Complete Guide to Supplementary Health Insurance in Switzerland

The basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) covers essential medical care — but it leaves many services uncovered. That’s where supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA) comes in: voluntarily purchased policies that broaden your protection. Unlike basic insurance, each insurer freely sets its own benefits, premiums, and admission conditions.

This guide explains what these policies actually cover, what they cost, and how to choose the right ones for your situation.

What is supplementary insurance?

Supplementary insurance is a private contract governed by the Federal Insurance Contract Act (VVG/LCA) — not the KVG. This has important practical consequences:

• The insurer can reject your application or exclude pre-existing conditions
• Premiums vary based on your age, health status, and medical history
• Benefits and coverage limits differ between insurers
• Depending on the contract, you may be dropped if your claims are too frequent

There are two main categories: inpatient (hospital) and outpatient supplementary insurance.

Inpatient (hospital) supplementary insurance

Basic insurance covers a shared ward in your canton of residence. For more comfort or flexibility, hospital supplementary insurance can offer:

Semi-private ward

Two-bed room with free choice of senior physician or attending doctor. Premiums are moderate. Often the best value-for-money compromise for families.

Private ward

Single room, free choice of chief physician anywhere in Switzerland, enhanced hotel-style amenities. Premiums are significantly higher, but you have complete freedom of choice.

Treatment across all of Switzerland (or worldwide)

Without hospital supplementary insurance, basic coverage only applies to hospitals in your canton of residence. With a “Switzerland-wide” policy, you can be treated in any hospital in the country — useful if you live near a canton border with better medical infrastructure nearby.

Outpatient supplementary insurance

These policies complement basic insurance for treatments performed outside a hospital.

Dental care

The most commonly underestimated gap in coverage. Basic insurance only covers dental treatment in cases of serious illness or accident. A dental supplementary plan can cover 50 to 75% of costs, with an annual cap (typically CHF 3,000 to CHF 10,000 depending on the policy). Ideally, take out dental coverage before problems arise — existing cavities or ongoing treatments may be excluded.

Alternative medicine

Acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine… Basic insurance does not reimburse these therapies (with rare exceptions). Some outpatient supplementary plans cover treatments by recognised practitioners (ASCA or EMR diploma holders).

Glasses and contact lenses

Basic insurance reimburses glasses only for children and in specific exceptional cases. A supplementary plan may provide an annual optical allowance (typically CHF 100–300/year).

Prevention and health check-ups

Some contracts reimburse periodic health assessments, vaccinations not covered by basic insurance, or prevention programmes (smoking cessation, nutritional coaching).

How to choose your supplementary insurance

The right choice depends on your personal situation:

1. Your health profile: Do you have specific needs (dental, alternative medicine, specialist follow-up)?
2. Your family situation: Children have different needs than older adults or seniors.
3. Your canton and mobility: Do you live near a canton with better hospital facilities?
4. Your budget: Supplementary insurance can add CHF 100–400/month depending on coverage scope.

Broker tip: The best time to take out supplementary insurance is while you are young and healthy, before problems appear. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of refusal or exclusion of conditions.

Conclusion: close the gaps in your coverage

Supplementary insurance is not a luxury — it protects against potentially very high unforeseen costs. A dental bridge can cost CHF 5,000; a week in a private hospital room can exceed CHF 10,000.

As an independent broker, I analyse your situation and compare the entire market to offer you the best coverage at the best price. My advice is completely free of charge.