Basic health insurance in Switzerland covers essential care, but many expats opt for supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung) to get additional protection. These plans can provide:
- Access to private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Greater flexibility in doctor selection
- Cover for dental treatments, therapies, and vision
- Expanded maternity and international coverage options
Choosing the right supplementary package means balancing what you actually need against what you’re willing to pay. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions.
Why Supplementary Insurance Makes Sense
Basic insurance is mandatory but limited. Here’s what basic coverage doesn’t include:
- Dental treatments and orthodontics
- Glasses, contacts, and eye exams
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Alternative medicine (homeopathy, acupuncture)
- Overseas or emergency medical evacuation
- Coverage abroad for routine care
Supplements fill these gaps. While they carry extra monthly costs, they can offer peace of mind—especially if you foresee hospital stays, frequent dentist visits, or international travel.
Supplementary coverage is optional with a one-year commitment, renewed automatically. You can cancel with six months’ notice before year-end. However, insurers can refuse your application or charge higher premiums based on age and medical history.
Types of Supplementary Coverage
1.
Hospital Enhancement Plans
- Semi-private ward (Zweitbettzimmer): Shared rooms, but with more privacy.
- Private ward (Einbettzimmer): Single room during hospitalization.
- Choice of hospital/doctor: Access to any hospital or specialist in Switzerland.
Typical premiums:
- Semi-private: CHF 30–50/month
- Private: CHF 80–120/month
- With doctor & hospital choice: CHF 150/month or more
If wedding in Switzerland require stay overnight or travel prone to injury, such coverage makes sense.
2.
Dental and Orthodontic Insurance
Normal dental care is fully private, so add-on insurance is essential if:
- You plan orthodontic treatment
- You’re over 30 and need complex restorations
Plans vary:
- Cover for adults: CHF 25–60/month
- Children: CHF 15–40/month
Most have cap limits (e.g., CHF 1,500/year) and limited waiting periods (usually 1–2 years before major treatments like braces).
3.
Vision Cover
Glasses, contact lenses, or eye exams aren’t part of basic coverage. Supplement insurance plans for vision typically reimburse:
- Glasses and lenses (up to CHF 200 every 2 years)
- Vision exams (some cover both lenses and check-ups)
Expect to pay CHF 5–20/month depending on benefits.
4.
Alternative Medicine
Explosion of demand? Springer services answer. Complement basic coverage, fit for tiny botanical medicine—like acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, etc.—upon direction of a doctor. Reimbursement depends on plan, price range is CHF 20–40/month; coverage is capped (e.g., CHF 200–400/year).
5.
International and Travel Insurance Add-On
Swiss basic insurance has limited emergency abroad coverage. Choose a supplement if:
- You travel frequently
- You’re studying, working, or owning property abroad
Look for “global” or “worldwide” coverage—cost roughly CHF 20–40/month, including repatriation.
6.
Maternity and Birth Extras
While basic covers childbirth and hospital care, supplement plans may include:
- Choice of gynecologist or birth centre
- Doula services, postnatal care, private rooms Premiums range from CHF 10–30/month.
7.
Accident Deductible Reimbursement
If you work in a job requiring physical activity or high-risk hobbies, or simply want to reduce your personal risk, choose:
- High-deductible basic insurance plus an Andersen supplement
- Accident schemes usually cost CHF 10–20/month.
Important Considerations Before Buying
1.
Waiting Periods
Supplements often include waiting periods (3 months to 2 years) before coverage begins for major services like orthodontics or alternative care. Dental normally has a 1–2 year waiting time — exceptions occasionally apply in children under 12.
2.
Age and Health Screening
Pre-existing conditions may be excluded outright, especially in dental or supplement plans. Health screenings are standard — be upfront to avoid rejection or claims issues.
3.
Premium (Krankenkassenprämie)
Expect your initial quote to rise annually, especially once you’re older. Compare across providers yearly.
4.
Coverage Limits
Many supplements have annual or lifetime caps. For instance, orthodontal coverage may be capped at CHF 2,000 to 5,000 total. Read terms carefully.
5.
Package vs. À la Carte
Some insurers offer bundled packages (e.g., Private hospital + dental + vision) at discount. Compare cost vs. purchasing separate plans. Bundles can offer richer perks like global assistance or expedited hospital processing.
How to Choose Wisely
1.
Assess Your Needs
- Starting a family? Focus on maternity and pediatric dental.
- In your 20s? Focus on accident and basic healthcare supplements.
- Over 40? Consider hospital/private ward and dental backups.
2.
Compare Tools
Use online resources:
- comparis.ch and krankenkassenvergleich.ch let you compare basic and supplementary premiums side by side.
- Check the insurer’s FAQ section to understand coverage steps.
3.
Calculate Total Monthly Cost
Sum basic and supplementary premiums for a fair yearly cost. Compare this to your risk—especially for planned treatments or family planning.
4.
Read the Fine Print
Look for:
- Waiting periods
- Deductibles for claims
- Annual maximum payouts
- Specified or excluded providers
5.
Ask for Quotes from Multiple Providers
Get offers from at least three insurers (such as CSS, Swica, Sanitas, Helsana, KPT, Groupe Mutuel) to compare premiums and services.
6.
Check Reviews and Service Quality
Especially for dental or international travel coverage, see real reviews:
- 24/7 customer service
- Speed of claims
- Clarity of communication Forums like Comparis community pages or Google reviews are helpful.
7.
Plan for Life Changes
If your life changes—like short stays abroad, pregnancy, extra travel—your needs will too. You can purchase supplementary policies anytime, but cancel only year-end with six months’ notice.
Sample Scenarios and Recommendations
Single in Their 20s, Plans to Travel
- Basic health plan + Half Fare card + Accident deductible insurance
- Add International travel health supplement: CHF 650/year total
Working Parent with Young Kids
- Supplement maternity options, private hospital rooms
- Add child dental and vision supplements
- Keep standard basic insurance
Middle-Aged Couple with Property Abroad
- Basic insurance
- Hospital semi-private for allergy and chronic disease care
- Dental + vision for preventive and long-term costs
- International supplement for treatment abroad Total cost: CHF 650–900/month
Common Misconceptions About Supplementary Insurance
- “It’s cheaper to pay out-of-pocket.” Only true if you have no hospital stays or major dental work. Swiss dental and specialist prices are high—prevention saves money long-term.
- “Private coverage won’t matter.” In high-profile canton or international city, the speed and choice of hospital/doctors protections may matter in serious care.
- “I can add insurance later.” Yes – but waiting periods apply. Add before major decisions (e.g. orthodontia or hospital event) to avoid issues.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a supplementary health plan in Switzerland means knowing your medical and travel profile, your budget, and the value of additional care. Balancing cost with coverage requires careful thought and comparison—especially since policies lock in for a year at a time. With the right supplementary insurance, you can enhance your basic plan to enjoy greater comfort and protection—whether that’s a private hospital room, dental braces, global medical coverage, or peace of mind.