Maternity

includes pregnancy and childbirth as well as the time after birth (childbed and lactation period). For benefits for motherhood in the compulsory basic insurance neither deductible rate nor retention have to be paid.
However, this only applies to services which are stated in the Health Insurance Laws, i.e. check-ups, ultrasonic check-ups, pre-natal courses, delivery, care by a midwife as well as breast-feeding consultations.

However, therapy and medication due to complications are liable to deduction as well as retention. This was decided by the Federal Court of Switzerland in September 2001. This applies to e.g. hospitalization to avoid premature birth, treatment for pregnancy diabetes, infections or a psychological therapy for post-natal depressions. According to the Federal Office for Social Insurance, there is no clear-cut jurisprudence for C-sections. If you are planning a pregnancy and want to be on the safe side, opt for the lowest possible deductible rate of CHF 300 in order to keep costs as low as possible should a C-section not be fully covered by your health insurance provider.

Often, it is not obvious to the health insurance providers which services are due to motherhood. It is best the care provider states on the invoice that motherhood is the case.