Acupuncture, Anthroposophical Medicine, Drug Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Homeopathy, Phytotherapy if prescribed by a doctor and performed by recognized physicians.

Some therapies (or therapists) are not recognised in the basic insurance plan and can be supplemented by supplementary insurance. In addition, the annual deductible rate and the excess must always be taken into account for basic insurance. In the case of supplements, on the other hand, the scope of services is indicated directly – no surprises with franchise deductions if not explicitly stated.

For children up to 18 years of age, the basic insurance pays 180 francs per year
medically prescribed glasses and contact lenses.
There is no benefit for adults from the basic insurance.

A premium for visual aids for adults is only available from supplementary insurance policies. In addition, the contribution for children from the basic insurance is usually insufficient and can be ideally supplemented by supplementary insurance.

In EU/EFTA countries, basic insurance pays for medically necessary treatment in accordance with the same benefits as for persons insured in that country, but up to a maximum of twice the amount that the same treatment would have cost in Switzerland (in-patient 90% of the amount that would have cost the treatment in Switzerland).

In countries outside the EU/EFTA, such as the USA, Australia, Asia, this coverage is insufficient and can quickly lead to financial problems.
In addition, as with all benefits from basic insurance, the franchise and deductible must also be taken into account.

In order to enjoy your holidays or your trip without worrying, it makes sense to take out supplementary insurance abroad, which is very inexpensive with most health insurance companies and, apart from your health, also relieves you of a large financial burden. Some also offer combinations with assistance such as cancellation costs or baggage cover, in addition to medical expenses.

The basic benefit includes: various vaccinations, check-ups for the development of children of preschool age, gynecological screenings every 3 years, mammography for the detection of breast cancer and screening for colorectal cancer in women and men between 50 and 69 years.
Examinations for traces of blood in the stool every 2 years incl. the necessary laboratory analyses or colonoscopies every 10 years
Annual franchise and deductible are not to be forgotten.

As you can see from the above benefits, certain benefits are only covered in certain age groups, and only to a certain extent.
If you want to know that you are healthy at any age, or want to take specific tests (for example HIV, or Elisa test, etc.) you can cover this with supplementary insurance.
Such services are usually included in products that also include some other services, such as health promotion, glasses or contact lenses, or other services.

Benefits during pregnancy and during the first weeks of motherhood cover basic needs relatively well. Another advantage of maternity is that there is no deductible rate or excess to pay.
Nevertheless, there are also certain limits for maternity, which can be extended thanks to appropriate supplementary insurance policies.

The additional covers for pregnancy and maternity ideally complement the benefits from the basic insurance for more scope and flexibility.

The basic insurance pays for health-promoting measures such as: sports, nutrition course, alcohol/tobacco cessation, massages etc. unfortunately no contributions.

Health promotion services can be optimally covered by supplementary insurance. This insurance coverage is of great advantage, as such activities can be prevent illness.

All so-called “cash-strapped medicines” are covered by the basic insurance. These drugs are listed in the so-called specialty list and can be accessed online: here.
The basic insurance pays benefits for this after deducting the annual excess and calculating the deductible.

The so-called “non-compulsory drugs” can only be insured through supplementary insurance. Furthermore, the scope of services is not calculated on the excess.

Transport costs in Switzerland and abroad are reduced from basic insurance to 50%, max. CHF 500, and for rescue costs in Switzerland 50% up to a maximum of CHF 5,000.

Transport with an ambulance can easyily cost several thousand francs. Rescue operations, depending on the situation and complications (e.g. in the event of a mountain accident), can also be very costly. Closing such gaps with supplementary insurances makes sense in any case.

The compulsory part of the health insurance only pays for dental treatment benefits if these were caused by serious illnesses. No contributions are paid for normal treatment due to caries, or prophylaxis.

Dental treatments are usually expensive. Accordingly, the supplemental insurance also cost a lot.
It makes sense to have dental care insurance in the price-performance ratio always for children (relatively low premium, usually good benefits and tooth displacement often occurs during growth).
Normally for adults, the premium is expensive and the benefits for normal dental treatment are not extensive enough to recoup these costs. Only in special cases can dental care insurance for adults make sense.

The basic insurance covers the costs of psychotherapy if the policyholder suffers from a diagnosed mental or psychosomatic illness. In order for costs to be covered, conditions must be met: for example, the treating therapist must be a psychiatrist recognised by the Swiss health system, who has studied medicine and may prescribe medication.
The basic insurance pays for 40 sessions. For further sessions, a doctor’s report must be obtained on the basis of which the health insurance company decides whether and how many further sessions are covered.
The health insurance companies also pay off minus deductibles and franchises. Costs for non-medical psychotherapy are not insured.

The non-medical psychotherapy just mentioned can only be covered by supplementary insurance, and as a safety supplement to the basic services of normal psychotherapy, supplementary insurance can be an advantage.