Explanation of technical terms

EXCESS

The excess is an annual personal contribution that the insured person must make before their health insurance pays benefits. This amount must be paid out of the insured person's own pocket and varies depending on the insurance contract. If a person chooses a higher excess, they usually pay lower premiums, but in return, they have to cover more of their medical costs before the insurance company pays benefits.

POLICY

The policy is the official document describing the contract between the insured person and the insurance company. It contains all the details of the insurance cover. The policy is legally binding and defines the obligations of both parties. In the case of medical treatment, the service provider will ask for the policy number in advance.

PREMIUM

The premium is the amount payable on a regular basis to the insurance company in order to maintain the insurance cover. The amount of the premium depends on various factors such as the scope of the insurance cover, the age of the insured person and the specified excess.

EXCLUSION

Exclusions are provisions in an insurance policy that exclude certain risks or damages from the insurance cover. This means that the insurance does not cover these specific costs or events. Common exclusions include health consequences of certain dangerous activities or damage caused by wars. It is important to know the exclusions in the policy.

DEDUCTIBLE

The deductible represents the amount that the insured person has to pay annually after reaching the excess for healthcare services. It represents ten percent of the cost of treatments and medication. The maximum deductible payable by the insured person is CHF 700 per calendar year. The insurance company then bears the entire costs.

EXEMPTION

Exemption from compulsory insurance means that certain persons are exempted from the legal obligation to take out statutory health insurance under certain conditions. Such exemptions may apply to persons who are staying in Switzerland temporarily, such as foreign students, doctoral students, interns and, where applicable, school pupils and trainees. In order to obtain an exemption, an application must be submitted and the individual circumstances proven.