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Liberal osteopaths: how to choose the right professional pension plan?

When starting a self-employed osteopathic practice, professional pension provision is an essential safety net. Contrary to what one might think, Social Security and CIPAV coverage remains very limited in the event of work stoppage, disability, or death. In this blog post, we'll help you gain insight into choosing the right pension plan for your situation as a self-employed practitioner. Here are the key points you need to know. What happens without foresight? As an osteopath, you are affiliated with CIPAV, your mandatory pension and welfare fund, and of course with Social Security. But be careful: CIPAV only offers a minimal level of protection, particularly in the event of long-term absence or disability. This is why it is strongly recommended that you take out a supplementary insurance policy as soon as you start your business. In the event of work stoppage You have no compensation for the first 12 months of employment . Beyond that, you receive daily allowances equal to 50% of your average income over the last 3 years, capped at around €5,000 per month. These benefits start on the 4th day of sick leave and end after 90 days. Example: if you started in 2024, in 2026 your benefits will be calculated on the average of your income from 2023, 2024 and 2025... This can significantly impact your level of coverage. What it means If you are just starting out, your income is still unstable. You will therefore receive little or no compensation during your first few years. And after 90 days of sick leave? Unlike other healthcare professionals (such as physiotherapists), you do not benefit from any extended protection through the CIPAV. Learn more about Ameli.fr What does the CIPAV provide in the event of disability or death? An annuity can only be paid if you are partially disabled (disability rate between 66 and 99%). The amount remains low: around €1,000 per month in the event of total disability. In the event of death, a death benefit is paid to your family, as well as an education annuity for your children, depending on your contributions. Learn more about CIPAV Real foresight as an osteopath A professional pension contract offers you enhanced protection, personalized according to your needs. Here's what you can expect from a good blanket: Your salary maintained in the event of work stoppage You receive daily compensation adapted to your insured income, from the first days of sick leave. Short deductible period for accidents and hospitalization (often 3 days) Longer deductible for illness (15 to 30 days) Compensation possible for up to 3 years in addition to social security Coverage of your fixed costs Do you pay rent, office expenses, or equipment? The overhead option allows you to be compensated even if your business is temporarily suspended. Essential for any practitioner with premises or regular professional expenses. Pension in the event of partial or total disability If you are unable to continue working, you can receive a monthly pension until retirement. This is a real security. Be careful with the scale used: demand a professional scale, which takes into account your ability to exercise your profession, not just your “administrative” handicap. Capital for your loved ones in the event of death This guarantee ensures a payment to your beneficiaries. You can adjust the amount (often equivalent to 2 or 3 years of income) according to your financial and family goals. Key points to check in your pension contract The income you provide You don't have to insure 100% of your turnover. Here's a simple rule: 75% of turnover if you are in micro-BNC 60% if you are in real BNC Are back conditions covered? Some insurance companies exclude back pain-related leave if you are not hospitalized. Bad idea for osteopaths! Choose a contract with a back option or one that doesn't include this exclusion. The health insurance deductible period Between 7 and 30 days, depending on the contract. A 30-day deductible is often sufficient if you are primarily looking for coverage against long or serious work stoppages. Is the disability scale occupational? This point is crucial. A professional scale considers that if you can no longer perform your job (e.g., loss of hand mobility), you are 100% disabled, even if other functions are preserved. Disability trigger: 16 or 33%? A disability trigger at 16% is preferable, but not essential. Just check that you are covered for partial disability. Coverage for the first 3 months of installation Some policies don't adequately compensate newly established individuals who don't yet have an income history. Make sure your policy covers you 100%, even for the first year. The Madelin Law The Madelin law, named after the minister who initiated it (Alain Madelin), is a French tax provision introduced in 1994 to encourage self-employed workers (TNS) and liberal professions to build up supplementary social protection (health, retirement, pension). Who can benefit? To benefit from the advantages of the Madelin law, you must: Be self-employed (liberal professions, artisans, traders, etc.), Be taxed under the actual tax regime (actual BNC or simplified actual regime), Be up to date with your mandatory social security contributions (URSSAF, retirement, etc.). If you operate a BNC (non-profit organization), the Madelin law allows you to deduct your pension contributions from your taxable income. Result: your contract costs you significantly less, while offering you optimal protection. Please note: this deduction does not apply to micro-entrepreneurs . Choosing the right insurance In summary, you need: Contracts adapted to your status as a private osteopath An analysis of your real needs Personalized guarantees (back, overhead, etc.) Solutions eligible for the Madelin law In 2025, the contracts most popular with young osteopaths include Hodeva , Unim , and Swisslife. Pension planning isn't a luxury or a formality. It's an essential pillar for practicing safely, protecting your income, your loved ones, and your future.