Finding the right Health Insurance can get quite perplexing considering Switzerland has a wide range of public, subsidized private, and fully private health insurance options. The Swiss Healthcare System acclaims for being one of the most prominent systems in Europe. Therefore, it may appear intricate to choose and find out the best option for you. If you are a foreigner living in Switzerland, it may become even more overwhelming to figure out what’s best for you. However, after proper registration for health insurance in Switzerland, foreigners can claim reimbursements for healthcare services.
We understand how time-consuming and troublesome this can get, so here’s an elaborate guide on health insurance comparison in Switzerland[Available in Italian]. We will cover everything from claiming your reimbursements to choosing ideal health insurance to the factors you need to consider while finalizing an insurance company. Don’t worry; we have got you covered, and you will probably be very clear about what’s suitable for you after giving this article a read.
How To Choose An Ideal Health Insurance Provider?
Details of authorized health insurance providers in Switzerland are readily available at your local cantonal authority. Make sure to consider the following things while choosing your health insurance provider.
If you want to change your Swiss health insurance company, considering that you’re on a plan where you pay the standard CHF 300 excess, you can do so within three months’ notice before the end of June or the end of December. If not, you can only change your Swiss health insurer at the end of each calendar year.
What Should You Consider While Listing Out The Best Options?
Be sure to shop around and look for the best deal suited to your particular needs while choosing your health insurance package in Switzerland. Costs differ between various company packages, and premiums vary between the cantons. The most expensive being more than 60% higher than the lowest.
Private companies can issue Swiss health insurance; however, the government demands all residents to purchase a minimum basic health insurance package, with private top-ups at hand. If you don’t qualify for an exemption, you will have to take the basic insurance level.
What Is A Coverage Gap, And Could You Be Affected?
A coverage gap occurs between the start of your health insurance coverage in the country you are moving to and the end of your health insurance coverage in the country you are moving from. Non-Swiss citizens are not permitted to register for Swiss health insurance unless they have registered their residence at their municipality in Switzerland. After arriving in Switzerland, you are supposed to sign up for health insurance within 90 days of arrival. Expatriates moving to Switzerland are recommended to consider extending their existing health insurance or sign up for private health insurance to cover this gap.
Why Is It Important To Take Any Limitations, Exclusions, or Restrictions On The Policy Into Consideration?
Insurers can increase premiums for what they recognize to be high-risk cases (e.g., life-limiting conditions for sufferers of chronic illness). You must check about these before signing up.
What Treatment Costs Are Not Covered Under Basic Health Insurance?
Dental treatment, some eye care, or complementary medical treatment such as osteopathy, etc., are not included in basic health insurance. But you can always look at private coverage if you require these.
What Is The Procedure For Making A Claim?
Initially, the company will need you to pay the medical fees upfront and then accept your claim for reimbursements from them. While that stands true for most companies, some companies may have arrangements with healthcare providers to pay fees directly. The majority of Swiss insurers offer deals to reduce monthly payments. These may include discounts for paying lower premiums once you increase your excess.
Can I Get Health Insurance As An Unemployed Citizen?
Individuals on a low income or unemployed may be eligible for a premium reduction but only in the form of a government subsidy. This is directed at the local level. The eligibility and the sum deducted are different for every canton. Your cantonal authority will normally contact you after filing your annual tax return If you are eligible for a subsidy. You may contact your local canton for an inquest if you think you can qualify for a reduction.
We hope we made the health insurance comparison in Switzerland effortless for you. Comparing the companies and the packages they offer based on the points above will land you to your ideal healthcare insurance package. We recommend you to look at different options as there are too many steal-dealer packages out there that you can easily access at the ease of your home without having to juggle around.
