Does basic insurance pay towards glasses and contact lenses?
Two-thirds of Swiss people need corrective eyewear. However, basic insurance only covers the costs of glasses and contact lenses under certain conditions.
23.04.2025
iStock / Victor Golmer
1. What does basic insurance pay towards glasses and contact lenses?
How much basic insurance pays towards corrective eyewear depends on the age of the insured person and the circumstances in the individual case.
What does basic insurance pay towards glasses for adults?
Adults receive no contribution from basic health insurance towards their glasses or contact lenses. Exceptions are medical cases with a prescription from an ophthalmologist. In that case, contact lenses and glasses are covered by the health insurer up to a maximum amount.
Good to know: even if the insurer covers costs towards glasses, you still have to pay the deductible and coinsurance.
According to the official list of medical aids and devices (MiGel), the maximum costs covered depend on the medical reason. Health insurance in Switzerland pays between 180–630 francs per year towards glasses.
Health insurance pays for contact lenses per eye. You receive at least 270 francs every two years. The upper limit is 630 francs without time restrictions – depending on the medical reason.
| What? | Conditions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses or contact lenses | Blurred vision due to
|
180.67 francs per year per side |
| Contact lenses | The vision impairment cannot be fully corrected by glasses. Plus, one of the following conditions:
|
271 francs every two years |
| Contact lenses | At least one of the following conditions:
|
632.34 francs per side |
| Glasses | At least one of the following conditions:
|
632.34 francs per pair of glasses |
Are children’s glasses covered by health insurance in Switzerland?
Generally, children are entitled to 180 francs per year for glasses as part of basic health insurance. In special cases, the health insurer may pay up to 850 francs per year.
2. Do health insurers offer supplemental insurance for glasses in Switzerland?
No separate supplementary insurance exists for glasses. This cover is usually part of a service package. Supplemental insurance is usually not worthwhile if you are only interested in cover for corrective eyewear.
This article was first published on 06.07.2022
