03/09/2025
Starting a sole proprietorship involves many steps. You need to organise your administration, find your first clients, arrange your social security contributions and set up your accounting. Another important step is planning your protection in case of illness or unexpected events. Joining a mutual health insurance fund is one of the first actions to take.
Like employees, self‑employed professionals must join a mutual health insurance fund. This affiliation is not just an administrative formality. It ensures both medical and financial protection in the event of health problems.
The mutual health insurance fund provides, among other things:
- reimbursement of medical expenses such as doctor consultations, medication and physiotherapy treatments
- sickness benefits if you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or an accident
- maternity or paternity leave benefits, including allowances and service vouchers to help pay for household assistance after a birth.
When starting a business, financial security is often still fragile. Being unable to work can therefore have a direct impact on your situation.
The mutual health insurance fund is therefore an essential element of your social protection. It allows you to continue receiving reimbursement for medical care and a replacement income if you are temporarily unable to carry out your professional activity.
The basic coverage does not cover every situation. Many self‑employed professionals therefore choose to add complementary insurance.
Common options include:
- hospitalisation insurance to cover costs related to hospital stays
- dental insurance to help manage expensive dental treatments
- guaranteed income insurance, which provides a monthly allowance in case of prolonged incapacity for work.
These types of insurance help limit the financial consequences of health problems.
When creating a sole proprietorship, several formalities must often be completed at almost the same time. Joining a mutual health insurance fund is one of them, alongside registration with the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises, activation of your VAT number and affiliation with a social insurance fund.
Professional guidance can help clarify these steps and prevent administrative oversights.
PIA Go! supports starting entrepreneurs in organising their business activities and can also guide them toward reliable partners for matters related to social protection.
Do I have to join a mutual health insurance fund as a self‑employed professional?
Yes. Like employees, self‑employed professionals must be affiliated with a mutual health insurance fund to benefit from social security in case of illness, accidents or maternity leave.
What does the basic mutual health insurance cover?
It includes reimbursement of medical expenses, sickness benefits in case of incapacity for work and allowances during maternity or paternity leave.
What happens if I do not join a mutual health insurance fund?
You lose your social protection and must cover medical costs and income loss yourself in case of illness. Administrative issues may also arise.
Can I receive psychological support through my mutual health insurance fund?
Some mutual health insurance funds also offer psychological support or counselling services depending on their available plans.
Which additional insurance policies are commonly considered by self‑employed professionals?
Many entrepreneurs take out hospitalisation insurance, dental insurance or guaranteed income insurance to strengthen their protection.
What is guaranteed income insurance?
It is an insurance policy that pays a monthly allowance when you are unable to work for an extended period.
Can an accountant help with these steps?
Yes. Professional guidance can help you find the right partners and organise the different steps involved in starting your business.
When should I arrange my affiliation with a mutual health insurance fund?
Ideally at the start of your activity, at the same time as the other administrative procedures required to create your business.
Can I change mutual health insurance funds later?
Yes. It is generally possible to switch mutual health insurance funds starting from a new calendar year.
Why anticipate this step?
Quick affiliation ensures that your social protection is active from the very beginning of your activity.
