Supplementary insurance: what you have to pay attention to

Supplementary insurance: what you have to pay attention to

Supplementary insurance: what you have to pay attention to

Would you like to have the cost of your glasses worn? Do you want to treat yourself to a flu shot this year? The bill for your daughter's psychotherapy falls into the house? These costs can be covered by additional insurance. This article explains what to look for.

Supplementary insurance: what you have to pay attention to

Find the right supplementary insurance

The selection of supplementary insurance is large, but equally confusing in equal parts. Insurers are prepared for almost any eventuality.

In times when you can choose from 16 different types of coffee, the choice of supplementary insurance is particularly difficult. Especially when it is considered that the transaction will also cost you money. If the supplementary insurance is not used, you have shot a lot of money into orbit.

In Switzerland there are supplementary outpatient insurance and supplementary hospital insurance.

Additional outpatient insurance

hospital insurance

- dentistry

- ambulance

- preventive healthcare

- visual aid

- psychotherapy

- alternative medicine

- General department all over Switzerland

- Semi-private department all over Switzerland

- private department all over Switzerland

These are just a few examples of the outpatient supplementary insurance that must be taken out privately.

Take out additional insurance

In order to take out additional insurance, you need not only the necessary payment power but also:

    • a place of residence in Switzerland
    • a minimum age of 18 years
    • successful completion of a health examination
    • positive acceptance notice from the cash register

Since it is not easy to get a positive notification of admission to the health insurance company, the choice of health insurance company should be carefully considered. The list of supplementary insurance is long. These are often called nursing supplements, although they have nothing to do with nursing services.

One tip is that benefits are often taken over by some health insurers that were not mentioned in the insurers' brochures. Here it is advisable to ask beforehand.

Additional services failed

Many Swiss people fear that they will make a mistake. The rule of thumb here is:  You are adequately protected by the compulsory health insurance in Switzerland. Anything beyond that is luxury. However, this will help you a health insurance comparison.

You cannot make a mistake by definition when taking out supplementary insurance. At most, if you don't use them in the end, you've lost money. If you regret in old age that you have not taken out additional insurance, this regret is the only mistake, because then you have to bear the costs yourself.

For many insured persons, one pays off in the end hospital insurance not at all. You pay the high premiums over the years and often do not use the services at all. This is annoying.

You should also note the waiting periods for the use of supplementary insurance: The insurance contracts often state exactly when the insurance company must pay for your treatment. In the worst case, you are already healthy and no longer need insurance.

Cancel and change supplementary insurance

Insured persons often stay with an additional insurer for the rest of their lives. If you do want to cancel and switch, you should note that the cancellation period for supplementary insurance is different from that for basic insurance. Instead of one month, you have three months' notice, so your insurer must have received notice of cancellation by 30 September at the latest.

Tip: Wait until you have written confirmation from your new insurer. Otherwise, you may still risk standing without additional insurance.

Insurance with different health insurance companies: is that possible?

When choosing a suitable supplementary insurance, you should consider one thing: You do not necessarily have to take out your basic and supplementary insurance with the same health insurance company. If you have nevertheless opted for all policies with one provider, policyholders can easily use the basic insurance with another insurance company. 

In individual cases, however, it is possible for policyholders to lose discounts on supplementary insurance previously received. Please also note that individual additional policies have longer notice periods or other notice dates. Precise information can be found in the letters you have received from the insurance company. 

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Supplementary health insurance: you really need that

Supplementary insurance from the health insurance company

Supplementary health insurance: you really need that

If you want to take out supplementary insurance for yourself and your loved ones as a supplement to the compulsory basic insurance, you are spoiled for choice: The numerous statutory health insurance companies offer a suitable supplementary insurance for every eventuality.

Supplementary insurance from the health insurance company

Since these can be associated with high costs, it is worth taking a closer look. The following article shows which of the additional insurance policies you really need and which are just a nice addition.

More than three quarters have supplementary insurance

Around 80 % percent of all Swiss have at least one supplementary insurance, but which really makes sense because it is also used differs from person to person and must be decided individually. Are you wearing glasses? 

Then an additional visual aid insurance is useful. Are you a cozy couch potato? Then you may not need additional fitness subscription insurance.

