In response to the coronavirus pandemic the Federal Council has declared that an extraordinary situation exists in Switzerland. Among other things this has an impact on arrangements relating to compulsory basic health and accident insurance.
Coverage of inpatient treatments in hospital
During the coronavirus pandemic existing inpatient facilities may be extended or repurposed. We have put together guidelines to assure that the coverage of inpatient care and the relevant tariffs are governed uniformly throughout Switzerland.
Coverage of outpatient care provided remotely
The social distancing rule included in the behavioural guidelines issued by the Federal Council in response to the coronavirus pandemic has consequences for outpatient care. The need arises to conduct necessary treatments remotely (at a distance) rather than at a medical practice, and to bill them accordingly. We have put together the currently valid options for billing phone consultations and recommended temporary solutions.
Pharmaceuticals and tests
Pharmaceuticals: We have written to health insurers to ask them to take account of the current situation when reimbursing claims for drugs and checking requirements.
FOPH letter: coverage of pharmaceuticals (in German) (PDF, 94 kB, 26.03.2020)
Analyses: As the protective measures are gradually relaxed, the current rules on who meets the cost of testing are stated more precisely. They are set out in the updated fact sheet.
Rehabilitation and payment collection/reminder procedure
Hospitals may have to create space for people infected with the novel coronavirus. In this case they can move other patients to rehabilitation facilities without obtaining a commitment to provide cover from the health insurer in advance.
The Federal Council has imposed a legal moratorium on debt collection proceedings. Insurers thus do not have to adhere to the specified reminder periods. Despite this, the cantons will pay 85 per cent of the value of loss certificates issued because of non-payment of premiums and cost shares.
Information to insurers and cantons (in German) (PDF, 100 kB, 26.03.2020)
Period of validity
All arrangements and recommendations are valid for as long as Ordinance 2 on measures to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) (COVID-19 Ordinance 2; SR 818.101.24) of 13 March 2020 is in force.
Last modification 03.06.2020
Contact
Due to the extraordinary situation we are unable to respond in writing to enquiries.
Please refer instead to our webpages, which are continuously updated.
Under Contacts and links you will find contact information for the FOPH, other federal agencies and the cantons.