FONASA refund: how to get back what you overpaid
If you contributed to FONASA above an annual cap, BPS refunds the difference. Who's entitled, how the cap works and how to collect it — with the official BPS source.
Many people don't know it, but every year BPS refunds money to those who paid more into FONASA than they should have. It's not an odd procedure: it's a right that arises simply from comparing your contributions to a cap. Here's how it works and how to collect it.
What the FONASA refund is
FONASA is the fund that finances your health coverage (private mutualista or public ASSE). Each month you contribute a percentage of your income. But that contribution has an annual limit: if over the year you paid more than that cap, the excess is refunded to you. BPS defines it like this:
Per BPS:
«Surge de comparar los aportes personales Fonasa (de enero a diciembre) con un tope anual.»
In English: It arises from comparing personal FONASA contributions (from January to December) with an annual cap.
BPS — FONASA refund calculationhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/10576/calculo-de-la-devolucion-fonasa.htmlWho can collect it
The refund reaches those who made personal FONASA contributions above the cap. In practice it usually benefits people with medium or high income:
- Dependent workers (employees).
- Non-dependent: owners of sole proprietorships and personal-services activities.
- Retirees and pensioners.
How the cap works
The annual cap is calculated from the monthly average equivalent cost (CPE) of the coverage, increased by 25%, adding the holder and any dependents (children, spouse or partner). Only the months in which you had the benefit are counted. If your contributions for the year exceeded that cap, the difference is your refund.
How and when it's collected
The refund is processed once a year (around mid-year, on the previous year's contributions). BPS opens an online check and tells you how to collect: by bank transfer, electronic-money instruments, or at payment networks (Abitab, Redpagos, ANDA) with your ID. It isn't always automatic for non-dependents, who may need to file a sworn declaration.
BPS — Devolución Fonasahttps://www.bps.gub.uy/10573/devolucion-fonasa.htmlAt a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Refund of FONASA contributions above the cap |
| Who? | Employees, sole proprietors, retirees |
| The cap? | Average cost (CPE) + 25%, per dependent |
| When? | Once a year, on the previous year |
In short: if you paid into FONASA above the annual cap, you're owed a refund. Check your situation at BPS — it may be your money waiting — and, if you're non-dependent, see whether you must file the declaration.