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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3.3. CMU Protection Complémentaire

The CMU Protection Complémentaire (CMU–C) provides free health insurance cover for those on a low income, whether unemployed, employed or self-employed.

If you are in receipt of CMU Complémentaire then, as a general rule, all medical and dental costs are fully covered and you will have no costs to pay, provided you always pass through your family doctor for medical services.

Doctors and specialists who treat you are required by the government to only charge the basic, official fee. There is evidence that some specialists do not always honour this rule, and that some CMU-C patients are being asked to pay additional fees, or simply refused treatment. In either case this practice is not permitted and should be reported to your local Caisse.

The current annual income thresholds for entitlement to CMU–C are as follows:


Table: CMU-C Income Thresholds - (Jul 08 - Jul 09)

Household	Annual Income
One Person	€7,447
Two People	€11,170
Three People	€13,404
Four People	€15,638
Five People	€18,617

The reference period for determining your income is the previous twelve months. Unlike most other social security benefits, it is not your net income as assessed by the tax authority that is used to determine eligibility, but a tougher test based on gross income.

Your entitlement will be reviewed each year, when you will be asked to complete a test of resources.

Application can be made to your local Caisse (normally the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) to whom you should provide proof of your income.

You can also download the Application for CMU-C

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Next: Assistance with Voluntary Insurance

Back: Application Process into CMU