Health insurance premiums are among the biggest fixed costs for households in Switzerland. While the compulsory basic insurance must cover everyone and provides certain standard benefits, the greatest flexibility lies in the supplementary insurance plans. This is exactly where many families pay far too much year after year, often for benefits they rarely or never use.
Yet carefully selected supplementary insurance can not only improve healthcare coverage but also offer financial advantages. Anyone who chooses their supplementary insurance wisely can save real money without sacrificing security or comfort.
Which supplementary insurance plans are useful
The compulsory basic insurance covers only what is medically necessary. Everything beyond that, whether comfort, faster treatments, or alternative methods, falls under supplementary insurance. This is precisely why it is worthwhile to choose these plans consciously. When used correctly, supplementary insurance can provide significant relief, both financially and psychologically.
Dental insurance – reducing high costs
Dental treatments are among the most expensive areas of the Swiss healthcare system. Even a single root canal or crown can cost several thousand francs. For children, orthodontic treatments add to the expenses, and without insurance these costs must be paid almost entirely out of pocket. A dental supplementary insurance can cushion these risks. It is especially worthwhile if it is clear from the start that a child will need braces or if adults regularly require major procedures. Anyone who wants to avoid these high expenses can secure themselves long term with a dental supplementary insurance.
Hospital supplementary insurance – more choice and comfort
Basic health insurance only covers hospital costs in the general ward. Anyone who wants semi private or private treatment must pay the additional costs themselves. Depending on the procedure, these can quickly amount to CHF 5,000 to CHF 20,000. A hospital supplementary insurance provides financial security in such cases. It also offers advantages such as free choice of doctor, shorter waiting times, access to specialists, and more privacy. This can be a decisive factor, especially for families with children or expectant parents. For example, anyone who wishes to give birth in a private hospital can save significant amounts with a supplementary insurance plan.
Supplementary insurance for alternative medicine – benefits that are often truly needed
Many families regularly use alternative treatments such as osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, or naturopathy. These services are only very limitedly covered by basic insurance. A supplementary insurance can make a significant difference here. Families who use such treatments several times a year often receive far more back than they pay in premiums. Anyone who pays for these treatments privately without supplementary insurance quickly spends several hundred francs extra per year.
Foreign travel supplementary insurance – protection beyond borders
Basic insurance covers medical treatment abroad only up to the tariff levels that apply in Switzerland. In countries with significantly higher healthcare costs, such as the USA or Canada, patients may be left with extremely high bills in an emergency. A supplementary insurance for foreign travel closes this gap and ensures that families are fully protected even when travelling.
Customer example:
The Keller family saves smartly
The four-member Keller family from Zurich had taken out several supplementary insurance plans over the years, including dental coverage, alternative medicine, and semi private hospital insurance. A closer analysis revealed that they were paying around CHF 1,200 per year in premiums for the dental insurance, even though their children did not need any orthodontic treatment. At the same time, they received more than CHF 1,000 in annual reimbursements from the supplementary insurance for alternative medicine, while the premiums for that coverage amounted to only CHF 600.
After comparing the options, the family cancelled the dental insurance and kept the supplementary insurance for alternative medicine as well as the hospital supplementary insurance. By doing so, they saved around CHF 1,200 per year without giving up any benefits they actually used.
The young student Lukas
Lukas, 24 years old, studies in Basel and trains regularly at the gym. His membership costs CHF 1,000 per year. For a long time, he paid these costs out of his own pocket until he discovered through a health insurance comparison that there are providers who cover exactly such expenses through a suitable supplementary insurance.
By switching to a health insurer with an attractive package consisting of basic and supplementary insurance, he not only received a lower premium but also the option to have his gym membership fully reimbursed. For Lukas, this meant double relief: on one hand, he paid lower monthly premiums, and on the other, he saved CHF 1,000 per year because his gym membership was covered.
The example shows that with the right combination of supplementary insurance, you can benefit significantly. It is not just about paying the lowest possible premiums, but about choosing the benefits wisely and carefully checking which insurer best fits your personal situation. For Lukas, it was the perfect solution: lower fixed costs, more financial freedom, and at the same time an investment in his health.
Important to know
- Check which supplementary benefits your family uses regularly.
- Compare the premiums with the possible reimbursements. A supplementary insurance is only worthwhile if the long term reimbursements justify the costs.
- Observe cancellation deadlines. Many supplementary insurance plans have longer contract terms or specific cancellation dates.
- Health check: With supplementary insurance, you usually have to answer health questions. Those who sign up too late risk rejections or restrictions.
- Regional differences: Premiums and benefits can vary significantly depending on your place of residence and health insurer.
Summary
Supplementary insurance can be a valuable addition to the compulsory basic insurance when chosen carefully. Whether dental insurance, hospital supplementary coverage, or alternative medicine, the key is that the benefits are actually used. Many families pay unnecessarily high premiums because they have taken out too many or unsuitable supplementary policies. Anyone who regularly reviews their insurance, compares providers, and cancels unnecessary components can save several hundred to several thousand francs per year. Wisely chosen supplementary insurance not only improves healthcare coverage but also provides greater financial freedom.
FAQs
No. Basic insurance covers the most important medical services. Supplementary insurance is voluntary but can provide additional comfort and extra benefits.
Yes, if orthodontic treatment becomes necessary. Without such treatment, it is often not worthwhile because the premiums are higher than the possible reimbursements.
Yes, many health insurers offer modular systems. However, make sure to choose only the modules you truly need.
Ideally as early as possible, because the health check becomes stricter with age and the likelihood of rejection increases.
At least once a year. This ensures the benefits still match your needs and that you are not paying too much.
This depends on the specific insurance. Many supplementary insurance plans have longer cancellation deadlines, usually at the end of June or the end of September for the following year.
Choose supplementary insurance wisely – we show you where you can really save
Many families pay too much every year for supplementary insurance. Our experts review your current situation, compare providers, and show you clearly which benefits are worthwhile for your life situation.
