Essential Guide
Expat families without the support network of extended family nearby can use any help they can get. Whether a baby is on its way or a child’s set of teeth need correcting, there are many good reasons for solid health insurance coverage.
When a baby is on the way, parents-to-be have a lot to organize.Living in a foreign country without the support network of the extended family can make this an especially stressful time.
While there are countless reasons to celebrate the arrival of a new family member, one especially important topic may not be ignored: health insurance.
While basic coverage is mandated by law, supplementary policies are highly advisable for expat families in Switzerland. One of the most common supplementary policies is dental insurance. It covers tooth corrections – an otherwise costly endeavor. But in the life of a family, there are a number of other considerations when it comes to selecting proper health insurance.
Expat Savvy specializes in helping expat families in Switzerland. From our experience, there are a number of important insurance considerations, starting even before the birth of a new family member:
1)
During pregnancy, a baby is insured by the basic health insurance policy of the mother.
2)
By law, children need to be insured against illness and accidents – from the day they are born. The deadline for requesting coverage from any of Switzerland’s insurers is three months after birth. By adhering to this deadline, any health complications during birth or in the first three months of life will be fully covered. If this deadline is missed, however, all health-related expenses for the newborn are the sole responsibility of the parents.
Unlike with adults, children’s policies do not have an out-of-pocket minimum.
Unlike with adults, children’s policies do not have an out-of-pocket minimum.
Expat Parents
Instead, parents have to pay 10 percent of health costs up to an annual maximum of 350 francs.
3)
Newborns may have a different insurer than the rest of the family. Often, the least expensive insurance company for the parents is not an economical choice for the baby. At the same time, some insurers reward families with healthy discounts. Get in touch with us and we will find the best option for you and your new family member.
4)
Unlike with adults, children’s policies do not have an out-of-pocket minimum. Instead, parents have to pay 10 percent of health costs up to an annual maximum of 350 francs.
5)
Did you know that the “franchise” maxes out at 1000 francs per year, for all children combined? In addition to the premium, a family will never have to pay more than 1000 francs per year out of pocket for their kids’ health expenses.
6)
Those mothers with a semi-private or private supplementary coverage often benefit from perks at the insurer’s partner clinics. These could include free childbirth classes or parking passes.
7)
The birth of a new family member is a priceless occasion for the parents. But without a supplementary insurance policy for rooming-in, fathers cannot stay overnight at the birth clinic or hospital. We always recommend taking out this coverage because we know how important it is for spouses to share these moments of togetherness.
8)
Those wanting to ensure comprehensive coverage for the birth of a child should consider taking out a capital insurance for a lump sum. Such a policy guarantees the payment of the insured capital amount in the case of disability or death during birth.
9)
For newborns, supplementary insurance plans can cover important areas where mandatory basic insurance falls short. We recommend taking out such coverage prior to the birth of a new child. This will ensure that any pre-existing conditions of the newborn are fully covered. If you wait until after the birth, you are running the risk that chronic health conditions will not be covered by insurance.
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9)
For newborns, supplementary insurance plans can cover important areas where mandatory basic insurance falls short. We recommend taking out such coverage prior to the birth of a new child. This will ensure that any pre-existing conditions of the newborn are fully covered. If you wait until after the birth, you are running the risk that chronic health conditions will not be covered by insurance.
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10)
Dental corrections can easily cost thousands of francs, straining the family budget during a time when raising children is most expensive. A supplementary dental insurance plan offers coverage for braces and other corrections. It is important to know that such a policy needs to be taken out before the seventh birthday or before any dental issues first arise. (Depending on the insurer, you might have to sign up for a dental policy even prior to the birth of a child.) Otherwise, the insurer could ask for a risk assessment and reject your child because of pre-existing conditions. Benefit from the experience of Expat Savvy in finding the perfect policy – different insurers cover different levels of dental expenses.
11)
Ask us about the availability of each health insurance provider. While some Swiss insurers offer 24/7 hotlines or even chats with doctors, others may only take calls during business hours. Expat families tend to travel across time zones frequently, so we often hear that having a responsive insurer during emergencies is truly priceless.
Get in touch as soon as you start with family planning. Expat Savvy would be happy to guide you and ensure that no deadlines are missed. Expat Savvy is an independent insurance broker who understands the needs of expats in Switzerland. Fill out this form to request a FREE consultation – no strings attached.