Ok guys, I saw some questions about health insurance and as a part of my work I leave you some tips:
There are some ways to save money on your health insurance without compromising quality:
- Choose a different model: You can choose one, no difference on coverage, difference on price:
Traditional model (base price = no savings)
You can go to any doctor, anytime.
Family doctor model (you save up to ~ 10%)
You need go visit YOUR doctor first (you can choose any doctor).
"Phone call" model (you save up to ~ 12%)
You need to call to the medical call center before going to any doctor/hospital (unless it is an emergency).
Medic network model (you save up to -15%)
You need go visit YOUR doctor first (you can choose a doctor from the "list")
- Franchises:
If you often go to the doctor, low deductibles .
If you visit the doctor only a few times, high deductibles (lower premium).
There are optimal values for each franchise/medical expenses. For example, in some cases, if you spend less than 1600CHF/year (medical expenses), it's better to have the 2500.- franchise, if you spend more than 1600CHF/year, the best franchise it's always 300 or 500. If you have no idea how much you will spend, it may be safer to choose a 1000 or 1500.- deductible.
(I've made a chart with these data but I don't want to bore you with numbers and intersection points, but if you are interested I can send you the document.)
It's important for you to know that the compulsory insurance has a lot of gaps. For example :
Hospitalization : Full coverage only in the canton of residence;
Medication : Only if belongs to the list (the list has nearly 40 % of all medicaments)
Glasses and lenses: Not covered since 2011
Ultrasound and mammography: 2 ultrasound and mammography in only in case of serious suspicion (cancer).
Emergency transport: Compulsory insurance covers only 50% up to 500CHF/year (the transport costs you more than 700CHF).
And the list continues...
About complementar insurance...
Complementar insurance its very usefull and cheap but you must know what to choose. Beware, because contracts are 1, 3 or 5 years long. Some complementar can cost you only 7 or 8 CHF per month and cover almost everything where base insurance fails. Alternative medicines, glasses, the gym costs, expenses abroad, etc, etc, etc...
Insurance premium changes with age and address. People living outside major cities can save ~40.- per month. Ok, but don't move to your uncle's a farm just to pay less -.-' jk
People often don't know much about health insurance (a lot of people don't even know what they have), because it's mandatory, they are like "oh well, whatever, let's just do it", but if you choose what's best for you, you can save a LOT of money per month and year.
I hope some of this information is somehow helpful.
I'm an insurance broker so if you have any questions insurance related, send me a P.M. or post here. :)
