What insurance makes sense for children: An overview for parents

In Switzerland, children are generally well covered by compulsory health insurance. Nevertheless, everyday life shows that not all benefits are fully covered – and additional costs can quickly arise in the case of unexpected events in particular.

Comprehensive insurance coverage helps to cushion such situations at an early stage and reduce the financial burden on the family. At the same time, it creates planning certainty – especially when life circumstances change or unforeseen challenges arise.

This allows you to focus on what is most important as a parent: your child.

In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for every child from birth.

The most important facts about basic cover at a glance:

• Registration must occur within 3 months of the birth at the latest.
• If you register on time, the insurance coverage applies retroactively from birth.
• Benefits are defined by law and are the same from all providers.

The main differences are in the premiums and the insurance models chosen (e.g. family physician, HMO or telemedicine).

Despite a solid basis, there are benefits that are only partially covered or not covered at all:

• dental treatment, such as caries treatment or braces
• alternative or complementary therapies
• contributions for glasses and contact lenses (limited)
• free choice of doctor and more comfort in hospital
• emergency treatment abroad (only partially covered)

In these cases, supplementary insurance closes important gaps in cover.

Supplementary insurance is voluntary but offers important added value. This is because it closes important gaps that are not covered by basic cover.

Dental insurance (dental supplement)

Covers the costs of braces and dental treatment.

Tip: Take out insurance as early as possible – ideally before the age of 4.

Supplementary hospital insurance

• Free choice of physician and hospital
• Accommodation in a semi-private or private ward
• More comfort during the hospital stay

Supplementary outpatient insurance

• Contributions for alternative healing methods
• Extended preventive and early detection medical services
• Support with healthcare costs such as glasses

Travel insurance

• Protection when traveling abroad
• Assumption of emergency treatment and transportation costs

In addition to healthcare, there are other risks that are easily overlooked in everyday life:

• Financial consequences of disability: If a child is restricted in the long term due to illness or an accident, state benefits are often not enough.
• Additional costs in everyday life: For example, for care, aids or necessary adaptations to the living environment.
• Liability claims: Children can cause damage – for example, when playing or in everyday life.

Personal liability insurance (usually for the family) protects against financial consequences.

In addition to insurance coverage, financial provision also plays an important role.

If you start saving regularly at an early stage, you will benefit in the long term from the compound interest effect and the performance of securities. Even small amounts can build up a solid financial cushion over the years.

This may benefit your child later, for example for:

• training or studies
• driver's license
• the start of an independent life

Before your child's birth

• Select health insurance
• Check supplementary insurance and apply early

Up to 3 months after the birth

• Take out basic cover
• Stick to deadlines

Subsequently

• Check insurance coverage regularly
• Amend insurance in the event of changes (e.g. school, relocation, family situation)