Supplemental insurance in Switzerland: how to choose the right coverage for your new life?

When you arrive in Switzerland, you’ll soon discover that taking out basic health insurance is compulsory. But you’ll also hear about supplemental insurance, private hospital cover, coverage for alternative medicine and treatments abroad. Do you really need to take out supplemental insurance? And if so, which one should you choose?

The answer depends first and foremost on your situation and your expectations. Unlike basic insurance, which offers the same coverage for everyone, supplemental insurance allows you to tailor your cover to supplement your basic insurance.

In this guide, you will be able to find out what supplemental insurance is used for in Switzerland, the main types of cover available and the criteria to consider when making an informed choice.

Why consider supplemental health insurance?

Basic health insurance covers essential care as defined by law. It guarantees access to necessary medical services regardless of your state of health, but you are still responsible for paying certain costs.

This is where supplemental insurance comes in.

Its aim is simple: to offer you broader cover, greater peace of mind or benefits tailored to your lifestyle.

Depending on the plan you choose, it can, for example, improve your coverage in the event of hospitalisation, contribute towards the cost of glasses, reimburse certain supplemental medicines or enhance your cover when travelling abroad.

In other words, supplemental insurance does not replace basic insurance: it complements it.

Key points

• Supplemental insurance is optional.
• It allows you to go beyond the benefits provided by basic health insurance.
• Every policy is different: cover varies depending on the insurance company and the options chosen.

Are all supplemental insurance policies the same?

No.

This is one of the main differences compared with basic health insurance.

The benefits under basic health insurance are set out in the Swiss Law on Health Insurance (LAMal/KVG). By contrast, the benefits under supplemental insurance are decided at the insurers’ discretion.

This means that cover, eligibility criteria, benefits and services may vary from one policy to another.

Before taking out supplemental insurance in Switzerland, it is therefore important to compare the available options and choose coverage that suits your needs, rather than focusing solely on the price.

The main types of supplemental health insurance in Switzerland

There is not just one type of supplemental insurance, but several different policies designed to meet different needs.

Better cover in the event of hospitalisation

For some people, the freedom to choose their own doctor and comfort during a hospital stay are important factors.

Depending on the plan chosen, supplemental insurance can offer:

• a single or twin room;
• a wider choice of hospitals;
• the freedom to choose the doctor who will operate on you.

Outpatient care

Supplemental insurance may also cover certain services not related to hospitalisation. The specific cover varies depending on the insurance company.

Depending on the policy, this may include, for example:

• costs covered to a limited extent by basic insurance, such as transport by ambulance or helicopter, vaccinations or gynaecological examinations;
• certain cosmetic treatments, such as scar correction;
• certain medicines that are only partially covered, or not covered at all, by basic insurance;
• valuable support services such as care for sick children or home help.

Alternative medicine

Many people wish to complement their treatment with alternative approaches provided by therapists, such as:

• osteopathy;
• acupuncture;
• homeopathy;
• naturopathy.

Some supplemental insurance policies contribute towards the cost of such treatments provided they meet the conditions set out in the policy.

Glasses and contact lenses

Buying glasses or contact lenses is a significant expense, and basic health insurance only covers the cost for children or, in the case of adults, only for certain medical conditions.

Some supplemental insurance policies provide for a contribution towards the cost of optical care, subject to the amounts and conditions set out in the policy.

Dental care

In Switzerland, dental care is generally not covered by basic health insurance. A supplemental insurance policy may contribute towards the costs associated with, in particular:

• annual check-ups and teeth cleaning;
• dental treatments such as the treatment of cavities;
• orthodontic treatment, depending on the policy.

For families, this cover can offer a real long-term benefit.

Enhanced cover when travelling

If you travel regularly, supplemental insurance can offer you greater peace of mind, as basic insurance provides only limited cover for emergency treatment outside Europe.

Depending on the cover you choose, this supplemental insurance may provide better reimbursement of medical expenses incurred abroad or certain assistance services.

For new arrivals who continue to visit their families in their country of origin, this cover can be particularly useful.

Prevention and wellbeing

Nowadays, some supplemental insurance policies also encourage preventative care.

They may offer financial contributions towards health-promoting activities, such as:

• certain sports activities or gym memberships;
• prevention programmes;
• health check-ups;
• smoking cessation aids.

These benefits vary from one policy to another.

Which supplemental insurance should you choose, depending on your situation?

There is no one-size-fits-all cover.

The right choice depends on your lifestyle, your habits and your plans.

You’re arriving in Switzerland on your own

If you’re on a tight budget, cover focused on outpatient care or travel may be sufficient to start with.

You’re moving to Switzerland with your family

Needs change quickly when you have children.

Coverage including dental care, orthodontics, glasses or certain preventive benefits can offer greater peace of mind.

You travel regularly

Enhanced cover abroad can help you avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of the unexpected.

You’re looking for greater peace of mind

If having the freedom to choose your doctor and hospital, or the level of comfort during a hospital stay, is important to you, hospitalisation insurance may meet your needs.

Five questions to ask yourself before choosing supplemental insurance

Before comparing the different policies, take a few minutes to think about your needs.

In particular, ask yourself:

• Which benefits would actually be useful to me?
• Do I travel often?
• Do I have any specific needs (such as glasses, etc.)?
• Would I like to try alternative medicine?
• What are my plans for the next few years?

Answering these questions will help you choose the right cover rather than paying for benefits you may never need.

The most common mistakes

Assuming that supplemental insurance is identical across the board

Insurers are free to offer supplemental insurance policies with a wide range of different benefits.

Before taking out a policy, take the time to compare them based on your actual needs.

Choosing solely on the basis of the premium price

An attractive premium does not necessarily mean that the cover is right for your situation.

Comparing the cover provided is just as important as comparing the price.

Waiting until you need it

Almost all supplemental insurance policies can only be taken out by completing a health questionnaire. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, the insurer may impose a clause excluding that condition, or may even refuse to issue the policy altogether.

It is therefore important to consider your needs as soon as you settle in Switzerland, rather than waiting for health problems to arise.

Frequently asked questions

Is supplemental insurance compulsory?

No. Only basic health insurance is compulsory.

Can I take out supplemental insurance at a later date?

Yes, but you may be refused cover if you fall ill in the meantime. Furthermore, some supplemental insurance policies have an age limit for enrolment.

Can I choose more than one supplemental insurance policy?

Yes. You can combine different types of cover to suit your needs. However, different policies may sometimes provide partial cover for the same benefits. So be careful not to end up with duplicate cover.

Do all supplemental insurance policies offer the same benefits?

No. The cover varies depending on the policy and the insurer.

Do I need supplemental insurance if I’m in good health?

It is precisely when you are in good health that it makes sense to take out supplemental insurance that meets your needs. This ensures you will be accepted and can benefit from the cover when you need it.

In summary

Supplemental insurance allows you to tailor your healthcare cover to your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for better protection in the event of hospitalisation, more comprehensive cover for medical treatment, a contribution towards dental costs, reimbursement for glasses or enhanced cover whilst abroad, there are plenty of options available.

The key is to choose supplemental insurance policies that meet your expectations and fit your plans, without being guided solely by the premium amount or your current state of health.

If you’d like to explore different supplemental insurance options or get advice on identifying the cover best suited to your situation, Groupe Mutuel can provide information and personalised support to help you make an informed choice about your supplemental insurance in Switzerland.