03/09/2025
Being self-employed offers a great deal of freedom, but it also comes with greater responsibilities. What happens if you suddenly can no longer work because of illness, an accident or the birth of a child? The good news is that self-employed professionals are also protected. In certain situations, you are entitled to sickness or maternity benefits through your mutual health insurance fund. Additional insurance policies can further strengthen this protection.
If you are unable to continue your professional activity for medical reasons, you may receive sickness benefits through your mutual health insurance fund.
However, one important condition must be respected: you must report your incapacity for work within eight days of the first day of illness and submit the required documents. If the declaration is submitted on time, the compensation is granted according to the following rules.
During the first year of incapacity, you receive a fixed daily allowance. The amount depends, among other things, on your family situation.
If your incapacity for work lasts less than seven days, a waiting period applies and no allowance is paid. If the incapacity lasts longer than seven days, the allowance is granted retroactively from the first day.
After one year of incapacity, you move to invalidity status. This simply means that the incapacity for work has lasted more than twelve months. At that point, you receive an invalidity allowance, also calculated as a fixed daily amount depending on your family situation and the status of your professional activity.
Self-employed women are also entitled to maternity leave and maternity benefits through their mutual health insurance fund.
The leave lasts a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of twelve weeks. In the case of a multiple birth, the leave may extend to thirteen weeks.
The self-employed woman must stop working at least one week before the expected delivery date. The two weeks following the birth are mandatory.
The remaining leave can be taken flexibly within the thirty-six weeks following the birth, in periods of seven days, and if necessary on a part-time basis.
To qualify for this benefit, the social security contributions for the three quarters preceding the leave must have been paid.
Mandatory health insurance does not cover all medical costs. In the event of hospitalisation or a major medical procedure, expenses can quickly increase.
For this reason, many self-employed professionals choose to complement their protection with hospitalisation insurance. This coverage helps limit hospital-related costs and can also provide certain forms of assistance.
The Hospitalia insurance offered by Helan, for example, provides reimbursement for medical costs before and after hospitalisation and may include practical assistance such as household help, childcare or assistance with the care of a pet.
PIA Go! aims to support self-employed professionals at every stage of their business activity, including when unexpected situations arise.
We guide you toward reliable partners such as Helan and help you understand the steps that need to be taken. This allows you to focus on your recovery, your family and restarting your activity.
If you would like to learn more or get in touch with Helan, you can do so via the dedicated link.
If you are looking for an accountant to support you in managing your business, the PIA Go! team will be happy to help.
Am I entitled to sickness benefits as a self-employed professional?
Yes. If you are unable to work due to illness or an accident, you may receive sickness benefits through your mutual health insurance fund. The amount is fixed and depends mainly on your family situation.
What must you do to receive this allowance?
You must report your incapacity for work to your mutual health insurance fund within eight days of the first day of illness and submit the required documents.
Do you receive an allowance from the first day?
A seven-day waiting period applies. If the incapacity lasts longer than seven days, the allowance is paid from the first day.
What does invalidity status mean?
This status applies when the incapacity for work lasts longer than one year. The self-employed person then receives an invalidity allowance.
How long does maternity leave last for a self-employed woman?
Between three and twelve weeks, or thirteen weeks in the case of a multiple birth.
Are there conditions to qualify for maternity benefits?
Yes. The social security contributions for the previous three quarters must have been paid.
Can maternity leave be taken part-time?
Yes. The remaining weeks can be taken flexibly in blocks of seven days, possibly on a part-time basis.
Is hospitalisation insurance mandatory?
No, but it is strongly recommended to limit unexpected medical expenses.
What does Helan’s Hospitalia insurance cover?
It reimburses medical costs before and after hospitalisation and may also include practical assistance.
Can PIA Go! help with these procedures?
Yes. PIA Go! can guide you toward the appropriate partners and help you understand the steps you need to take.
