Hearing aids: will my health insurance pay?
Compulsory basic insurance only covers hearing aids for hearing problems to a limited extent. Supplemental insurance can cover these costs.
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Compulsory basic insurance only covers hearing aids under certain conditions. In some cases, invalidity insurance (also known as disability insurance) or old age and survivors' insurance (OASI) will step in. It can be worth taking out supplemental insurance. Comparis provides an up-to-date overview.
People with hearing difficulties in Switzerland
Around one in 10 people in Switzerland has hearing difficulties. However, less than half of those affected (41%) wear a hearing aid. Experts recommend purchasing a hearing aid as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you may face risks such as social withdrawal, depression or even cognitive decline.
How much does a hearing aid cost?
A hearing aid isn’t cheap. It costs between 450 and several thousand francs, depending on the version. Ideally, both ears should have a hearing aid. This doubles the costs. Important: the prices for the same hearing aid vary substantially from one insurer to another. In addition, some acousticians charge high service fees with sometimes multi-year contracts that can’t be cancelled. Another point to consider is the cost of hearing aid batteries. There can be big price differences here too. So don’t settle for the first deal you find and don’t be lured by “free” tests. It’s worth comparing different offers. You can also buy hearing aids approved in Switzerland (link not available in English) at a lower price abroad.
Which insurance covers the cost of hearing aids?
People with hearing difficulties are not left to bear the costs alone. The first pillar of social security (invalidity insurance and OASI) and, in rare cases, basic insurance provided by health insurers are responsible for the purchase, care and maintenance of hearing aids.
When does basic insurance cover the costs?
Hearing aids are not among the types of aid that are reimbursed by health insurers as part of basic insurance. They are included on the list of medical aids and devices (MiGel, link not available in English). However, according to MiGel (section 13.01), subsidiary financing may be provided. There is, however, one condition: the medical requirements must be fulfilled and the applicant must not be entitled to social security benefits (due to lack of contributions). This is hardly ever the case, and it particularly concerns asylum seekers or Swiss citizens returning from living abroad.
When does invalidity insurance pay?
If you have hearing loss of at least 20% while of working age, you can submit a claim for hearing aids approved by the Federal Social Insurance Office (link not available in English) every six years.
When does old age and survivors’ insurance (OASI) pay?
If you have hearing loss of at least 35% when retired, you can submit a claim for hearing aids approved by the Federal Social Insurance Office (link not available in English) every five years.
What do invalidity insurance and OASI pay for hearing aids?
| Content | Invalidity insurance | OASI** |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing aids – for one hearing aid | CHF 840* every 6 years | CHF 630 every 5 years |
| Hearing aids – for two hearing aids | CHF 1,650* every 6 years | CHF 1,237.50 every 5 years |
| Batteries (p.a.) – for one hearing aid | CHF 40 | CHF 0 |
| Batteries (p.a.) – for two hearing aids | CHF 80* | CHF 0 |
| Repairs – electronics | CHF 200 | CHF 0 |
| Repairs – other damages | CHF 130 | CHF 0 |
* For children and adolescents, invalidity insurance pays up to 2,830 francs for one hearing aid or 4,170 francs for two hearing aids (claim every six years or earlier if a recognized ENT doctor detects a significant change in hearing). Invalidity insurance pays an annual battery allowance of 60 francs for one hearing aid and 120 francs for two hearing aids.
** For people of regular OASI age who have already received invalidity insurance benefits due to a hearing impairment, the protection of vested rights applies.
Tip: For marketing reasons, some hearing aid providers cover the difference over the increased OASI allowance for people of retirement age. Are you approaching retirement? If so, you should definitely get a hearing aid beforehand. This way, you benefit from what is known as the protection of vested rights and receive the higher invalidity insurance benefits for life.
Is it worth taking out supplemental insurance in case of hearing difficulties?
The OASI allowance of 630 francs is intended to cover 75% of the costs for a simple and practical hearing aid, including adjustment and maintenance. This is the case for entry-level devices. For medium and premium-category devices (including service fees), you may quickly end up having to pay thousands of francs.
That’s why it can be worthwhile to take out supplemental outpatient insurance. Supplemental insurance provides a certain percentage of cover for the residual financing of medically prescribed aids, up to a maximum amount.
There is a wide range of supplemental outpatient insurance available. The cover packages, as well as the effective compensation for aids including hearing aids, vary greatly. So carefully compare the cover and prices offered.
