Can an HIV positive person get health insurance in Switzerland?

Is it possible for a person with HIV or AIDS to get health insurance in Switzerland?

Hi there,

Individuals who are infected with HIV are entitled to the same compulsory health insurance as all other individuals residing in Switzerland. Swiss compulsory health insurance covers the cost of most basic healthcare requirements typical of HIV/AIDS patients, including medical examinations and pharmaceuticals. You can get an overview of what is covered in the moneyland.ch guide to compulsory health insurance coverage.

It is important to note that, while insurers are obliged by Swiss law to provide compulsory health insurance to any Swiss resident who applies for it, the same does not hold true for supplemental health insurance. Supplemental insurance includes policies which provide outpatient insurance, hospital insurance, travel health insurance and other coverages above what is included in compulsory health insurance.

While HIV-positive individuals are guaranteed basic health insurance by Swiss law, they may be refused new supplementary health insurance policies due to the higher risk for insurers.

Individuals with chronic illnesses who require frequent medical care and medicines are advised to take out compulsory health insurance with the lowest possible deductible (300 francs per year for adults). In addition to your deductible, a coinsurance payment equal to 10% of covered medical expenses applies - up to a maximum of 700 Swiss francs per year in combined coinsurance payments.

Premiums vary broadly between insurance providers, location and insurance models (standard and managed care). The compulsory health insurance comparison on moneyland.ch makes it easy to find the cheapest policy for a person in your age bracket and place of residence.

Best regards from Moneyguru

More on this topic:
Compulsory health insurance comparison
Guide to coverage for medicines