What does the health insurance cover when pregnant?

In Switzerland, pregnancy and childbirth care is covered by the compulsory health insurance. The conditions under which health care is covered are set out below. All healthcare costs are covered from the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after the birth, with no franchise or co-payment. (Lien: BAG)

Assurances et les prestation couvertes

Pregnancy care

For a straightforward pregnancy with no complications a woman is entitled to:

• 7 prenatal appointment (provided by a midwife and/or a doctor)

• up to 150 francs for individual or group prenatal classes

If required, the number of midwife and/or doctor check-ups can be adapted with a medical prescription.

Labour and birth care

The insurance covers home birth, births in a hospital, or in a birthing center, provided that the hospital or birthing center is included on the hospital list of your canton of residence.

The care provided by doctors and midwives is included. If you wish to give birth in a hospital, you can consult your independent midwife for a pre-labor check-up.

Postpartum care

If this is a first baby, or if the baby was born prematurely, by cesarean section, and/or in the case of a multiple pregnancy:

• 16 check-up visits are covered.

If this is not a first baby and the birth was vaginal:

• 10 check-up visits are covered.

If needed, additional visits may be prescribed by the doctor (for example, the gynecologist or the pediatrician). Important: The prescription must be issued in the mother’s name, even if the check-up is for the baby.

... If you choose to breastfeed

You are entitled to three consultations, and this applies for the entire duration of your child’s breastfeeding, whether at 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years.