Pregnancy in Switzerland: What does basic and supplementary health insurance cover, and what are your rights?
If you're expecting a baby or planning to start a family in Switzerland, you probably have plenty of questions. What does health insurance cover? What financial support is available? And how do maternity and leave for the other parent work?
In this guide, I'll explain the essentials clearly and without complicated jargon.
Medical check-ups and ultrasound scans
Swiss mandatory basic health insurance covers maternity-related care, including:
Seven routine prenatal check-ups for an uncomplicated pregnancy, carried out by a doctor or midwife.
Two routine ultrasound scans during a normal pregnancy.
Certain laboratory tests and medically necessary examinations.
If your pregnancy requires additional monitoring, further examinations or ultrasound scans may also be covered when medically indicated.
⚠️ Not every supplement, vitamin or optional examination is automatically covered. Coverage depends on the treatment and applicable insurance rules. Some supplementary insurance policies may offer additional benefits.
Giving birth in Switzerland
Basic health insurance covers childbirth in an approved setting, including:
A hospital birth in the general ward of an eligible hospital.
A home birth attended by qualified professionals.
A birth at an approved birth centre.
Covered midwife services.
What if you prefer:
A private or semi-private hospital room?
A private clinic?
A particular doctor to attend your delivery?
These options may involve additional costs or require suitable supplementary hospital insurance.
Important: Supplementary insurance must generally be arranged before you need the benefits, and waiting periods or admission conditions may apply.
Your hospital stay after giving birth
The length of your hospital stay depends on your medical needs and recovery.
After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, a stay of around two to three days is common. Recovery following a caesarean section may require a longer stay.
However, there is no universal entitlement to exactly three or four days. Medically necessary hospital care is covered according to the applicable insurance rules.
⚠️ Extras such as accommodation for your partner, a family room or special hospitality services may not be included in basic insurance. Some hospitals offer these for an additional fee.
After giving birth: Care for the mother
Basic health insurance also covers important postnatal services, including:
Postnatal care and follow-up appointments.
Eligible home visits from a midwife, with the number of visits depending on the circumstances.
Three breastfeeding counselling sessions provided by recognised professionals.
A postnatal medical check-up, generally between six and ten weeks after delivery.
Postnatal exercise classes and certain recovery programmes are not automatically covered by basic insurance, although some supplementary policies may contribute towards their cost.
What about your baby?
Your newborn needs their own mandatory basic health insurance from birth.
You generally have three months after the birth to register your baby with a Swiss health insurer. Coverage then applies retroactively from the date of birth.
You can also arrange the insurance before your baby is born, which is highly recommended to make the process easier.
Basic insurance covers eligible medical care for your child, including:
Routine paediatric check-ups.
Recommended vaccinations covered under the applicable rules.
Medically necessary treatments and hospital care.
Depending on your canton and household income, you may also qualify for premium subsidies to help with your child's health insurance costs.
Should you take out supplementary insurance for your baby?
Supplementary health insurance is optional, but it may be worth considering depending on your family's needs and priorities.
For example, certain policies may offer benefits for:
Dental or orthodontic treatment.
Additional hospital accommodation options.
Selected complementary therapies.
Other services not included in mandatory basic insurance.
💡 An important tip: Some insurers offer favourable admission conditions for babies whose supplementary insurance is arranged before birth.
However, acceptance without a medical questionnaire is not guaranteed by every insurer. Conditions, deadlines, waiting periods and exclusions vary between providers.
That's why it's worth comparing the options early rather than assuming all supplementary policies work in the same way.
Maternity leave and leave for the other parent
Maternity leave
Eligible employed mothers in Switzerland are generally entitled to:
14 weeks of paid maternity leave.
Compensation of 80% of their average earnings, subject to the applicable maximum daily allowance.
Employment protection during pregnancy and for 16 weeks after childbirth, subject to the relevant legal provisions.
Additional benefits may be available under employment contracts, collective agreements or cantonal rules.
Leave for the other parent
The eligible father or other legally recognised parent is generally entitled to:
Two weeks of paid leave, equivalent to ten working days for a standard five-day working week.
Compensation of 80% of average earnings, subject to the applicable maximum.
The option to take the leave in one block or as individual days within six months of the birth.
Eligibility conditions apply to both types of leave.
Financial support and family allowances
Families in Switzerland may qualify for several forms of support, including:
Child allowances: The federal minimum is CHF 215 per month per child, although some cantons provide higher amounts.
Education allowances: Available under the applicable conditions for children in education or training.
Health insurance premium subsidies: Depending on your canton, household income and other eligibility criteria.
Additional cantonal or employer benefits: These vary according to your circumstances.
It's worth checking what support is available in your canton before and after your baby arrives.
In summary
Swiss basic health insurance provides extensive maternity and newborn care. However, some families choose supplementary insurance for additional services or greater flexibility.
Depending on the policy, these may include:
Additional optional examinations or services.
Private or semi-private hospital accommodation.
Selected complementary therapies.
Additional hospital benefits.
Dental or orthodontic cover for children.
The right choice depends on your needs, budget and the conditions of each insurance policy.
Request your free consultation
Planning for a baby involves important decisions, and understanding your health insurance options can make the process easier.
I can help you review your current insurance, compare suitable options and understand what to consider before your baby arrives.
I'm Jesús Gómez, a FINMA-registered insurance advisor in Switzerland (registration number F01575262). I help residents and newcomers make informed decisions about their insurance and financial planning.