Baby health insurance
Registering a newborn for health insurance: what to keep in mind. Which supplemental insurance policies are worthwhile? Comparis explains.
20.02.2024
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1. Compulsory health insurance for newborns in Switzerland
Anyone living in Switzerland must have basic insurance, and this also applies to babies. You therefore need to register your newborn with a health insurer.
It’s best to apply for health insurance before your baby is born. You can inform the insurer of your baby’s name and date of birth later.
If you register your child before birth, they will in most cases be accepted for any supplemental insurance policies with no restrictions.
If you wait until after birth, the insurer may reject your application or exclude certain benefits without giving you a reason.
You have to take out basic insurance for your child within three months of their birth. If you take out insurance after their birth, they are insured retroactively from the day they were born.
Important: make sure you also insure your baby against accidents. Accident insurance is compulsory in Switzerland. You can take this out through your basic insurance.
2. The right health insurance model for your baby
Basic insurance is available in different models. Depending on the model you choose, you may benefit from discounts on your premiums. You are free to choose a model for your baby.
Freedom to choose paediatrician
Many health insurers offer a free choice of paediatrician for children under the age of 12 in every model. Check the general insurance conditions for more information. Tip: you can compare different models when comparing health insurance with Comparis.
3. Choosing a deductible for your baby
Deductibles for babies range between 0 and 600 francs. In the vast majority of cases you should choose the 0 franc deductible. Higher deductibles are rarely worth it because children usually need to see a doctor more often.
Coinsurance for children
Once the deductible has been paid, you have to pay 10% of the bill yourself in the form of coinsurance. The maximum coinsurance for children is set at 350 francs.
4. Supplemental insurance for your baby
For coverage that goes beyond the scope of basic insurance, your baby will require supplemental insurance. The sooner you take out this insurance, the better. This is because insurers can exclude cover for any pre-existing illnesses for life or reject the application altogether.
Check the following supplemental insurance options for babies and children:
Semi-private or private supplemental hospital insurance guarantees a more private hospital room with a maximum of two beds. Additional benefits include:
Freedom to choose the doctor in the hospital
Care and supervision provided by a senior doctor
The Flex model offers a cheaper alternative to the normal private or semi-private hospital insurance. This allows you to upgrade from a general ward to a semi-private or private ward on a case-by-case basis.
No unconditional acceptance for hospital insurance for babies
A Comparis analysis has shown most health insurers no longer unconditionally accept babies for supplemental hospital insurance. They can reduce benefits if birth defects are discovered later. Some insurers don’t allow you to register your baby for supplemental hospital insurance before birth.
Dental treatment costs can add up very quickly for children. Basic and disability insurance only cover the costs of medically necessary dental treatment.
This is where supplemental dental insurance comes in. Depending on the insurer, your baby may be accepted without the need for a dental examination if you take out the policy from before birth up to kindergarten age.
If your child has a disability, medical costs can soon mount up. Statutory disability insurance only covers the minimum level of care from the age of 18. It might therefore make sense to take out disability insurance for your child.
Start looking into the topic before the due date. Check whether your chosen policy also covers disability caused by illness and its consequences. Disability is caused by illness far more often than by accident.
Other supplemental insurance products
Are you unsure about what other supplemental insurance you might need? You can find an overview in the article on the various types of supplemental insurance.
5. Health insurance for your baby: costs
Cost of basic insurance for your baby
Children pay less for basic insurance than adults. Generally speaking, premiums for children cost around 20-25% of what adult premiums cost. In addition to this, you also have to pay the deductible and coinsurance.
Example of health insurance premiums for a newborn: in Zurich, the basic insurance premiums and accident cover cost between 104.50 and 183.50 francs per month. This is with a deductible of 0 francs. Source: Comparis health insurance comparison tool.
Good to know: children up to the age of 18 and young adults up to the age of 25 who are still in education or training are exempt from the 15 francs per day contribution to hospital costs.
Take advantage of family discounts and save on premiums
If you have two or more children, you can benefit from family discounts. In addition, if you insure three children or more, your coinsurance will be limited to 1,000 francs per year.
Supplemental insurance for your baby: costs
The cost of supplemental insurance varies depending on the model, place of residence and provider. In Bern, for example, you can expect to get the following:
Semi-private supplemental insurance from 11 francs per month
Private supplemental insurance from 17 francs per month
This article was first published on 24.03.2021
