Semi-Private Insurance

What the Semi-Private Insurance of Swiss Health Insurances Offers

A hospital stay can be challenging, and the need for a comfortable environment is understandable. The basic insurance in Switzerland typically covers accommodation in a multi-bed room and leaves little room for choice of hospital and doctor. For additional comfort and the option to choose your hospital and doctor, a semi-private supplemental insurance is recommended, allowing you a stay in a two-bed room and free choice of hospital.

What services does semi-private hospital insurance cover?

While mandatory health insurance partially covers the costs for inpatient stays in the canton of the insured person, since 2012 there has been the option to choose a hospital from a cantonal cross-list. However, cost coverage is limited to rates in the home canton; any additional costs are borne by oneself. This regulation offers some choice but no free choice of doctor, meaning the assigned doctor may not be specialized in the specific illness.

A supplemental insurance provides you with additional comfort during your hospital stay. There are three main variants: The "general department" guarantees you free choice of hospital throughout Switzerland and free choice of doctor. Although a quarter of the Swiss population has chosen semi-private or private hospital supplemental insurance, this does not mean they are automatically insured semi-privately or privately. The designations rather refer to the department you will be accommodated in during a hospital stay.

In addition to the free choice of hospital and doctor, semi-private hospital supplemental insurance also covers full accommodation in the semi-private department and the right to a two-bed room. The private supplemental insurance covers accommodation in the private department accordingly.

Who is a semi-private hospital insurance suitable for?

The scope of benefits provided by supplementary hospital insurance may vary between health insurers. Insurers can also exclude certain illnesses from coverage. Unlike basic insurance, supplementary plans are not required to accept every applicant. Depending on your health status, your application may be rejected.

Premiums for supplementary hospital insurance are calculated individually and primarily depend on the insured person's age and gender. As you age, premiums generally tend to increase. A semi-private plan is especially attractive for those who value comfort and the freedom to choose their doctor and hospital. We’re happy to assist you in selecting a suitable Visana product.