Even within the supplementary insurance there are differences, because the benefits may differ between the individual insurers. There is no obligation for the health insurance companies to accept everyone who is insured, instead they can decide which persons can and should not be privately insured with them. 

These can be health or age reasons, but also? Just like that ?. In addition, premium levels will be set in line with risk and graded according to age and gender, and there will also be reservations.

Two types of supplementary insurance: outpatient and supplementary hospital insurance

The offer of supplementary insurance at the health insurers is not uniform. Anything that is related to a medical or health focus can also be insured. Some health insurance companies also offer insurance packages that can make sense individually, as this reduces the premium amount. 

The disadvantage of the packages is often that the benefits are limited to a maximum amount per year.

Before taking out additional insurance, the offers and services in the list should be checked and compared if necessary. Before starting therapy, you should have the transfer confirmed in writing.

Which outpatient supplementary insurances are important and which are more negligible or only useful for a few?

Important

Rather unimportant

- glasses and contact lenses (for glasses wearers)

- Home nursing and household help (in old age)

- Costs of dental treatment, tooth position corrections, measures of jaw surgery;

- foreign insurance

- Additives from alternative medicine

- Measures for preventive health care (subscription to the fitness center)

- Bathing and relaxation cures

- Emergency and relocation transports as well as rescue and recovery costs

- ambulance

- Non-mandatory medication

- Psychotherapy by psychologists without medical training

The weighting is given with reservations and should be understood as a tendency, because the last decision has to be made by everyone.

Supplementary hospital insurance: Not equally suitable for everyone

When choosing supplementary hospital insurance, the Swiss have three options to choose from:

    1. General department for the whole of Switzerland: Insured persons can choose a hospital in all of Switzerland. However, the fund will only cover the maximum amount that a hospital in the canton of residence would have cost.
    2. Semi-private department throughout Switzerland: The costs for a twin room are covered and a senior doctor treats the insured. Attention: Most hospitals in Switzerland already have double rooms, which is why it is worth taking a closer look at the list of services offered, including deductibles, bonus programs and hospital lists.
    3. Private department throughout Switzerland: Insured persons are entitled to a single room and treatment by a senior doctor.

Conclusion: Is it worth comparing?

The range of supplementary insurance in Switzerland is very extensive. However, a disadvantage of many insurance packages is that the related benefits are not tailored to the individual needs of policyholders. This means that there is a risk of paying for a service that is not used at all in the case of an overall package. 

If you want to avoid this risk, you are therefore well advised to compare different service packages from individual health insurance companies with one another, or even to seek advice if in doubt. The amount of the premiums also varies from health insurance to health insurance. 

It is of course important to ensure that the amount of the premiums is ultimately not more expensive than the actual treatment costs. 

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Do I have the right supplementary insurance?

insurance

Do I have the right supplementary insurance?

The health system in Switzerland is characterized by a mixture of standardization and flexible options. More precisely, this means that everyone in Switzerland receives basic insurance. No matter which health insurance company you are with, the benefits are comparable to those of others. 

insurance

As the name suggests, additional insurance can also be taken out, which offers a variety of different offers.

What additional insurance are there?

Supplementary insurance in Switzerland is individual and, as the name suggests, possible in addition to basic insurance. In terms of costs and premiums, there are significant differences among health insurance companies, which you should definitely take into account before closing.  

In general, there is a further difference between outpatient and hospital supplementary insurance for supplementary insurance.
Supplementary hospital insurance breaks down as follows:

    • General Department
    • Semi-private department
    • Private department
    • Flex model

In contrast, outpatient supplementary insurance offers the following offers:

    • Offers on visual aids (glasses, contact lenses)
    • non-cash medication
    • psychotherapeutic offers
    • various fitness offers
    • Vaccinations for general protection and against travel
    • Wellness offers such as cures and massages
    • Housekeeping, nursing
    • Assumption of costs for dental treatment, correction and for jaw surgery measures
    • Treatments abroad

If you decide to take out supplementary insurance, you should always take into account which health insurance provider in Switzerland offers which services and which are relevant to you.

