Emergencies abroad
Thank you, I don’t need additional insurance”… we hear this sentence again and again. What is this statement based on? On the belief that basic insurance already covers all the necessary services one can use in everyday life… Basic insurance does cover a lot of medical services and serves to ensure affordable access to good medical care. In other words, it is intended to prevent the compulsorily insured from getting into financial difficulties due to health care costs in the event of accident, illness or maternity. Unfortunately, however, not all areas are adequately insured (KVG benefits: here). Some examples:
Transport costs
From the basic insurance you receive for transport costs 50% up to max. CHF 500. However, if you are transported by ambulance this can cost several thousand francs depending on the distance to the nearest hospital. Return transport to Switzerland is also not usually covered by basic insurance. Again, it pays to have additional coverage to cover this gap.
General hospital department
In Switzerland, basic coverage only pays the rate at the place of residence and work. If you now go to a more expensive hospital outside of these cantons, for example to see a specialist who does not work in your canton of residence or work, the difference in costs would not be covered by basic insurance – and rates vary extremely from canton to canton.
Emergencies abroad
Thank you, I don’t need additional insurance”… we hear this sentence again and again. What is this statement based on? On the belief that basic insurance already covers all the necessary services one can use in everyday life… Basic insurance does cover a lot of medical services and serves to ensure affordable access to good medical care. In other words, it is intended to prevent the compulsorily insured from getting into financial difficulties due to health care costs in the event of accident, illness or maternity. Unfortunately, however, not all areas are adequately insured (KVG benefits: here). Some examples:
Alternative Medicine
Since 2012, some services from complementary medicine have also been covered by basic insurance, but only if they are performed by physicians with certain additional training. Moreover, not all alternative therapies are recognized.
Glasses and contact lenses
For visual aids, children up to 18. receive one contribution per year. Young adults receive CHF 0.- Spectacle wearers know that an eye test is due almost every year and that vision can change very quickly, mostly in the younger years, possibly still during studies or through today’s so widespread use of digital means such as PCs, cell phones, tablets. Very quickly, a new pair of glasses may be needed. For spectacle wearers, it is worthwhile to receive a little support for this from the health insurance.
