THE LAMAL HURTS

The LAMal... We can never thank Ruth Dreifuss enough for her "gift" that everyone curses

The KVG, explained:

Basic health insurance guarantees high-quality medical care and treatment to everyone living in Switzerland. Basic health insurance is compulsory and provides the same benefits to all insured persons. It covers outpatient care provided by GPs or in hospitals, as well as stays in general wards in hospitals within the canton of residence.

You are free to choose your basic health insurer. The insurer must accept anyone who wishes to take out cover with them. The insurer may not impose any restrictions on the benefits they provide to the insured person.

The benefits under basic health insurance are set out in the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal) and its regulations are pre-determined. The benefits offered by all insurers are identical (though not at the same price).

Health insurance covers costs arising from illness and maternity, as well as from accidents in the absence of accident insurance. Benefits are provided in the canton of residence, where possible.

Emergency treatment received abroad is also covered if it is not possible to return to Switzerland. Thanks to bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, Swiss citizens abroad receive the same basic healthcare as EU residents.

Premiums for basic insurance depend on the insured person’s place of residence. Adult policyholders pay the same premium with the same insurer.

Premiums for children (up to their 18th birthday) are reduced. The insurer may also offer premium reductions to young adults in education (up to the year they turn 25).

Patient contributions towards costs reimbursed by basic insurance

• Insured persons must bear a portion of the costs of care or treatment, with the exception of maternity-related costs and certain preventive services.
• The insured person’s contribution comprises the deductible (also known as the annual deductible) and the co-payment:
• The standard deductible. This contribution is deducted from benefits each year. It amounts to a minimum of CHF 300 per year and does not apply to children under the age of 18.
• The insured person may choose a higher excess, which entitles them to a premium discount
• The co-payment. This is a 10% contribution towards costs exceeding the excess amount, up to CHF 700 per year (children and young people up to the age of 18: CHF 350)
• People living alone must contribute CHF 10 per day when they are in hospital
• All personal contributions to costs are subject to a maximum limit.
• Premiums for basic insurance vary according to the insured person’s place of residence and age.

There are three categories of premiums:

• Children (up to and including 18 years of age)
• Young adults (aged 19 to 25)
• Adults (aged 26 and over)

Insured persons must contribute towards the costs of benefits reimbursed by basic insurance, with the exception of all benefits provided during pregnancy.
This contribution is known as the excess.

Source: Insurance Info

Of course, no one is under any illusion that the increases will ever stop, despite the insurance companies’ repeated lies.

Which brings us to this perfect explanation of the current situation in Switzerland, by the talented team at 26 Minutes