It is up to you whether you have chosen the right supplementary insurance

As described at the beginning, the different supplementary insurance policies also offer different benefits. Let's analyze this using three examples:

example 1

Woman with misaligned teeth

Example 2

single renter

Example 3

Amateur climbers

Example 1:

Let us imagine a woman who, for fear of visiting the dentist, had not been to the examination for a few years. Over time, two whitening teeth have become noticeable and have been pressing on the teeth since childhood. In the meantime, the incisors are also shifting and a tooth misalignment is obvious. 

In addition, caries has formed without thorough tooth cleaning, which has produced a very large hole at one point.
Supplementary insurance within the framework of additional dental insurance would make sense here, since both orthodontic treatment and major dental treatment (possibly crown or root canal treatment) are conceivable, which is associated with high costs.

Example 2:
A pensioner lives alone, but is physically very limited due to her age. Her family lives in another city, but she does not want to move to a retirement home either, because her own apartment and the associated independence and private space are very important to her.

Supplementary insurance for pensioners is generally a good idea, as there are more frequent visits to the doctor in old age. In addition, the woman could easily and cheaply receive support in the household or nursing at home.

Example 3:

A man in his mid-40s has been an enthusiastic mountaineer for a short time. After a few excursions in the area, he is now regularly planning hobby trips abroad. There he wants to climb partly with, partly without belay and pursue his new passion.

Additional insurance is also conceivable and recommended here. An outpatient supplementary insurance applies, among other things, to treatments abroad and sometimes also covers salvage operations and the like. One would be here for high-risk hobbies.

Conclusion

These examples show that the choice of a suitable supplementary insurance clearly depends on the individual's state of health and the work environment. There is a large selection. That is why it is all the more important to include personal concerns in the selection of suitable policies. 

However, it could be disadvantageous that individual services can often not be adapted to individual needs. For this reason, policyholders should invest the necessary time in order to compare the service packages of the providers and to receive comprehensive advice. 

Finally, the premiums for supplementary insurance differ from one health insurance to another. In addition, policyholders should rule out that the insurance premiums are ultimately not higher than the actual treatment costs. 

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When is supplementary health care insurance worthwhile?

When is supplementary health care insurance worthwhile?

When is supplementary health care insurance worthwhile?

The range of benefits of compulsory health care insurance in Switzerland is quite extensive; as the basic insurance for the Swiss, it covers many costs in the event of illness. 

When is supplementary health care insurance worthwhile?

However, areas such as dentistry or geriatric care are not included in the cost of basic insurance and must be covered by supplementary insurance. 

Since these can tear a hole in the monthly household budget, it is advisable to ask yourself: Is additional health insurance worthwhile?

Basic insurance only covers part of the costs

The compulsory health care insurance in Switzerland provides these benefits:

    • Hospital stays (in the canton of residence)
    • maternity
    • Outpatient examinations and treatments by doctors, chiropractors, midwives
    • prescribed medication and laboratory tests
    • 50% up to max. 5000 euros patient transport for rescues and 50% up to max. 500 for medically required patient transports
    • dental treatment after an accident or serious general illness
    • Maternity: seven control examinations, two ultrasound examinations and a follow-up examination, three breastfeeding consultations and a maximum of 100 euros for the preparatory course
    • Vaccinations (except travel vaccinations), gynecological examinations (every three years), mammograms
    • Alternative medicine
    • Care costs for outpatient (Spitex) or inpatient care, Caution: none Takeover of the nursing home or domestic help

The premiums for basic insurance are quite low, but insured persons are obliged to pay the treatment costs. The general deductible of ten percent of the treatment costs applies. 

A max. A contribution of CHF 700 is permitted, but for children this amount amounts to CHF 350. The insured can also choose between the costs of the franchise, which are between CHF 300 and CHF 2500, children do not pay anything.

Why additional health care insurance?

Basic insurance covers some, but not all, of the costs that can arise from treatment by a doctor. It is therefore advisable to take out some supplementary outpatient insurance.

Basic benefits of supplementary nursing care insurance

High-priced supplementary health insurance benefits

- visual aids

- medication

- flu shots

- Psychotherapeutic treatment by people without training

- Protection abroad

- fitness classes

- yoga

- Dental treatment (mostly as additional dental insurance)

- travel vaccinations

- Etc.

Depending on how much you are willing to pay, you can top up your insurance package. But keep in mind that insurers are not forced to include you in insurance coverage. 

Because unlike the basic insurance, you have to do a health check, after which the health insurance companies decide whether to accept you or not.

