Can a person living with HIV still take out basic and supplementary health insurance?

Basic insurance is actually mandatory. Anyone residing in Switzerland must insure themselves against illness. Insurance companies, on the other hand, are obliged to offer all individuals basic insurance regardless of their health status. Basic insurance covers all costs that are necessary for the treatment of HIV.

Anyone who moves to Switzerland to work and/or live must take out insurance with a health insurer of their choice within three months.

In the case of voluntary supplementary insurance, freedom of contract gives insurers the right to insure who they want. People with HIV or other pre-existing chronic conditions will not usually be offered such insurance.

What are the annual costs?

The following annual costs can be expected: 

• Deductible (fixed amount each year): For people with HIV who have regular medical check-ups and take antiretroviral medication, the minimum deductible of CHF 300 is recommended.
• Excess: The excess is 10% of the costs that exceed the deductible, up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year. If an equivalent generic product (a copy of the drug with the same active ingredient) is available for a required medication, the excess will usually be 40%. 

Health insurance premiums: Health insurance premiums vary depending on the health insurer and the premium region. Further information, along with a premium calculator, can be found at www.priminfo.admin.ch of the Federal Office of Public Health. 

Is it possible to choose a savings model (e.g. telmed or GP model)?

For compulsory basic insurance, most health insurers offer alternative insurance models that come with lower premiums. Individuals insured under these models are obliged to consult their GP first or call a telephone advice line provided by the health insurer before every visit to the doctors. People suffering from a chronic illness can also benefit from these savings models in principle. However, before signing up, it is important to study the policy carefully. If the terms and conditions are not adhered to, insurance companies may take different and sometimes drastic action, such as refusing to cover the cost of doctor’s visits and prescribed medications.

Detailed information can be found in the Legal Guide HIV (chapter «Health Insurance»).