This month, an amendment has been proposed to French Social Security system ENIM, in order to modify the French law, according to data provided by Ince&Co law firm.
As informed, seafarers who might be affiliated or not to the ENIM, are:
- Not working on board a vessel doing cabotage or supplying a service in French waters.
- Not subject to the social security system of another EU Member State or a State sharing a bilateral social security agreement with France,
- Not covered by social security protection at least equivalent to that afforded by Article L.111-1 of the French Social Security Code.
This means that if a seafarer’s private social security cover has the same branches as those defined in Article L-111-1 of the French Social Security law, these seafarers do not have to be affiliated to the ENIM and can maintain their private coverage. This private scheme must cover maternity leave, retirement benefits, illness/health coverage and family benefits.
“We are just waiting for confirmation if unemployment benefits are compulsory,” said Ince&Co.
This proposed amendment specifies that seafarers meeting these criteria (and therefore not subject to the French legislation) who have already been affiliated on the basis of the former wording can voluntarily request to be removed from the French social security system, provided they are covered by another social security legislation.
This amendment will be reviewed and voted on by the French Parliament in the coming days, to come into force on 1st January 2018. Upon final confirmation of the government, WYCC Insurance will be able to offer tailored plans in accordance with Article L-111-1 of the Social Security Code, which will include health protection and medical care, employment injury benefits, invalidity and sickness benefits, family benefits, maternity, old age benefits, and survivor benefits.
