Inform yourself

Traditional fixed braces, also known as brackets or train track braces, have proven effective at correcting dental misalignments – especially in complex cases. An expert explains how treatment works, what costs you should expect and when health insurers will contribute to these.

Many health-related matters can now be managed easily online. With the digital health insurance model, the KPT app, the customer portal and the DoctorChat service, KPT offers simple digital solutions for many needs. And if you still require further assistance, you can quickly find the right medical or personalised advice.

“Are you privately insured?” In many countries, private medical insurance is used to skip the public healthcare system. In Switzerland, however, this question mainly refers to the level of insurance cover provided during an inpatient hospital stay. For example, it determines whether you are entitled to a single room or have a free choice of doctor. When is private hospital insurance worthwhile and who benefits most?

Supplementary insurance closes vital gaps in your basic health cover, offering you greater peace of mind and enhanced benefits, such as contributions towards prescription glasses, dental treatments and more. Read on to discover what to bear in mind when taking out supplementary health insurance.

Are you seeking a medical second opinion in Switzerland? This can be worthwhile before a scheduled operation, for example. Or if you have doubts about a diagnosis or therapy. Read on to find out how to go about this and how the BetterDoc service can help.

Dry cough, or is it pneumonia? With the Well app, you can simply check your symptoms online and immediately receive a medical assessment based on the information provided. You can then follow the recommendations or contact your GP if necessary. It is so convenient – the Well app and symptom checker form part of the digital basic health insurance model, KPTwin.smart, meaning you can manage your health using the app and save both time and doctor’s costs.

Your GP (family doctor) is your first point of contact in the event of medical problems. The coordination of your treatment by the GP provides efficiency and reduces costs. With our GP (family doctor) models KPTwin.doc and KPTwin.win as well as our digital model with GP KPTwin.smart, we pass this saving on to you in the form of generous premium discounts. You can also make use of our free telemedical consultation service 24/7. With KPTwin.win, you can additionally contact partner pharmacies as a first port of call.

In Switzerland, the HMO model is an alternative, cost-effective insurance model for basic health insurance. HMO stands for health maintenance organisation. With the HMO model, you choose a doctor from a doctors’ network to be your first point of contact. They may refer you to other specialists as and when necessary. An HMO model can also include group practices in which general practitioners, specialists and therapists collaborate to provide care.

In Switzerland, you can give notice of your intention to cancel your basic health insurance up to 30 November and switch as of 1 January. Please note that you must not have any unpaid bills with your health insurer on 31 December. Other deadlines apply to supplementary health insurance. Read on to find out how to change health insurer and how to save when doing so.

Rising healthcare costs lead to higher health insurance premiums. Despite this, there are still ways to save. Find out what discounts are available on basic and supplementary insurance plans.

KPT customers have access to 24/7 telemedical advice even when travelling. If you get sick while abroad, you can obtain immediate medical advice by calling the SOS number. Read on to discover everything you need to know prior to departure.

Semi-private hospital insurance supplements basic health insurance for hospital stays. It offers benefits that are not covered under basic health insurance, such as a twin room or free choice of doctor.

Supplementary hospital insurance is a popular add-on to basic health insurance. But do the benefits available go beyond a more comfortable room and free choice of doctor? Who would find this insurance useful? Are any of the models particularly good value? Find the answers here.

Paediatric dentist Dr Martina Hartmann explains how parents can help their children develop healthy teeth for life through good oral hygiene and healthy eating habits. Also discover why supplementary dental insurance for children is important for financial protection.

Basic health insurance can be supplemented in several ways; for example, with dental insurance or flexible hospital insurance. But which plans should you choose? Read on to discover the types of supplementary insurance available and the benefits they provide.

To insure your baby or newborn from their very first breath, you should ideally take out health insurance before they are even born. In Switzerland, health insurance must, by law, be arranged no later than three months after the birth. Read on to discover which model, deductible and supplementary insurance are the best choice for your baby.

To be sufficiently covered in the event of illness, it is important to choose the right health insurance for your child or children. But which deductible and which basic health insurance model are best for you? And which supplementary insurance is worthwhile? We help untangle all the options.

Many people subconsciously grind their teeth or clench their jaw. Severe cases of this condition, known as bruxism, affect around 8% of adults and can cause various symptoms. An expert explains the causes and what can help.

Screening tests are important for the early detection of diseases and risk factors. However, basic health insurance in Switzerland does not cover all screening tests. Find out which checks and tests are recommended, which costs are covered and what screening tests are offered under supplementary health insurance.

Belly fat, also known as abdominal fat, is dangerous as it can cause multiple medical conditions. For example, people with too much visceral fat around their waistline are at a heightened risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. But when does the level of fat become dangerous and what is the quickest way to burn visceral belly fat through healthy eating and exercise? Dr Philipp Nett joins fitness coach and dietician Savo Hertig to offer key information and tips.

Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils at the back of the throat, is a common condition, particularly during the colder months. Usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it is highly contagious. Typical symptoms include a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing and a high temperature. To help manage the condition, ENT specialist Dr Grégory Schürmann explains how to recognise, treat and prevent tonsillitis early on.

A birth preparation course (also known as antenatal classes) provides expectant parents with knowledge and reassurance and encourages pregnant women to trust their bodies. Midwife Stephanie Kriesel explains what matters most, and you can find out which costs are covered under basic and supplementary health insurance.

Basic health insurance covers essential medical services throughout pregnancy and childbirth. However, taking out supplementary health insurance can be worthwhile in Switzerland if you and your partner would like to enjoy additional benefits throughout your pregnancy journey. Our insurance expert provides an overview and top tips.

