1Two different worlds
| Basic insurance | Supplementary insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Every insurer has to accept you | The insurer may refuse you or exclude an illness |
| Benefits | Set by law, the same everywhere | Different in every product |
| Premium | By region, age group and model | By age and health, and it often rises as you get older |
| Cancelling | Every year, by the end of November | As the contract says, some run for several years |
| Supervised by | Federal Office of Public Health | Financial market authority FINMA |
2What basic insurance already pays
More than many newcomers expect: the doctor, the hospital in a shared room, prescribed medicine, pregnancy and birth, emergencies, and psychotherapy and physiotherapy when a doctor prescribes them. Without any supplement you are not badly insured.
3Three rules before you sign
Answer the health questions truthfully
If you leave something out, the insurer can cancel the contract later and refuse to pay.
Never cancel first
Keep an existing supplementary insurance until the new insurer has accepted you in writing, without reservations.
Take it out early
The younger and healthier you are, the easier it is to be accepted. Children can be registered before birth, usually without health questions.
4Points for newcomers
- A policy from home can work as a supplement, but it never replaces Swiss basic insurance.
- Waiting periods. Some benefits, for example for teeth or maternity, only start months after you sign.
- Different companies. You can keep the supplementary insurance where it is and still switch your basic insurance every year. The insurer may not cancel it for that reason.
5What ExpatStart compares
Our calculator compares basic insurance, where the cover is identical and only the price differs. For supplementary insurance the products differ too much for a price list. Compare the conditions, not just the premium.
Questions and answers
Do basic and supplementary insurance have to be with the same insurer?
No. They are separate contracts. Having both in one place is convenient, but it is not required.
Can the insurer cancel my supplementary insurance when I fall ill?
Many insurers waive the right to cancel after a claim. It is written in the insurance conditions, so check before you sign.
Is dental insurance worth it for adults?
Often not. Yearly limits are low compared with the premium, and existing problems are excluded. Many adults do better by putting the money aside. For children it is different, because braces are expensive.
Can I take out supplementary insurance while pregnant?
You can apply, but the insurer will usually exclude the current pregnancy. Hospital cover for a birth has to be in place before you are pregnant.
Sources: Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG), Health Care Benefits Ordinance (KLV) Art. 26 and 27, Health Insurance Ordinance (KVV) Art. 36, Insurance Contract Act (VVG), Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). This page is information, not legal advice.