Supplementary insurance in Switzerland
Supplementary insurance adds voluntary benefits beyond the mandatory plan. Comparing benefits, underwriting rules and limits matters more than marketing labels.
Quick overview
What matters before you compare
Supplementary insurance adds voluntary benefits beyond the mandatory basic plan, such as upgraded hospital cover, prevention or alternative medicine. Choosing well means comparing benefits, underwriting rules and price together.
- Unlike the mandatory plan, insurers do not have to accept every applicant.
- Outpatient and hospital products should be compared separately and according to real needs.
- Health questions, exclusions and benefit limits often matter more than the headline premium.
Supplementary insurance in Switzerland
Supplementary insurance in Switzerland
Supplementary insurance complements mandatory basic insurance with optional benefits such as hospital upgrades, prevention, dental cover or alternative medicine. Because benefits, exclusions and admission rules vary strongly between insurers, it helps to compare outpatient and hospital products separately and against real needs.
What is supplementary insurance?
What is supplementary insurance?
A supplementary insurance complements the benefits of mandatory basic health insurance in Switzerland. It covers costs that are not included in basic insurance — such as for glasses, dental treatments, alternative medicine, or a more comfortable hospital stay. A distinction is made between outpatient supplementary insurance and hospital supplementary insurance.
Benefits and premiums can vary significantly depending on the insurer. In addition, premiums depend on the insured person’s age and health status. Before taking out a policy, health insurers typically require a completed health questionnaire.
Outpatient supplementary insurance
Outpatient supplementary insurance
Outpatient treatments are provided without an inpatient stay — meaning without an overnight stay in the hospital. An outpatient supplementary insurance complements basic insurance and covers services that are otherwise not included.
Typical benefits of an outpatient supplementary insurance:
- Contribution to fitness, wellness, and health centers (e.g. swimming pool subscription, back training)
- Travel vaccinations and preventive check-ups not covered by basic insurance
- Additional health checks for early detection of illnesses
- Glasses and contact lenses — beyond the coverage of basic insurance
- Dental treatments and dental hygiene (usually via separate dental supplementary insurance)
- Coverage of home care costs (e.g. Spitex services)
- Medical treatment costs abroad, including outside the EU/EFTA
- Prescribed medications not covered by basic insurance
- Additional pregnancy examinations (e.g. 3D ultrasound, non-covered tests)
- Alternative healing methods such as homeopathy, acupuncture, or natural therapies
- Psychotherapeutic treatments not or only partially covered by basic insurance
- Emergency and repatriation transport from abroad to Switzerland
Hospital supplementary insurance
Hospital supplementary insurance
With a hospital supplementary insurance, you secure more comfort, better medical care, and additional choices in the event of a hospital stay. These insurances cover costs beyond basic coverage and can provide free choice of doctors or better accommodation.
Hospital supplementary insurance is typically divided into three main categories:
Private Ward
The private hospital supplementary insurance offers the highest level of comfort. Insured persons benefit from:
- Single room with premium amenities
- Treatment by senior consultants or head physicians
- Choice of meals and additional services
- Treatment at a hospital of their choice (even outside their canton of residence)
Semi-private Ward
The semi-private supplementary insurance is a popular mid-range option. Benefits include:
- Double room with more privacy
- Treatment by senior physicians
- Free choice of doctors within the general ward
General Ward with Free Choice of Doctor
Some insurers offer extended general coverage with free choice of doctor. This means:
- Accommodation in a general ward (shared room)
- Free choice of doctor — often also outside the canton of residence
Which hospital supplementary insurance is right for you depends on your individual needs, comfort preferences and budget. In practice, the decisive factors are often room type, doctor choice, waiting periods, exclusions and benefit limits.
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