A balanced diet during pregnancy supports foetal development and the health of the mother. Nutritionist Andrea Sutter offers practical tips for everyday life. She recommends fresh, nutritious foods with a focus on quality rather than quantity.

How do I optimally prepare for pregnancy? Dr Anda Radan, gynaecologist and obstetrician, gives valuable tips about fertility, conception and staying physically and mentally healthy when trying to conceive. Plus: which supplementary insurance offers the best cover prior to conception through to childbirth and when do I have to register my baby with a health insurer?

Health insurance covers a wide range of important pregnancy-related services, such as check-ups, antenatal classes, midwifery care and delivery at a birth centre. Most of these costs are covered by basic health insurance without any deductible or excess. This article explains which benefits are covered and helps you look forward to a stress-free maternity.

Gynaecological examinations or ‘gyno exams’ for short are an important part of women’s healthcare, especially with regard to the early detection of breast and cervical cancer. In the event of problems or questions relating to sexuality, contraception, fertility, pregnancy or menopause, women should contact a gynaecologist. Read on to discover all about the process, the recommended examination frequency, the assumption of costs by health insurance and the supplementary insurance plans available.

The number of couples choosing to delay parenthood is increasing. From around the age of 35, however, female fertility starts to decline significantly. Professor Brigitte Leeners explains how a woman’s menstrual cycle, age and health affect fertility, and what women trying to conceive can do.

Osteoporosis is most common in women, particularly after the menopause. Dr David M. Germann, a specialist in general internal medicine and rheumatology, shares practical advice on supporting bone health through diet, exercise, vitamin D and lifestyle choices. Plus: which supplementary health insurance plan helps cover the cost of fitness and sporting activities?

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. In Switzerland alone, around 15–20% of women of reproductive age are affected. Because it often develops gradually and causes non-specific symptoms, many cases remain undiagnosed. The best way to prevent an iron deficiency is to consume an iron-rich diet, as explained by Dr Urania Kolyvanos Naumann.

A vasectomy is a permanent form of male sterilisation and contraception. It is a minor surgical procedure where a urologist cuts and seals the tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The procedure only blocks sperm from entering the semen. Sex drive, hormone production and erectile function are not affected. Find out more about the preparations for a vasectomy and the procedure itself, and what is covered under Swiss health insurance.

The hormone testosterone controls various biological processes in both males and females, including libido, energy levels, mood, bone density and muscular development. But what happens if the body produces too little of it? Low testosterone (also ‘testosterone deficiency’) is associated with symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive and muscle mass, and hair loss (in the armpits and genital area). Find out how it is diagnosed and treated, and what costs are covered under supplementary insurance.

With more than 7,000 new cases registered every year in Switzerland, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men. As the early stages are often asymptomatic, a prostate exam is recommended by the age of 50 at the latest and 45 in the case of a family history. How often should you have a prostate screening? What does the PSA level indicate? And what costs are covered by basic and supplementary health insurance?

Male fertility challenges are a common factor when trying to conceive. In around 40 to 50% of cases, the cause lies with the male partner or is a combination of factors from both partners. In this article, an andrologist explains how sperm quality, hormones and lifestyle affect fertility – and the practical steps that can help.

In Switzerland, health insurance rarely covers the cost of treatment by a dentist. An insurance expert explains when basic health insurance will pay and when it is worth taking out supplementary dental insurance. Also, discover the costs that you are likely to incur for the most common dental treatments.

The cost of braces in Switzerland can soon run to more than 10,000 francs. However, basic health insurance contributes towards this amount only in exceptional cases. By taking out suitable supplementary insurance in good time, you can receive help towards this significant outlay.

Massages are not covered under basic health insurance, but with a supplementary insurance product such as Pulse, you can recover some of the costs. An insurance expert explains when massages are recognised under health insurance and the contributions you can receive.

Dentist Prof. Nicola U. Zitzmann explains restorative dentistry and when prostheses such as crowns, bridges, implants or dentures are required. You will also learn how a supplementary dental insurance policy can help you avoid paying the full costs of restorative dental work yourself as dental costs are not generally covered under basic health insurance in Switzerland. 

A fitness membership is great for health and well-being – but is it covered under health insurance? Many health insurers contribute towards gym memberships and sports activities through supplementary health insurance. Pulse supplementary health insurance from KPT contributes up to 300 francs per year towards gym memberships and up to 600 francs in total towards sport and exercise.

Do you tend to overthink or often feel low or anxious? Mental health struggles are on the rise, but in-person therapy can be hard to access with long waits common. Online psychotherapy can be a good and equally effective alternative that enables you to start treatment sooner. We look at whether online therapy can help, the options available and what health insurance covers.

Mental load is an invisible but very real psychological burden: the constant responsibility for all aspects of family life can lead to stress, exhaustion and even burnout. Psychotherapist Chow Ling Prager explains why mothers are particularly affected – and gives tips on how to practise more self-care.

Whether intermittent fasting or a week-long fast, does it really cleanse the body, mind and soul? Can calorie restriction really boost the immune system? Professor David Fäh, a nutritionist and specialist in preventive medicine, answers these questions and more.

Burn-on is the silent precursor to burnout – a phase in which people continue to function despite already feeling overwhelmed. This state of exhaustion, which is often overlooked, can develop into a serious problem if not recognised early enough. What are the warning signs? How do we prevent it? Psychologist Raffaela Witting provides practical advice.