For example: When I go to buy a new pair of glasses, I'll choose an optician who has signed a convention with my particular mutual or complimentary health insurance company. That way, the amount usually reimboursed by the social security (a pitiful amount here) and the amount reimboursed by my mutual complimentary health insurance company (usually a flat rate) is completely covered and I just pay the amount remaining, which is not covered by any insurance.
Not all opticians have signed conventions with mutuals but it's worth shopping at one who has signed an agreement with your particular company. Instead of having to pay out 500 euros for glasses, i might have to pay about 100 euros, the part which isn't covered by any insurance at all.
The same system applies to pharmacies here in France so you only pay for medication which is not covered by the social security and consequently not by any mutual company either. Obviously you ask the doctor to prescribe medication which is reimbursed or you're very much out of pocket.



Considering the letter of June 30, 1998, recorded on July 8 1998 pennies number A 250, by which the Union of the opticians of France (UDO) seized the Council of competition, pursuant to article 5 of the ordinance of December 1, 1986, of a relative request for opinion, on the one hand, with the implementation of refundings differentiated as regards optics and, on the other hand, with the question of the communication of the conventions signed between mutual insurance companies and opticians;



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Note added at 1 hr 52 mins (2005-07-01 23:26:41 GMT)
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I might add that this has got absolutely nothing to do with franchise; my home insurance policy works that way.

Some employers in France ofer the benefit of an excellent mutual and you can have a pair of Dior or Channel glasses with the lenses without paying a penny. It\'s all covered.

in this context..otherwise mutualiste can mean in insurance..mutual insurance company..

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Note added at 17 hrs 3 mins (2005-07-02 14:37:18 GMT)
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This is Wrong..Cam Everybody see that??