Health insurance knowledge base | 3.8.2026
The advantages of private hospital insurance
“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?
What are the advantages of private hospital insurance?
In short, private hospital insurance gives you a free choice of hospital and doctor. You also enjoy the comfort of a single room on a private ward. This does, however, come at a price. The premiums are higher than for basic health insurance or semi-private hospital insurance. A preliminary health check is also required.
What benefits are provided under private hospital insurance?
The exact benefits provided under private hospital insurance depend on the individual health insurance fund. Privately insured persons are usually entitled to the following:
Free choice of doctor at the hospital
Free choice of hospital throughout Switzerland
Treatment by the head of department
Second medical opinion
(Partial) coverage of costs when abroad
Payment for a single room
Hospitality benefits, such as à la carte dining, welcome gifts, transport from home, transfers and visitor care
Benefits such as health cures, emergency transport, home help and home care
Private hospital insurance from KPT also includes travel and holiday insurance: insured persons receive full coverage of hospital costs abroad (up to 100,000 francs in the USA and Canada).
