offers before committing yourself.

#4 - Waiver period

The application of the waiting period depends on the insurance company you subscribe to. The term refers to the length of time during which the subscriber continues to pay premiums to the insurer, without the insurer covering the mutuals of its co-contractor with guarantees. In other words, the person who subscribes to a senior health insurance will not be reimbursed immediately for his or her various medical treatments.

However, there are mutual insurance companies such as Santéis Senior Generali that do not apply this waiting period to their members. This is a factor that you should take into account when choosing a health insurance contract.

Indeed, many elderly people find this waiting period annoying. The waiting period can last up to 3 months from the date of conclusion of the contract. The non-reimbursement can be partial or total. Thus, it is best to look carefully for the mutualist institutions that best meet your requirements.

#5 - Quality of services

The quality of services is an unavoidable criterion when choosing any provider. Mutualist companies are no exception to this rule. Thus, it is, of course, advisable for all interested people to choose the insurer that offers services that meet their demands and needs.

For example, it is wise to choose the institutions of mutual health insurance that offer daily assistance to those who are immobilized on chairs after hospitalization.

It is also preferable to choose those that provide housekeepers for shopping, thus exempting the elderly from having to go back and forth from their homes to the supermarkets. These small details that make a difference are criteria that should not be neglected when choosing a senior health insurance plan, as they make life much easier for these people.

Guarantees, one of the pillars of mutual health insurance for seniors

The guarantees are the backbone of the contracts to which the seniors adhere within a mutual insurance company. For this reason, it is important to require the existence of certain basic guarantees in the mutual insurance company, because they are essential, such as the cost of hospitalization and the acquisition of hearing aids, frames and other materials related to common pathologies.

In addition to these guarantees, it is advisable to choose the mutual insurance companies that offer complementary guarantees such as: offers of assistance in domestic tasks for the sick, as well as teleconsultation and teleassistance are now offers attached to the classic offers. Thus, the more guarantees a mutual insurance company offers, the more interesting it is to choose it.

The different types of health insurance for seniors

We can categorize senior health insurance policies into two groups, namely individual and group health insurance. The choice of one or the other of these two contracts depends either on the person concerned or on the employer.

Individual health insurance

It refers to the contract whose purpose is to supplement the costs of medical care that is not reimbursed by Social Security. It is also called personal, because it depends on the financial and health situation of the person concerned.

It should be noted that this mutual insurance is not mandatory. Yes, in fact, it is only optional. Therefore, nothing obliges a person to subscribe to it. However, doing so is strongly advised.

Group health insurance

All private sector employers are obliged to subscribe to the group health mutual for its employees, but also for themselves as well. In other words, subscription to this mutual insurance is in principle mandatory.

Nevertheless, French law provides for cases where membership in this mutual insurance company for employees is not compulsory. As far as its objective is concerned, it has the same purpose as the individual health insurance.

Mutual health insurance companies or health insurance companies

Health insurance companies

Legally speaking, it is important to know that a mutual health insurance company is a non-profit partnership. It is governed by the mutual insurance code and relies on the contributions of all its members to support and cover medical bills in the event of an illness or accident not covered by social security.

Health insurance company

Insurance companies, on the other hand, are for-profit corporations. They are subject to the insurance code and offer more or less the same services as mutual health insurance companies. One of the differences with mutual insurance companies is first of all the management mode in which the policyholders cannot intervene in the choices made by the company, which is not the case within a mutual insurance company. Moreover, insurance companies base their offers more on risk analysis.

Verdict

Mutual insurance companies and health insurance companies are therefore institutions that are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their legal status and their purposes. An insurance company is for profit while a mutual insurance company is not. The choice between these two possibilities depends on the senior citizen, if he wants to be more involved in the decisions and offers provided, it is recommended to opt for a mutual health insurance company.

Why subscribe to a health insurance for seniors?

Prevention for the future

The elderly are always very fragile. They are never safe from the various diseases and accidents that can occur. Even with maximum protection, risks are never far away. It is to anticipate them that it is necessary to subscribe to a health insurance for seniors. This way, you will be sure to get the care you need in time. You can then have peace of mind and live your happy days.

Permanent assistance

If you subscribe to a senior health insurance plan, you will always have someone to turn to. Indeed, there is a permanent assistance service to take care of you. Someone will be at your complete disposal to answer your needs and find the best solution for you in terms of health.

A practical and accessible solution

The senior health insurance is a very interesting solution to live without financial fear. Indeed, the elderly must be more careful about their health and must periodically check with specialists. By subscribing to a mutual health insurance, you will benefit from a very interesting coverage. They will reimburse part or all of your care, your consultations and your expenses.

The mutual insurance offers an adequate service

There are several types of mutual insurance companies, you can opt for those that offer local or online services. However, both solutions are very convenient to accompany you. They are very easy because you are not required to submit several documents. Registration can be done remotely, everything can be done online. Afterwards, the customer services are available 24/7 to serve you. You can then reach them at any time.

Reduce your expenses to zero

With a good senior health insurance plan, you can reduce your basic expenses to zero. To do so, you just have to subscribe to an offer that offers a high level of coverage, which is the case for almost all mutual insurance companies on the market. They will reimburse you in relation to the social security regulation rate. In any case, it is always better to receive more help in case of an accident and this is the main advantage of health insurance for seniors.

