Take out supplementary insurance: what to bear in mind

Supplementary insurance complements your basic health insurance and covers treatments that are not legally mandated.

Basic health insurance does not cover all health costs. Policyholders still pay around a quarter of their medical expenses themselves (source: Federal Statistical Office). Supplementary health insurance helps to close these gaps. This additional cover is incredibly popular: around three-quarters of the Swiss population have at least one supplementary health insurance policy (source: comparis.ch).

Supplementary health insurance offers contributions towards glasses, fitness memberships, complementary medicine, dental treatments, private hospital rooms and more.

A deductible does not usually apply with supplementary health insurance. Instead, the insurer provides reduced cost coverage (for example, 90% of the bill), usually up to a set annual limit, such as 1,000 francs. Any costs above this are payable by you.

Did you know? A waiting period applies after taking out some forms of supplementary insurance. This means the insurer will only begin covering specific costs, for example for glasses, after a set period of time has elapsed from your policy start date.

For more information, visit kpt.ch/en/supplementary-insurance

In principle, you can take out supplementary health insurance at any time of the year, provided you pass the health check.

If you need to cancel an existing policy first, you must generally do so by 30 September for the cancellation to take effect at the end of the calendar year. Most health insurers impose a three-month notice period.

Apply early and online

It is a good idea to take out supplementary health insurance at a younger age. The health check is usually more straightforward and premiums are often lower.

Taking out supplementary health insurance is easy and can be done online. Simply calculate your premium, complete the application (including health questionnaire) and await the insurer’s response.

Mid-year applications

It is often possible to take out supplementary health insurance during the year. Depending on the insurer and product, you may be able to submit an application at any time.

Acceptance is usually subject to a successful health check. Unlike basic health insurance, insurers have no legal obligation to accept new customers.

Wait for your acceptance before cancelling an existing policy

Do not cancel an existing policy until your new provider has confirmed your acceptance in writing. Health insurers have no legal obligation to accept everyone for supplementary health insurance.

With no confirmation of acceptance, you risk being left without coverage.

You can still apply if you have an existing medical condition, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Following a health check, the insurer will decide whether to accept your application and under what terms.

It is important that you complete the medical questionnaire in full and honestly. If information about illnesses or past treatments is missing or incorrect, the insurer may withdraw from the contract or decline claims at a later date.

Acceptance with exclusions

Pre-existing conditions are frequently excluded from coverage. This means that while you won’t receive benefits for that specific condition, you will still be fully insured for all other health areas.

Basic health insurance and supplementary health insurance can be taken out separately, and even with entirely different providers. There is no obligation to stay with the same provider for both policies.

In other words, you can choose to only take out supplementary health insurance with KPT, irrespective of your existing basic health insurance provider.

This gives you more flexibility in your choice of benefits and premiums, and means that you can choose the best product for you.

The most suitable supplementary health insurance for you depends on your individual needs. Consider which benefits are most important to you and how you want to actively support your health. Find out which supplementary health insurance would be best for you.

Supplementary outpatient insurance

Pulse supplementary outpatient insurance from KPT covers a wide range of health promotion services with contributions towards fitness memberships, yoga classes or check-ups. Supplementary travel insurance is also included. 

Supplementary hospital insurance

Supplementary hospital insurance offers a greater level of comfort during hospital stays. You can choose to stay on a semi-private (twin room) or private ward (single room) and also have a free choice of doctor and hospital.

Supplementary dental insurance

Supplementary dental insurance covers the cost of dental treatment and braces. It is particularly recommended for children as treatment can be covered up to the age of 20.

A certificate from the dentist is not usually required before a child turns 5.