Hospital Supplementary Insurance: Demand is Declining in Switzerland
Demand for hospital supplementary insurance in Switzerland has declined significantly over the past five years. An analysis of more than one million applications on comparis.ch found a decline of 20% between 2019 and 2024 for inpatient insurance, which includes the "Private ward," "Semi-private ward," and "Flex" models. The "Flex" model, despite a 16.7% increase in applications over the past year, accounts for only 2.7% of total applications.
The most popular coverage is "Common Ward Throughout Switzerland," which allows a free choice of hospital at no extra cost. However, basic insurance only partially covers the costs of rescuing and transporting patients, often leaving high expenses to be borne by the insured.
There was a significant increase in applications for coverage for correction of tooth position, with an increase of 42.9% from 2019. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, saw an increase of 38% despite now being covered by basic insurance if prescribed by a physician.
Comparis expert Felix Schneuwly attributes the decline in hospital supplementary insurance to increased comfort in shared wards and the growing number of outpatient surgeries, which make inpatient coverage less necessary.
