Are you wondering if you need supplementary health insurance?
Beyond thebasic health insurance, which is compulsory protection in Switzerland, there is the option of additional insurance.
The latter offers the opportunity to extend your coverage and benefit from additional protection for different types of care. Typically, complementary “dentists”, “repatriation” and “alternative medicine” are insurances regularly chosen in addition to basic health insurance to avoid high costs if necessary.
Supplementary health insurance is a insurance for individuals.
What is supplementary health insurance?
Difference between basic and supplementary insurance
Basic insurance is compulsory in the health system in Switzerland, providing coverage for standard care and treatment.
However, the extent of this coverage is regulated and can sometimes prove insufficient to cover all health needs.
Here comes supplementary health insurance, which is positioned as a second pillar, offering extensive coverage beyond the benefits of basic insurance.
It allows policyholders to benefit from additional benefits and greater flexibility in the choice of health services.
Why consider additional insurance?
Opting for additional insurance is wise for several reasons.
First, it allows access to a wider range of medical care, including alternative therapies, dental treatments and coverage of optical costs, not covered by basic insurance.
Then, it offers the possibility of benefiting from superior comfort in the event of hospitalization, such as a single room. It provides additional financial protection in the event of expensive treatments or specific care needs, thus contributing to better management of the health budget.
The advantages offered by complementary insurance
Wide choice of medical services
Supplementary insurance entitles you to a wider range of medical benefits.
This includes, for example, access to innovative treatment methods and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or osteopathy, which are often excluded from basic insurance.
Freedom of choice of healthcare provider
With supplementary insurance, you benefit from greater autonomy in the choice of your healthcare provider, whether for the selection of a specialist or a hospital.
This flexibility is particularly advantageous for receiving care better suited to your personal needs.
Coverage of alternative treatment methods
In addition to the extensive choice of providers, the supplementary insurance also covers alternative treatment methods.
These more diversified options make it possible to adopt a more personalized and holistic approach to care.
Support for dental and optical care
Costs related to dental and optical care can be very expensive.
Supplementary insurance offers specific packages for these types of care, thus offering partial or total coverage for the necessary treatments or equipment.
Understand the conditions and costs
How are premiums calculated?
Supplementary insurance premiums are calculated taking into account several factors, such as the age of the insured, their state of health, the desired level of coverage and the choice of benefits.
Unlike basic insurance, insurance companies have the right to refuse admission to supplementary insurance based on these criteria.
Admission and exclusion conditions
Admission to supplementary insurance is often conditioned by a health questionnaire and may be subject to restrictions.
Certain pathologies or pre-existing conditions may thus lead to warranty exclusions or the application of higher prices.
It is essential to read the contractual conditions carefully and understand the exclusions before taking out such insurance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
How to choose the best supplemental insurance for your needs?
Identify your health needs
The first step in choosing the supplemental insurance that best suits you is to assess your health needs.
Consider your current health conditions, your medical history, as well as that of your family.
This includes regular treatments, prescription medications, but also dental, optical, and even alternative treatments that may be necessary.
Compare offers and services
Once your needs have been identified, compare the offers from different health insurers.
Benefits vary considerably from one insurance to another: dental and vision coverage, choice of doctor and hospital, alternative treatment methods and more.
Some contracts even offer specific coverage such as spa treatments or home help. Don’t forget to take into account the coverage/cost ratio to find the offer that represents the best balance between benefits and premiums.
Consult reviews and carry out premium simulations
It is a good idea to read reviews from other policyholders about their experiences with different health insurers and to carry out premium simulations with your personal data.
This will allow you to have a more precise estimate of costs and to better understand the quality-price ratio of the different offers.
Termination and modification of your supplementary insurance
When and how to cancel your insurance?
Cancellation of your supplementary insurance is subject to the contractual conditions of your health insurer.
Generally, written notice must be sent by a certain date, often two to three months before the end of the contract. It is crucial to read your contract carefully to know the deadlines and conditions specific to your insurance.
Implications of termination
Canceling your supplementary insurance can have significant consequences. Not only do you lose specific coverage, but it may also be difficult, if not impossible, to repurchase similar additional insurance, especially if your health has changed.
This is especially true for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. Before canceling, carefully consider the potential impact on your overall health coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing and managing supplemental health insurance requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of your health needs. Taking the time to compare the different offers, understanding the cancellation terms and anticipating the consequences of these actions are key steps to securing coverage that will support you effectively. Ultimately, well-chosen supplemental health insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are protected against life's unexpected events.