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Future of supplementary private hospitalization insurance in Switzerland: a policy brief
Kateryna Riabchenko1, Carlo De Pietro1
1Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Manno, Switzerland.
Background:
Voluntary hospitalization insurance (VHI) in Switzerland has lost part of its traditional role as mandatory health insurance has expanded, hospital financing reforms have increased public co-financing of inpatient care, and patterns of hospitalization have changed. Nevertheless, VHI remains strategically important for hospitals, insurers, and some providers.
Analysis:
This policy brief draws on a structured review of academic and grey literature, regulatory and policy documents, market information, and ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis identifies four main challenges: growing dependence on mandatory health insurance, changing patterns of hospitalization, non-uniform benefits across insurers and providers, and fragmented tariff arrangements.
Policy Options:
Three policy directions emerge: modernizing VHI through innovation, strengthening communication with policyholders and patients, and improving public reporting on coverage, pricing, and use.
Conclusion:
Strengthening transparency while enabling innovation is essential if VHI is to remain a credible and sustainable component of the Swiss healthcare system.