The best mutual insurance for the unemployed in the UK 2023

Although temporary, unemployment is often synonymous with a drop in income. This situation makes it necessary to resort to economical solutions, in particular the mutual insurance for the unemployed. Following our research and analysis, we can affirm that Apivia is the best complementary health insurance for job seekers. It allows to receive a significant reimbursement.

Apivia 1
9/10

Best value for money

Apivia

The best mutual for the unemployed in 2021

Apivia's formulas for jobseekers provide significant reimbursement for hospitalization, alternative medicine, dental and optical care. They are intended for both single people and families.

Quote

Apivia, a mutual insurance company of the Macif group, reinforces the guarantees of a job seeker according to his needs. The mutual insurance company offers optional packs at really competitive prices. You can thus choose the formula that best suits your budget and your expectations.

The services offered by Apivia are complete, as you benefit from reinforced assistance and you can also take advantage of negotiated prices for your optical and dental services. With a simple package, your mutual insurance company reimburses your optical and alternative medicine expenses with excellence.

Kovers 2
7/10

Best value for money

Kovers

The best mutual for the entry-level unemployed

Kovers covers the health expenses of different categories of insureds, including job seekers. It is the cheapest complementary health insurance. However, it reimburses several treatments: regular consultations, spa treatments...

Quote

Kovers is an excellent mutual insurance company to cover the unemployed. It offers preferential rates which are on the whole very accessible for a job seeker. If working people pay about 20 euros per month for a simple formula, unemployed people only pay about 10 euros.

However, the formula is completely flexible. You can then adapt it according to your needs and your resources. Concerning the care, many are taken in charge by Kovers: current care, medical analyses, thermal cures, etc., at least the reimbursement will depend on the chosen option.

Swiss Life 3
8/10

Best value for money

Swiss Life

The best mutual for the high-end unemployed

With 9 levels of coverage to choose from, Swiss Life is the best high-end mutual insurance for job seekers. On average, it provides reimbursement within 48 hours of your health expenses.

Quote

Swiss Life does not submit its new members to a questionnaire. It is therefore very easy to subscribe to this mutual insurance company. And the same goes for the claim! It is the best top-of-the-range complementary health insurance for unemployed people, also extendable to all interested individuals.

Free monthly contributions, third party payment and reduced prices at partner health professionals are the strong points of the Swiss Life mutual insurance. In addition, the mutual insurance company does not charge you any additional fees, i.e., no file fees and no management fees.

April 4
7/10

Very good choice

April

A good compromise for the unemployed

April stands out for its services and preferential rates. It is a mutual insurance company that accepts to cover job seekers. It can also be modulated for the benefit of people with a limited budget.

Quote

April is one of the most suitable mutual insurance companies for the unemployed. It offers third-party payment with its 140,000 affiliated health professionals. Negotiated prices, reimbursements within a very short period of time and quality services make this complementary health insurance an excellent choice.

In concrete terms, you will be reimbursed within 24 hours of sending your receipts. Moreover, you can choose the formula that suits you, and if you need hospital coverage, the mutual insurance company will be able to redirect you to the appropriate offer.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best mutual insurance for the unemployed

Any specific needs?

The best mutual for the unemployed in 2021

The best mutual for the entry-level unemployed

The best mutual for the high-end unemployed

A good compromise for the unemployed

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best mutual insurance for the unemployed

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE VERY GOOD
Apivia 5
9/10
Kovers 6
7/10
Swiss Life 7
8/10
April 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Apivia
Kovers
Swiss Life
April
Apivia's formulas for jobseekers provide significant reimbursement for hospitalization, alternative medicine, dental and optical care. They are intended for both single people and families.
Kovers covers the health expenses of different categories of insureds, including job seekers. It is the cheapest complementary health insurance. However, it reimburses several treatments: regular consultations, spa treatments...
With 9 levels of coverage to choose from, Swiss Life is the best high-end mutual insurance for job seekers. On average, it provides reimbursement within 48 hours of your health expenses.
April stands out for its services and preferential rates. It is a mutual insurance company that accepts to cover job seekers. It can also be modulated for the benefit of people with a limited budget.
Dental/Optical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Preferred rates
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Time limit on reimbursement
48 hrs
-
48 hrs
24 hrs
Prepaid insurance
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Assistance
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

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Buying guide - mutual insurance for the unemployed

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How to choose your mutual insurance for the unemployed

If you are unemployed, you should choose your health insurance plan according to the following criteria. These factors will allow you to make savings.

