Supplemental insurance for glasses: what applies in Switzerland
The cost of glasses and contact lenses can quickly add up. Supplemental glasses insurance can take some of the financial burden off your shoulders. Comparis explains your options.
09.04.2026
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1. Without supplementary glasses insurance: will my health insurer pay for my glasses?
The basic insurance generally does not cover any costs for glasses and contact lenses. The only exceptions are for medically justified cases. These exceptions are set out in the aids and appliances list (MiGeL).
2. Supplementary glasses insurance: is it also available separately?
No, there is no separate supplementary glasses insurance. Instead, various outpatient supplementary insurance policies offer this cover as part of a package including other benefits.
Which benefits are included in supplementary insurance varies depending on the insurer and the package chosen. Therefore, it’s best to compare different deals – and find the best supplemental insurance for you.
Important: When taking out supplemental insurance, you usually need to complete a health questionnaire. Therefore, it is possible that the insurance company will reject your application or apply exclusions.
3. How much does supplemental glasses insurance cost?
Supplemental insurance with benefits for glasses is in some cases available for less than 15 francs per month. However, the cost depends on:
Place of residence
Age
Other benefits included in the supplemental insurance
A comparison of the supplemental insurance policies of the various providers is therefore worthwhile.
4. What does supplemental insurance pay towards glasses?
Supplemental glasses insurance usually pays a limited contribution towards your glasses. Furthermore, some insurance providers do not pay for your glasses or contact lenses every year – but only every two or three years.
Good to know: With some supplemental insurance policies, you can save up the unused annual contribution over a few years and then use it all at once.
Is supplemental glasses insurance worthwhile?
For glasses alone supplemental insurance is usually not worthwhile due to the limited contributions. However: when combined with other benefits such as gym memberships or alternative medicine it can make perfect sense.
Glasses insurance for loss and damage
Loss of glasses or damage to glasses are not usually covered by supplemental insurance. It may be worth checking out various home contents insurance policies in this case.
5. What should I look out for before taking out supplemental glasses insurance?
Keep these tips in mind before taking out supplemental insurance for your glasses and contact lenses:
This article was first published on 03.12.2021