The best brands of health insurance for seniors

In our opinion, the best brands of health insurance for seniors in 2022 are :

Generali
Macif
MAAF
Matmut
SwissLife

This mutual health insurance was in 1941. Generali's mutual insurance company provides a remarkable quality of support for any type of age.

This health mutual insurance company has been offering the services of a comprehensive insurance since April 30, 1960, while having an affordable price for everyone. The insurance also offers a solution for individuals, but also for young people.

With the creation of MAAF in 1950, its services stand out from other mutual insurance companies with great performance. This mutual insurance company offers full reimbursement during consultations.

Since 1962, Matmut health insurance covers all commitments of all subscribers. The reimbursement of all expenses is worry-free, as this insurance covers almost all care.

It is by far the oldest mutual health insurance company, it was created in 1857. This mutual insurance offers compliant offers, meaning that all health expenses are covered by this insurance.

What is the price health insurance for seniors

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 85 £
Mid-range
85 £ to 100 £
High-end
more than 100 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Understanding the terms of the contract

The presentation of the contract varies from one mutual company to another. It is important to understand that the clauses of a contract can be indicated as a lump sum or as a pro rata of the expenses. The pro rata reimbursements are calculated as a percentage of the reimbursement base. And again, you will have to go through the contract with a magnifying glass to identify what it means by reimbursement base, because this designation can vary from one mutual insurance company to another.

Braiding your contract

Joining a senior health mutual insurance company is a contractual transaction that grants the member rights and places obligations on him or her. As of 2020, termination of a membership contract is possible with full exemption from all charges after one year of commitment. Some mutual insurance companies offer to prepare the procedures relating to these contracts for new members wishing to join them.

Tips for reducing health expenses.

First of all, it is important to remember that it is better to plan than to cure. Thus, the first piece of advice is to pay attention to one's health, i.e., to stay away from events that may be detrimental to one's own health, to ensure good nutrition and physical exercise to keep in shape. Secondly, integrating a mutual insurance company considerably reduces your expenses, and before choosing one, it is best to ask for quotes to make comparisons.

How to get reimbursed in a mutual insurance company

The interest of joining a mutual insurance company lies in the possibility of being reimbursed for medical expenses. The events giving rise to reimbursement are clearly stipulated in the contract. It should be noted that mutual insurance companies come into play in the charges not taken into account by social security. Obtaining the amount of reimbursement is subject to a procedure specific to each mutual insurance company.

Changing mutual insurance companies when you retire

Retirement is a moment of peace after years of hard work. Joining a mutual insurance company is a strategic choice that will allow you to spend your retirement peacefully. Indeed, it is possible that you have already subscribed to a mutual insurance company in retirement, but you should know that you will gain more by integrating a health mutual insurance company for seniors, because this one is more adapted to your situation, in the sense that in the old regime of your mutual insurance company you contribute for activities from which you do not expect any return. So, in order to waste less of your resources, focus on the essential: your retirement.

FAQ

What are the benefits of a senior health insurance plan? How can I compare health insurance companies?

It can help to avoid unforeseen health problems. Senior mutual insurance companies also have the best reimbursements for different types of care. Not all benefits are reimbursed by Social Security, whereas insurance companies cover a wide range of benefits.

What are the secondary benefits that should be added to the main benefits?

After choosing your health insurance plan, you need to fill in some simple information in the online form, concerning your personal information, your needs and the benefits you want to enjoy; a page of results will appear, with the offers available for you. All you have to do is compare the prices and benefits to choose a contract that suits your needs.

Is it compulsory to subscribe to a senior health insurance?

Coverages include: alternative medicine: acupuncture, osteopathy, occupational therapy and chiropractic are not reimbursed by Social Security; spa treatments: they can be effective in treating certain illnesses according to doctors, but they are poorly reimbursed by Social Security; Assistance in the event of serious illness or hospitalization: it is better for the person to be accompanied in these types of situations

There are several types of mutual health insurance, but it is not mandatory to subscribe. Indeed, a person can be satisfied with the benefits provided by Social Security. However, because of the increase in health risks for the elderly, it is recommended that one be purchased.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. Back to the country's situation: France is aging, Adpassurances.fr
  3. Mutual Health Insurance, Notretemps.com
  4. 5 Health Insurance Policies for Seniors with Lowest Premiums, Seniority.in
  5. Seniors: How to choose your health mutual?, Papyhappy.fr
  6. SENIOR MUTUAL: Choosing the right coverage allows for good aging, Santelog.com
  7. Over 50 Life Insurance Guides, Britishseniors.co.uk
  8. How to choose your health mutual when you're a senior, Retraiteplus.fr
  9. How to pay less for your senior health mutual?, Regroupementdecreditsenior.com
  10. Seniors: criteria for choosing your health mutual, Courtiersforyou.fr
  11. Mutual insurance for retirees - Buying Guide - UFC-Que Choisir, quechoisir.org
  12. Ranking 2021: The best senior health insurance by age, assur-mutuelle.fr
  13. Senior health insurance: all the guarantees SoSeniors - SLM, slm-mutuelle.fr
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Santéis Senior Generali 9
Santéis Senior Generali
Macif 10
Macif
MAAF 11
MAAF
Matmut 12
Matmut

Lecteurs

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