Change nursing supplementary insurance

If you plan to change your supplementary insurer, caution is advised. If you want to change the basic insurance, cancellation is sufficient 30 days before the end of the year, i.e. by November 30 of the calendar year. 

However, supplementary insurance usually has three months' notice. The notice of cancellation must be received by September 30, whereby the postmark is not sufficient, but the actual receipt by the insurance company counts. Also, wait for your new insurer's approval before you cancel. 

The same applies here: unlike basic insurance, there must be a written promise before you have your place.

You have to check for yourself which additional health insurance is worthwhile for you. Most Swiss have dental insurance, travel vaccination and insurance for non-cash medication.

Additional insurance for the hospital or fitness subscriptions are not absolutely necessary. However, the individual must also be decided here: those who regularly go to training can definitely consider this insurance.

Supplementary nursing care insurance in Switzerland: the main differences

In principle, nursing care insurance in Switzerland is differentiated between inpatient and outpatient care models. Inpatient hospital insurance is primarily suitable for the following groups of people: 

    • resident in rural areas
    • Patients requesting treatment in university hospitals
    • People from big cities with high comfort requirements

If the choice is a semi-private policy, policyholders are entitled to a free choice of doctor and a twin room. The private variant comes into consideration for all policyholders with even greater comfort requirements. 

The outpatient supplementary insurance, on the other hand, specializes in services in the fields of complementary and alternative medicine. The service of this policy also includes funding for medicinal products excluded by basic insurance. 

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Complementary medicine: a good addition to basic insurance?

Complementary medicine: A good addition to basic insurance

Complementary medicine: a good addition to basic insurance?

Complementary medicine or alternative medicine is the term used to describe the diagnostic methods of treatment that complement the scientifically based medicine or conventional medicine. 

Complementary medicine: A good addition to basic insurance

Methods include natural healing, body therapy, and methods like homeopathy, osteopathy, and acupuncture. Methods of anthroposophic medicine and Chinese medicine are also included. 

The effects of the methods have not yet been scientifically proven, but a placebo effect can be observed in some people.

What does basic insurance pay?

Swiss health insurance companies cover part of the costs for treatment with complementary medicine. You assume the cost of the medication, which is left less the cost sharing. However, only if they are listed on the specialist list. 

Medicines from phytotherapy, anthroposophy and homeopathy are adopted. Other means have to be purchased by yourself or covered by additional insurance. Find out which offers are available.

Homeopathy does not go beyond the placebo effect

Although the effects of homeopathic remedies have not been scientifically proven, they are still covered by health insurance companies. Many people trust homeopathy in their belief in a particularly gentle treatment and prefer to take globules than the medicinal products that have been tested for their medical effectiveness. This trend has been increasing over the years.

However, there are also very useful complementary supplements to conventional medicine, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by many patients. Treatment methods such as

    • acupuncture
    • Autogenic training
    • Medical massages
    • Reflexology therapy
    • Osteopathy

can provide pain relief for the sick.

Large health insurance companies such as Helsana advertise their concept of combining complementary medicine and conventional medicine. It is up to you whether and which complementary medicine you personally find useful and want to take advantage of.

The demand for alternative treatments is increasing

Complementary medicine only makes sense as a supplement to basic insurance if you know that you believe in the effectiveness of the methods and will make regular use of them. If you are convinced and have perhaps already known some of the methods for some time and have already used them before, it can make sense. 

Many patients with no experience are also curious about the topic, since it has the image of healing? Apart from medication? has. Medicines are often strong and, above all, chemical agents in people's minds that have little to do with nature or natural contents. 

Together with an increased awareness of the environment and nutrition, the demand for alternative treatments and thus the demand for complementary medicine as a supplement to basic insurance is increasing. Many people long for something that gives them the feeling of recovering without extreme means, but quite naturally.

It is remarkable that in addition to people who pay attention to a health-conscious lifestyle, especially women, people with a higher level of education and people with chronic diseases tend to use complementary medicine. However, in most cases as a supplement and not as a replacement.

New regulation: focus is on treatment success

In the meantime, methods of conventional medicine and homeopathy are fundamentally on an equal footing in Switzerland. The success of treatment is paramount. As a result, all healthcare research is taken into account. 

