Are you a florist preparing for maternity leave? A new freelance editor checking sick leave options? Or launching your own business and seeking clarity on social security protections?
Navigating health-related rights as a self-employed worker can be challenging without employee status. As experts in French social security for independents, we outline the essentials to help you plan confidently.
Self-employed workers (Travailleurs Non Salariés, or TNS) include:
The RSI scheme ended on January 1, 2018, fully integrating into the general Social Security scheme by January 1, 2020. This transition maintained health coverage without requiring action from workers. Now, the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) in your residence area handles all health-related costs.
→ Good to know: If no turnover or income is declared for two consecutive years, affiliation to Social Security and official registers is deregistered per the October 23, 2019 decree.
The URSSAF (Union for the Collection of Social Security Contributions and Family Allowances) oversees contributions for self-employed workers. These are calculated on non-salaried professional income subject to income tax (non-commercial profits).
As a self-employed worker:
Since 2016, Universal Health Protection (PUMa) covers healthcare costs for anyone working or stably residing in France, including family members. CPAM reimburses care and provides daily allowances for sick leave, provided you:
→ Good to know: Waiting period is 3 days.
Require 10 months of affiliation by presumed birth/adoption date, with at least 8 weeks' leave (6 post-birth). Prenatal/postnatal care matches employee coverage: up to 6 months partially reimbursed, then 100%. Daily allowances replace lost income. Paternity leave offers fixed daily benefits; employee-spouses may get activity cessation indemnity. Both need 10 months' affiliation.
Self-employed are not covered by default. Voluntary insurance is available but excludes daily allowances.
CPAM provides disability pensions (conditions apply) and death benefits for eligible self-employed workers.
Supplement Social Security with robust mutual health insurance and pension options for full protection.
