Is a hospital stay covered?
Yes, in the general ward and in a hospital in your canton. The canton pays 55 per cent, your insurer 45. But three things remain yours.
Who pays what
A hospital stay is not paid by your insurer alone. Since 2012 the financing has been shared: your canton of residence covers at least 55 per cent, the insurer the rest. That is why the hospital must appear on your canton’s hospital list — that list is what commits the canton to its share.
Outside your canton, cover applies in only two cases: emergency, and medical necessity, when the treatment you need is not available where you live. A personal preference is not enough, and the difference can be heavy.
What remains yours
- Your annual deductible, if not already met.
- The 10 per cent co-payment, up to CHF 700 a year for an adult.
- A contribution to board and lodging of CHF 15 per day in hospital.
Who does not pay the CHF 15 a day
That contribution stands for what you would have spent feeding yourself at home. It therefore does not apply to everyone, and the exception is broader than people think.
Exempt are: children, young people in education up to 25, and women for anything relating to maternity. Over a three-week stay that is CHF 315 of difference — check your bill.
Sophie’s guides
- CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 deductible?
- Family doctor, HMO or telemedicine?
- Cancelling your health insurer
- Premium subsidies
- Understanding LAMal
- Supplementary insurance (VVG)
- Pillar 3a taxation 2026
- Our status and your rights
- Is dental care covered?
- Are braces covered?
- Are glasses covered?
- Is complementary medicine covered?
- Is osteopathy covered?
- Is a private room covered?
- Is pregnancy covered?
- Is physiotherapy covered?
- Is psychotherapy covered?
- Are medicines covered?
- Is an ambulance covered?