This view is reinforced by doctors and scientists who see the medical benefits of medical homeopathy confirmed by high-quality studies. The doctors list large observational studies as an important basis. 

The great importance of complementary medicine in Switzerland is also underlined by the result of a 20-year evaluation. The Swiss government therefore recognizes that complementary medicine in accordance with Art. 32 KVG requirement fulfills all legal requirements regarding safety, effectiveness and high quality. 

Concluding conclusion

Complementary medicine as a supplement to basic insurance can be a good idea for some people. However, you should first deal extensively with the topic and be aware that alternative healing methods are not scientifically proven and primarily work through the placebo effect. Complementary medicine is not a substitute for the medical treatment that is included in the basic insurance.

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What is dental insurance?

hospital daily allowance insurance

What is dental insurance?

You have just come from the dentist and are already thinking about the costs: Your child needs braces? With additional dental insurance, these costs are borne by the health insurance company. This is concluded privately and has to be paid extra. What other benefits does this insurance cover and who can take out them?

What is hospital daily allowance insurance?

Who can take out additional dental insurance?

Additional dental insurance is taken out in addition to the compulsory basic insurance, because dental services are only covered to a limited extent by the basic insurance.

What kind of dental services are covered by which insurance?

covered by basic insurance

covered by additional insurance

- flat-rate supplements for dentures (usually 50%)

- Checkups

- caries treatments

- root canal

- Periodontosis

- tartar

- Dental hygiene

- braces,

- dentures, bridges

- high quality materials for treatments such as bridges etc.

- tooth corrections

Those who regularly go to inspections and collect stamps can count on bonuses and discounts, and the grants are largely taken over.

A supplementary dental insurance is particularly worthwhile for children, since tooth corrections and braces are quite expensive over several years.

In general, it is advisable to have a cost estimate from the doctor before the treatment and to present it to the respective insurer. A written confirmation of the assumption of costs may be very useful.

What does dental supplement insurance cost?

Additional dental insurance costs between 19 and 49 francs per month, depending on the provider. The amount of the premium varies from provider to provider and should use a Health insurance comparison be well chosen. Bonuses and discounts are also possible, depending on the number and age of children. Discounts up to 25% are possible, but should also be coordinated in comparison before they are concluded.

Reduce dentist costs

There are ways to keep dentist costs down in advance. The following possibilities are possible:

    1. Keep your bonus book and go to the control every year. With the stamps in your booklet you can secure the maximum subsidy from the health insurance company.
    2. Have the cost plan drawn up by practice.
    3. Compare laboratories. The cost of the laboratory is one of the most expensive items on the bill. Suggest your doctor to work with a cheaper laboratory.
    4. Does your health insurance company have contracts with providers such as? Dent-net? or? for the sake of your teeth ?? With this you secure regular care without your own additional service.
    5. Obtain second opinion. If you have any doubts about the proposed method and costs, get a second opinion.
    6. Take out additional insurance. Please note, however, that the health insurers only pay a maximum amount between 80 and 90 percent.

Which tariff makes sense?

Dentist costs can be quickly increased and not all costs are covered by the basic insurance. If you have opted for supplementary dental insurance, you should bear in mind that there is a waiting period during which you cannot take advantage of the insurer's benefits. If you already have dental problems, there may also be problems with the graduation, because you may not get a positive notification of admission.

Which tariff you should choose depends on which services you want to use or which you want to choose for your children.

Tip: For child insurance, it is advisable to take out additional dental insurance as early as possible, since tooth corrections can be made at an early age.

Is dental insurance also valid abroad?

As a rule, additional dental insurance is only valid for treatments in Switzerland. Only selected providers agree to also cover the costs of cheaper interventions in neighboring countries. 

When should parents take out the policy for their children?

The best thing for parents to do is to have their children insured through a dental supplement policy before the boys and girls need a medical certificate. Some providers require these documents from the age of three, but other service providers only from the age of six. If the children have already been diagnosed with a malposition, the associations can partially or completely refuse insurance cover. 

Conclusion

It is a good idea for parents to take out dental insurance as early as possible. Finally, the policy helps to save costs permanently. 

