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What do I need supplementary health insurance for?

Zuletzt aktualisiert am 14.08.2023
Switzerland's basic health insurance addresses a broad spectrum of medical concerns, but won’t cover everything you need. Here, we shed light on the significant areas not included under the basic health insurance and explain how supplementary insurance can help bridge these gaps.
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Evgeniy Timoshenko

Partner, insuris.ch AG

What are my hospitalization choices?

Hospital stays can be challenging and often, comfort and peace of mind significantly contribute to a faster and smoother recovery process. One of the key restrictions with basic health insurance is that it doesn't provide the option to choose your treating physician or to stay in a semi-private or private ward. Your choice of hospital is also limited to those within your canton, which may be particularly restrictive for those living near cantonal borders or those desiring specialized care from a specific institution.

This is where supplementary hospital insurance becomes invaluable. It grants you the freedom to opt for semi-private or private wards, which generally offer more comfort and privacy, including fewer beds in a room and often the choice of your doctor. This additional comfort can make a significant difference in your overall hospital experience.

In terms of choice of doctors,
supplementary insurance allows for continuity of care. If you've been seeing a particular specialist and would like them to oversee your hospital treatment, supplementary insurance can make this possible. This assurance can be incredibly important for patients dealing with complex or long-term health issues.

Operating on a tier-based structure, the supplementary hospital insurance is divided into different segments; among them are 'general', 'semi-private', 'private', and 'flexible' hospital insurance, each offering different perks. To navigate this slew of choices, contact insuris and expand your coverage today according to your needs.

Why do I need dental care?

Although dental health plays a crucial role in overall wellness, the general dental treatments that can often reach costs well into the four digits aren't included in Switzerland's basic health insurance. This means that routine dental check-ups, fillings, and orthodontic procedures fall outside the coverage scope.

While basic insurance covers dental treatment related to a serious illness or accident, this is relatively restrictive. To navigate this, supplementary dental insurance can be extremely beneficial. It covers a broader range of services, including preventative care and orthodontics. Depending on the policy, it can cover a percentage or the entirety of the costs, thereby making dental care more affordable and accessible.

Glasses, hearing aids, and medical appliances

The basic health insurance in Switzerland doesn't cater to adult optical care or hearing aids. While children and young people might get limited contributions, adults are generally excluded. This can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses for glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids. Supplementary health insurance can step in here, covering these costs and making eye and ear care more affordable. Policies may even extend to cover optometric services and advanced treatments such as laser eye surgery, making it a sensible investment for those with optical or auditory needs.

Additionally, various medical appliances ranging from orthotic devices to respiratory equipment may be excluded from the basic health insurance coverage if the device in question isn't listed on the MiGel (Mittel und Gegenständeliste).

Is alternative medicine covered in Switzerland?

If you're someone who values and regularly uses alternative therapies, a supplementary healthcare plan becomes necessary to ensure you have the freedom to choose these treatments based on your preferences and your medical needs.

The diverse field of alternative medicine encompasses a range of practices: Homeopathy, osteopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, and other complementary therapies have grown in popularity over the years, with a steady foothold in the Swiss medical landscape. They're valued for their holistic approach, focusing on healing the person as a whole, not just treating specific symptoms. To find which of these methods can be integrated into your supplementary coverage plan, let insuris' team of experts advise you in a personal counseling session. With the right supplementary insurance, you can ensure you're covered for the full spectrum of both conventional and alternative treatments. Remember, optimizing your healthcare plan to align with your healthcare beliefs and practices is an integral part of proactive health management.

Coverage in every case, every place

Elective surgeries are a crucial part of the healthcare journey for many patients. These surgeries can encompass a wide spectrum of procedures, including joint replacements, reconstructive surgeries, fertility treatments, and more. However, as these procedures don't facilitate an immediate medical emergency, they are often left out of the coverage scope of basic health insurance, even when these surgeries can have substantial impacts on a person's life. Consequently, individuals interested in these procedures may find themselves bearing the full cost, which can be substantial.

This is where supplementary health insurance plays a pivotal role. Tailored to address the unique healthcare needs and preferences of individuals, supplementary insurance can cover the costs of elective surgeries not covered by the basic health insurance. Whether it's a procedure to improve physical mobility, address a long-standing health issue, or enhance mental wellbeing, supplementary health insurance ensures you have the financial support you need.

While traveling abroad, Swiss basic health insurance will only cover medically necessary treatments related to illness, accident, or maternity. This gives some reassurance, but is not sufficient in more complex or costly scenarios. For example, emergency rescue operations, critical medical transportation, or return transport to Switzerland fall outside its purview. This limitation can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses during an already stressful time.

The inherent restrictions of basic health insurance underscore the need for supplementary health insurance, especially when traveling abroad. With a quality supplementary plan, you can ensure coverage for rescue operations, repatriation, and other vital services, which can be essential in an emergency.

Fitness & lifestyle contributions

In today's health-conscious era, the best insurance providers in Switzerland understand the importance of promoting an active lifestyle among their clients. They recognize that supporting preventative measures can help ensure overall well-being. To this end, outpatient supplementary insurances often offer a host of benefits extending beyond the scope of mandatory health insurance, such as contributions to gym memberships, yoga classes, pilates courses, and other wellness activities.

Many customers that take up these offers will not only benefit in the immediate short-term from reduced costs throughout their fitness journey, but also in the long-term through the mitigation and prevention of lifestyle-related conditions.

What do I need to pay for medical transportation?

In Switzerland, the basic health insurance will only cover half the cost of an ambulance ride or emergency rescue by helicopter, and even then, yearly limits apply, which may further push the expenses towards the patient.

If you have a condition requiring frequent medical transportation, these costs can quickly add up. Supplementary health insurance policies can bridge the gap, offering comprehensive transportation coverage. This can alleviate financial stress, allowing you to focus on recovery rather than worrying about the cost of getting to the hospital.

This concludes our overview of recommended supplementary coverage. To expand expand your coverage today, contact us now.

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