#1 - Needs

In order to save money when you are unemployed, look for a plan that meets all your health needs, at least the essentials. During this period, you are advised not to subscribe to a mutual insurance company that offers you an optical reinforcement when you do not have any vision problems. If you go to the dentist regularly, a high level of dental coverage will be useful. Also, plan for hospitalization expenses and choose a cheap mutual insurance company that reimburses them.

#2 - The proposed guarantees

It is not always reasonable to take the basic formula that will be offered by a mutual insurance company. Instead, choose coverage that is tailored to your situation and that will save you a lot of money in the event of a health problem. For routine care (dental care, medication, consultations, optical care), make sure you are offered reimbursement up to the value of the ticket modérateur (the amount paid by Social Security minus the amount of health expenses).

#3 - Waiting periods

Waiting or waiting periods can considerably limit the scope of a complementary health insurance for the unemployed. For example, a mutual insurance with a 6-month waiting period might not be profitable for someone who is not working. If the insured person suffers a health problem a few months after signing the contract, he/she will not be covered with such a waiting period. It is therefore recommended not only to take into account the tariff, but also to consider this temporal duration applied to the mutual insurance contract.

#4 - The fee

Your

contribution will be fixed by the mutual insurance company according to your professional situation, your age, your gender, other elements as well as the level of coverage chosen. Remember that a mutual insurance company that offers 100% reimbursement may be less expensive for an unemployed person than one that reimburses 200%. The more the insurer intervenes to take care of your medical expenses, the higher the insurance premium will be. The best mutual insurance companies in our selection offer you good coverage and a low premium. In addition, you can always check to see if the mutual insurance company has reimbursement limits.

#5 - Reimbursement rate

When choosing a complementary health insurance for your couple or for yourself (as an unemployed person), the monthly price should not be the main criterion for your choice. You will have to take into account the possible reimbursement rates to make sure that your contract is perfectly adapted to your needs. Don't hesitate to check if your mutual insurance company has any exclusions of coverage. This is also important in your choice, as it affects your coverage.

Even if you are unemployed, do not remain without a mutual insurance company because this protection will reduce your burden on possible medical expenses. Also, health needs can remain important during this period.

Is it possible to talk about mutual insurance for the unemployed?

Unemployment benefits exist, but in practice, there is no unemployment mutual insurance. It is rather a mutual insurance "when you are unemployed", a specific situation that gives you access to several adjustable solutions, as opposed to an employee who must subscribe to a company mutual insurance.

An unemployed person can choose between :

  • A spouse's mutual insurance
  • A parents' mutual insurance
  • An individual mutual insurance
  • A mutual insurance of the former company (for a limited period)

However, it should be noted that even if there is no unemployment insurance, we can still talk about a mutual insurance adapted to the needs of the unemployed, which is why we have listed the best mutual insurance for the unemployed.

Our advice

When you are unemployed, you should inform your insurer of your change of situation so that he can give you a helping hand.

The different types of mutual insurance for the unemployed

There are 3 ways to benefit from a health insurance when you are unemployed. Discover them.

Spouse's health insurance

An unemployed person can join the insurance company of his or her spouse. If you are married or cohabiting and your life partner uses a company mutual insurance company, you can be attached to this contract. However, if both of you cannot join the company mutual insurance because your partner is for example on a fixed-term contract, you still have the chance to subscribe to an independent complementary health insurance. By being on the same contract, you will be able to take advantage of a "couple" discount, which allows you to save on contributions. The rate remains preferential even for couples.

Parents' mutual insurance

An

unemployed person can remain dependent on his parents even if he no longer lives with them. He can benefit from his mother's and/or father's health insurance provided he is under 25 years of age, unemployed or a student, and has not completed 12 months of training for the receipt of unemployment benefits. It is difficult to find a health insurance company that will accept to attach an unemployed dependent over 25 years old to a family policy. If the attachment is refused, the unemployed person will then have to subscribe to a mutual insurance company on an individual basis.

Individual insurance

Some

individual mutuals are adapted to the needs of young adults who are unemployed. They offer essential coverage at rates that are truly affordable for the unemployed. If you have already received unemployment benefits, you will have no alternative but to subscribe to an individual mutual insurance plan on your own. Don't worry, a simple formula will already provide you with coverage for current expenses and hospitalization. However, be sure to find out about the various additional benefits (optical, dental, etc.). Know that without a job, you have the possibility to completely adapt your mutual insurance to your needs, at a very low price!

To remember

In the event of hospitalization, the unemployed without a mutual insurance company must pay the co-payment, the extra fees and the daily rate.