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10 mistakes you need to avoid when taking out supplementary insurance

10 mistakes you need to avoid when taking out supplementary insurance

10 mistakes you need to avoid when taking out supplementary insurance

The health system and types of insurance in Switzerland are not always easy and at first glance manageable. In addition to the basic insurance that all citizens in Switzerland have and which is standardized, there are also various supplementary insurance plans. We explain what you should pay attention to here.

10 mistakes you need to avoid when taking out supplementary insurance

1. Don't get an overview

The biggest mistake you can make is not to get an overview. If you are interested in supplementary insurance, but in other situations, you should always know what is going on and what the market offers before signing a contract.

basic health insurance

insurance

mandatory

not mandatory

standardized

differently

no return on equity

Return on equity available

2. Act hastily

This error is similar to the point before. Some may read or try to get into the topic and then simply choose to start. The first best is rarely the right choice for you.

3. Just listen to friends

Sure, friends, family and acquaintances are always good support and a helpful advisor for us. You only want the best for you. But the benefits of supplementary insurance are individual and what is suitable for your parents does not necessarily suit you.

4. Just look at prices

Of course, the cost is a very important factor, but money is not everything and you should also pay close attention to the content. The cheapest services are rarely the best for you.

5. Just look at content

However, you should not only look at the content and neglect the costs. Compare and make sure you find the best value for money.

6. Just think of now

If you take out additional insurance, you should not only think about your current state of health, but also keep an eye on the future. Perhaps you are already noticing some complaints that need to be dealt with later? A look at the family history and diseases that lie in the family can also be helpful.

7. Too stingy

Of course, you should pay attention to the money, insurance companies are often tough, but also be aware that you are investing in your health. If something is important to you, don't be afraid to pay a few francs on it. With many benefits such as dental supplement insurance, it often pays off quickly.

8. Throw the money out the window

Find a good middle ground between stingy and not. Some offers from health insurance companies are mainly worthwhile for the health insurance companies themselves - be careful!

9. Read general advice only

General advice is good to get a first overview. However, keep in mind that you are a person with very individual needs.

10. Neglect the complete package

Do not take complete packages that are not largely tailored to you. Do not be satisfied with a combination service that contains measures that are completely irrelevant.

Conclusion

You should avoid these mistakes:

    • don't read
    • rush it
    • only listen to acquaintances
    • just note the prices
    • only consider the services
    • don't think about the future
    • to be stingy
    • the money is too loose
    • get general advice only
    • do not question the complete package

If you do not want to make any mistakes when taking out additional insurance, you should first of all pay attention to your own needs. Therefore, inquire about a policy that will create offers that also meet your individual needs. Don't forget to compare offers from different providers. Only then will you find the best options for your needs. Pay particular attention to small additions that cover services such as glasses, rescues or costs for ambulance transports. If you keep this eye for detail, you have already avoided the most important mistakes when choosing a suitable insurance company. 

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Do long-term care insurance make sense?

Long-term care insurance makes sense

Do long-term care insurance make sense?

The idea of being dependent on help in old age is not an easy one for many. Financial fears quickly add to the helplessness, because care in old age can often swallow up a small fortune. Can long-term care insurance provide for the worst-case scenario?

Long-term care insurance makes sense

Requirements for long-term care insurance

As with any supplementary insurance, interested parties have to answer a lot of questions about their health. Older people find it particularly difficult to get supplementary insurance, especially when they need it. Some insurers such as Helsana therefore offer long-term care insurance without checking. 

However, Helsana is currently heavily criticized, as the waiting period is two years, during which many older people use up their assets or even die. In addition, people receive the CURA automatically from Helsana when they reach retirement age, the monthly costs here are CHF 30. If this is not wanted, you must log out.

Therefore, the question arises: Does long-term care insurance make sense?

Nursing home care costs

The long-term care costs in the old people's home are borne largely by the cantonal and insurance contributions, but the cost of ownership, which those affected still have to pay, often rises to six figures. Experts therefore advise against taking out long-term care insurance.

The reasons are

    • Cost / benefit calculation does not work
    • Two-year waiting period
    • High cost of ownership, use up of assets

Long-term care insurance pays off for the wealthy

Only wealthy people benefit from long-term care insurance because they never receive supplementary benefits and save the inheritance for their offspring.

