Semi-Private supplementary insurance, do you have it?

[racletteforall]

Hi all,

I’ve heard that semi-private supplementary health insurance in Switzerland can be worthwhile, especially if you need major treatment or a longer hospital stay, or even for giving birth.. These are some of the benefits I’ve come across:

• A two-bed room
• More choice of specialists for surgery and hospital treatment
• The freedom to choose a hospital anywhere in Switzerland
• Shorter waiting times for non-urgent surgeries
• Better meals during a hospital stay
• A free second opinion from respected doctors
• The option for a companion to stay overnight with you

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have semi-private insurance? Is it worth it?

 

[Baptiste Wicht]

Hi

It could be interesting for giving birth, indeed.
However, it's worth noting that some hospitals have only semi-private rooms for mothers. We had semi-private just for that, and it was useuless
So, it's important to do some research.

For major treatment, sure, but you usually cannot plan it ahead

I would say that giving the price, it's a significant premium to pay mostly for two-bed rooms (the main perk in my opinion).

However, I know some people that take it for the access to more doctors. But this is something few people need in practice.

 

[racletteforall]

Hi

It could be interesting for giving birth, indeed.
However, it's worth noting that some hospitals have only semi-private rooms for mothers. We had semi-private just for that, and it was useuless
So, it's important to do some research.

For major treatment, sure, but you usually cannot plan it ahead

I would say that giving the price, it's a significant premium to pay mostly for two-bed rooms (the main perk in my opinion).

However, I know some people that take it for the access to more doctors. But this is something few people need in practice.

I agree with you. But a long hospital stay with a serious health problem would be really inconvenient if five people were sharing my room. Additionally, the shorter waiting list for non-urgent surgeries and, as you mention, being able to choose the doctor you like when you have an important health problem can make a big difference.

The thing is that this supplement is not sustainable as you get older (+125 CHF p/m when you reach the 60s and +200 CHF p/m at 70s), however, who knows if we might retire in Switzerland or not.

 

[Baptiste Wicht]

In the end, insurance is a balance between risks (probability) and premiums. For me, it's not worth the premium for the low probability that it happens, but this balance changes from people to people. You have to ask yourself whether you are prepared to pay all your life for something that may not happen.