Found your dream job in Switzerland? Great. Time for the next step: sorting out your Swiss health insurance. The moment you move to Switzerland, your current insurances expire. Don't worry, takeoff is here for you at this important step.
Basic insurance and extra options
Like in many European countries, Switzerland has compulsory basic insurance, and you can choose to add supplementary packages on top. This article dives into the supplementary options. Want a refresher on basic insurance first? Check out our article on Swiss basic health insurance.
Which supplementary insurances are available?
In Switzerland, you can choose from several categories of supplementary insurance. An overview of the most important options:
1. Complementary medical care
This insurance covers what basic insurance doesn't, such as alternative medicine and care abroad. What's reimbursed?
- Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, homeopathy and naturopathy
- Glasses and contact lenses plus extra physiotherapy treatments
- Medical treatments abroad and care in other Swiss cantons
2. Dental insurance
Swiss basic insurance doesn't cover dental care. With supplementary dental insurance, you protect your teeth and your wallet against unexpected bills. What does dental insurance cover?
- Regular check-ups and fillings plus preventive treatments
- Bigger interventions such as root canal treatments and crowns
- Orthodontics (braces), depending on the package you choose
Note: many Swiss dental insurances have a waiting period before you're entitled to full reimbursement. Arrange your insurance as soon as you arrive.
3. Hospital insurance
With basic insurance only, you're placed in a general ward if you're hospitalised. Supplementary hospital insurance gives you more comfort and choice. Swiss hospital insurance comes in three levels:
- General ward (basic insurance): shared room, hospitals only within your canton of residence
- Semi-private: room with up to two beds, free choice of hospitals across Switzerland
- Private: private room with bathroom, treatment by top specialists, extra services
4. Extra services and packages
On top of the three main categories, many Swiss insurers offer additional modules:
- Health promotion: reimbursements for fitness, sports clubs and preventive health checks
- Mental health: extra sessions with a psychologist, coaching and burnout prevention
- Abroad and maternity care: higher coverage abroad and extra care for pregnancy
Important: in Switzerland, supplementary insurances can't be cancelled every year the way they can in many other European countries. You often take them out for a longer term, and the insurer can reject you based on your medical history.
Our tip: CSS health insurance
Based on our own experiences and those of dozens of takeoff physios, we highly recommend CSS. They offer complete coverage at a fair price and have a strong reputation in Switzerland. That's why we've set up a partnership with CSS for our community. CSS offers, among others, these supplementary packages:
- MyFlex Outpatient Insurance: covers outpatient treatments without hospital stays, such as psychotherapy or orthopaedic aids. Also handy: 90% reimbursement for medicines, emergency assistance abroad, and legal protection for patients across Europe.
- MyFlex Hospital Insurance: lets you decide which hospital you're treated in and whether you want a private room. You also get global emergency coverage, perfect for mountain lovers.
- MyFlex Alternative Medicine: for fans of naturopathy, this reimburses 75% of treatments by recognised alternative practitioners, up to an agreed maximum.
- Health promotion: supports your active lifestyle in Switzerland with reimbursements for fitness, sports, medical massages and health check-ups.
- Dental care: protects you against high dental costs, from check-ups to corrections and everything in between.
- Death or disability due to illness: financial security in case of serious consequences of illness, including coverage for loss of income, retraining and necessary adjustments.
You can also go to CSS for general extra insurances, such as liability and household insurance.
A personal consultation, on the house
Not sure which insurances fit your situation? As a takeoff physio, you get a free, comprehensive consultation with a CSS advisor. They walk you through everything you need to know about the Swiss care system and help you build your ideal package.
Ready for the next step?
Get in touch and leave your details for an informal conversation with a CSS advisor about your (supplementary) health insurance in Switzerland. That way, you stay focused on the fun parts of your new life in Switzerland, while being well insured.
Want to know more about the full process of finding work and moving to Switzerland? See how we help you and discover every step of your adventure.