The monthly cost of care can be between 6,000 and 8,000 francs. The compulsory basic insurance of the Swiss health insurance companies takes care of the medical services of care cases without time limit. This does not include catering, infrastructure, cleaning and building uses, which can be covered by supplementary insurance.

Private nursing care insurance

Those who have certain assets and are interested in private long-term care insurance can opt for property protection to insure the risky long-term care privately. It is advisable to draw up a financial plan and, as a precautionary measure, to determine whether income and expenditure coincide with retirement age.

The following factors may have to be added:

taking

expenditure

- pension benefits from AHV and pension fund,

- earned income from younger partners,

- anticipated investment income,

- rental income or similar

- expenditure for maintaining the living standard of the partner (and possibly other persons),

- Taxes

- the privately paid care costs in the long-term care case (in the desired long-term care standard)

If the bottom line is a gap in income, those affected have to decide how they want to close it if they do not opt for private insurance. There are two ways to do this: Either the income gap is achieved by using one's own wealth. This variant is worthwhile for very rich pensioners, for whom these costs are not significant.

Or a private long-term care insurance is chosen, which would pay a tax-free pension in the event of cases to cover the care costs. The contributions to the insurance company reduce the wealth, but the premium is often covered by the income after retirement.

For more meaningful long-term care insurance: new solutions are required

Insurance companies should present new solutions so that long-term care insurance is even more profitable and affordable in the long term. One example is an offer from the EGK, which presents modular, buildable policies that allow policyholders to put together their own protection. 

In this case, for example, it is possible to combine a semi-private model for the hospital with a high coverage in the case of care. There is also talk of long-term care insurance as a savings version. However, the regulation would have to be mandatory in order to function in general. The future will show to what extent ideas like these will prevail. 

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What is daily hospital allowance insurance?

What is hospital daily allowance insurance?

What is daily hospital allowance insurance?

Supplementary hospital insurance is familiar to many Swiss people, but only a quarter of the residents have taken out one. Not least because of the high premiums, many decide against it. May a daily hospital benefit insurance make more sense? Read below what it is.

hospital daily allowance insurance

Who can take out daily hospital benefit insurance?

In addition to supplementary hospital insurance, many large health insurance companies in Switzerland also offer daily hospital benefit insurance in their range. The Insurance Contract Act (VVH) determines the cover, as well as the general contract terms and additional conditions. The benefits apply worldwide, even for stays in hospital abroad that do not last longer than twelve months.

Anyone who has taken out daily hospital benefit insurance will receive the insured daily allowance for every day in the hospital, in the case of illness from the third day and in the event of an accident even on the first day, and thus represents a major financial relief for many.

If you look closely, you will be rewarded

For many insured persons, this may sound like a dream at first, but a closer look is also advisable with this supplementary insurance. Because although it is alleged that the insurer would finance a stay in a private clinic by handing out a daily allowance, someone with compulsory basic insurance cannot pay for a private clinic even with the daily allowance. Caution: If you trust your insurer blindly, you may end up paying more.

With a daily hospital allowance insurance, you should also not rely on compensating your loss of wages, because even if you are sick, you do not always have to go to the hospital and in this case the insurance does not apply. It is better to resort to a standardized daily allowance insurance.

The amount of the premium depends on the entry age and the variant. Many insurance companies offer a discount, with the help of which the daily hospital allowance insurance can be combined with other insurances and thus a discount of up to 25% is possible. On It pays to compare health insurance companies here in any case.

What benefits are insured?

Many insurers also have a waiting period of up to two years, during which they do not have to pay daily hospital benefits if they are admitted.

The insured should be able to use the daily allowance to pay for additional private services in the hospital, such as a single room or household help. A lump sum is paid for births, regardless of the length of stay.

Some stays are excluded from cover, including:

    • caused by drugs and addictive substances
    • cosmetic operations
    • Stay after committing a crime
    • Treatments that are at an unnecessary risk

What can the money be used for?

The money is often paid in cash on hand and can be used as you wish. Many patients use the money to upgrade to semi-private or private. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether this makes sense from a financial perspective.

benefits

disadvantage

- Money can be used for everything

- Upgrades are possible

- May be cheaper than supplementary hospital insurance

- not every stay is paid for

- waiting period

- Patients may pay on it

Experience has shown that it is not really worthwhile to insure coffee, telephone charges or travel expenses for relatives, since these expenses do not represent a significant financial burden. If you want to secure the possibility of a twin or single room, you should also opt for additional hospital insurance.