Mutual insurance for the unemployed or complementary health insurance (CSS)

Health insurance for the unemployed

The mutual insurance for the unemployed reimburses medication, hospitalization, dental and optical services, and even extra fees depending on the level of coverage chosen. It is very easy and quick to subscribe to a formula. There are no steps to take! Eligible persons have access to preferential rates. However, for some unemployed people who do not have sufficient resources, it may be difficult for them to find an offer adapted to their budget.

Supplementary health insurance (CSS)

The CSS, which replaced the CMU-C (Couverture Maladie Universelle Complémentaire), is an almost free mutual insurance contract. People who take advantage of it have no out-of-pocket expenses. Unemployed people can benefit from this complementary health insurance under certain conditions. The CSS covers health expenses for specialists and the attending physician. However, it does not reimburse dental and hearing aids or glasses. And it is only available to people who are covered by the health insurance system and who earn less than 746 euros per month.

Verdict

People who are not eligible for CSS can directly subscribe to an individual or group mutual insurance. The independent complementary insurance allows them to receive a significant reimbursement of most of their health expenses, including dental and optical benefits.

Our advice:

When unemployed, you should report your change of situation to your insurer so that they can give you a boost.

Tips

Refusal of the company mutual insurance

Your spouse can refuse the company mutual insurance if you think it would be wise to pay less and be covered for the minimum. In the circumstance, it is better to subscribe to an independent complementary health insurance.

One contract for a couple

In

cases where the needs of the spouses are almost identical as well as their situation, it would be more reasonable to take out a single contract and thus benefit from the "couple" discount which can range from 5 to 15%

.

Keeping the company mutual insurance

Be aware

that it is possible for an unemployed person to keep his company mutual insurance even for his family. He does not benefit from the "portability" of his health coverage in the case of a dismissal for serious misconduct. On the other hand, the end of a fixed-term contract or an apprenticeship contract should allow the unemployed person and his or her family to remain covered by the company mutual insurance.

Waive the company mutual insurance plan in writing

For

various reasons, some unemployed people refuse to keep the company mutual insurance and prefer to turn to an independent mutual insurance. It is advisable for them to waive this portability in writing within 10 days of their departure.

Interim health

It

is possible for people who are not working in case of maternity leave or sick leave to maintain their basic coverage free of charge with their temporary mutual insurance company. For those who are looking for a job, they can benefit from an extension of their coverage for about 5 months.

FAQ

What is the best health insurance for the unemployed?

The best health insurance for the unemployed depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are best for you.

Unemployed: is it essential to subscribe to a mutual insurance company?

Unemployed or not, a mutual health insurance will remain essential because it is the guarantee of the best medical care coverage.

How much can an unemployed person save with a health insurance policy?

An unemployed person who pays 20 euros per month for an individual health insurance plan can save up to 300 euros on average.

Can the unemployed benefit from assistance in paying for complementary health insurance?

Yes, they can benefit from the ACS or assistance in paying for complementary health care provided they have at least a residence permit and a low income.

Can I extend my Pôle Emploi compensation?

If you are no longer going to receive Pôle Emploi benefits, you can maintain your rights for 1 year, provided that you are actually looking for work.

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.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , jechange.fr
  3. , fastt.org
  4. , Mutuellemoinscher.fr
  5. , Mutuelle.dispofi.fr
  6. , Reassurez-moi.fr
  7. , Droitsquotidiens.be
  8. , Adpassurances.fr
  9. , Acommeassure.com
  10. , aide-sociale.fr
  11. , mutuellesante.fr
  12. , reassurez-moi.fr
  13. , jechange.fr
  14. , mutuelle.ooreka.fr
  15. , allocation-chomage.fr
  16. , lesfurets.com
  17. , mutuelle.dispofi.fr
  18. , mutuelle-familiale.fr
  19. , assur-mutuelle.fr
  20. , lelynx.fr
  21. , accessante.fr
  22. , quel-assureur.com
  23. , mutuellefr.org
  24. , malakoffhumanis.com
  25. , lesfurets.com
  26. , selectra.info
  27. , mutuellespascheres.fr
  28. , itandi.fr
  29. , mutuellemoinscher.fr
  30. , acommeassure.com
  31. , meilleurtaux.com
  32. , april.fr
  33. , chomeur.net
  34. , aayassur.com
  35. , mutuelles-pas-cheres.org
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Updates

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

See more
Our selection
Apivia 9
Apivia
Kovers 10
Kovers
Swiss Life 11
Swiss Life
April 12
April

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