3. Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU)

1. 3.1. Contribution Level into CMU
   3.2. Application Process for CMU
   3.3. CMU Protection Complémentaire
   3.4. Assistance with Voluntary Insurance

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3.4. Assistance with Voluntary Health Insurance - Chèque Santé

If your household income is no higher than 20% of these thresholds, then you may be eligible for a contribution towards the cost of your voluntary (top-up) health insurance.

Until Jan 08 this assistance was in the form of a tax credit, but in an attempt to reduce the complexity of the scheme, it now comes in the form of a cheque, which you need to present to your voluntary insurer.

The level of the assistance depends on your age. Those aged under 26 years receive a rebate of €100; between 26-59 years you are entitled to €200 and those aged 60+ to €400.

Accordingly, a couple aged between 26-59 years would be entitled to a contribution of €400. No contribution is granted for children under 16 years.

In no case can the rebate be higher than the cost of the insurance cover itself. If it is greater then the insurance premium will be zero.

The thresholds for eligibility for these rebates are as follows:


Table: Income Thresholds - Jul 08 to Jul 09

Household	Annual Income
One Person	€8,936
Two People	€13,404
Three People	€16,085
Four People	€18,766
Each Add	€3,574

The reference period for determining your income is the previous twelve months preceeding your application. Accordingly, for an application made in October 2008, it is your income for the period Oct 07 to Sept 08 that will be used in assessing your eligibility for assistance.

If you think you are eligible, then application should be made to your CPAM, or to the RSI if you are self-employed.

If you do not hold a voluntary insurance policy, you can still make application for the assistance, which remains valid for six months, during which time you can take out an insurance policy.

You can download the application form

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Next: Voluntary Health Insurance

Back: CMU Protection Complémentaire