Conclusion

Please look for every detail when looking for a suitable provider of hospital daily allowance insurance. The insurance companies offer the policies with large premium differences. It is therefore important that you choose the insurance company of your choice carefully. 

In contrast to basic insurance, the health insurance company is not forced to accept potential prospective customers or to insure them. For this reason, you may have to be patient until you find a suitable provider. 

The so-called supplementary hospital insurance is also a useful addition to the daily hospital benefits insurance. This policy gives policyholders greater convenience and flexibility when choosing a suitable hospital and when treating them. 

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Is additional hospital insurance worthwhile?

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Is additional hospital insurance worthwhile?

Around a quarter of Swiss people are happy to pay the cost of supplementary hospital insurance in addition to the premium amounts for basic insurance. Over a period of several years, a few francs come together - reason enough to ask yourself whether supplementary hospital insurance is worthwhile.

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Benefits of supplementary hospital insurance

As part of basic insurance, insured persons in Switzerland have been free to choose which hospital they want to go to since 2012. The prerequisite is that it is on the hospital list in your canton of residence. 

However, if the treatment ultimately costs more than in a hospital in their canton of residence, insured persons have to pay this difference out of their own pockets. That is why there is the supplementary insurance "Spital Allgemeine Schweiz" that covers these costs.

The most important advantages of supplementary insurance at a glance:

    • Free choice of doctor and hospital for the insured with the insurer-hospital collective agreement
    • Entitled to a single or twin room
    • Chief physician or senior physician treatment
    • Extras like quick appointments with specialists
    • Dates of your choice
    • Comfort privileges: large menu, massages etc.

How do I take out supplementary insurance?

Where basic insurance is compulsory in Switzerland and insurance is forced to take on the changing, the admission process for supplementary insurance is different. There is often a health check in advance and insurance companies reserve the right to refuse admission without stating a reason. The insurers can also make reservations such as later suffering.

The cost of supplementary hospital insurance increases with age. Statistics show that the cost of supplementary hospital insurance after 30 years can amount to up to CHF 125,000. Hospital stays in a private or semi-private ward have an impressive price, which in some cases can be twice what it costs for basic insured persons.

Don't forget your written offer

The anticipated costs should therefore be clarified with the hospital beforehand (if possible). This should be done between the treating doctor and the health insurance company and should be recorded in a written offer. In the best case, you can request a written and detailed credit note from your cash register.

A change of room should also be agreed in advance, because experience has shown that few hospitals are interested in changing. Flexible insurance offers from the health insurance companies offer room upgrades for their insured. However, these Flex offers are not available in every canton and are usually very expensive. In the long run, you should first calculate whether an entry would be financially worthwhile.

Semi-private or private supplementary insurance?

The question is as old as the offer of supplementary insurance: What are the advantages of semi-private and private supplementary insurance?

semi-private

Private

? Entitlement to an inpatient stay in a twin room

? Treatment by the senior doctor

? free choice of hospital in Switzerland

? Additional costs for double rooms and senior doctor treatment through supplementary hospital insurance

? pays the difference between the cost of hospitalization in the general ward in the canton of residence

? pays the private ward of a hospital of your choice

? Single-claim

? Chief physician treatment (in some private clinics, treatment by the chief physician may be excluded)

The premiums for semi-private insurance are often very high. In addition, most of the hospitals in Switzerland already have double rooms, so that the costs of the additional insurance for the hospital would only be limited to the treatment of a senior doctor.

Private insurance is the most expensive option, but it can be checked whether you can limit the premiums with a deductible or a bonus system. Limiting the number of hospitals that can be chosen can also cut costs.

Conclusion: How useful is supplementary hospital insurance now?

In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves to what extent additional hospital insurance comes into consideration. But the fact is that policyholders enjoy some privileges that are withheld from patients without additional insurance. 

But where there is sun, there is also shadow. Potential policyholders should also be aware of these possible disadvantages. If you still choose Police, you won't regret this choice. An example is the amount of the premiums, which insurers set individually at their own discretion. 

The age and gender of policyholders are important components that affect the level of premiums. If you want to save money, you should compare the conditions of individual insurance companies. 

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