Bern opens to reimbursements for medical devices purchased abroad (cross-border guide)
The Federal Council proposes to reimburse certain medical devices purchased abroad through the AOMS.
Contesto
In short - The Federal Council proposes to reimburse medical devices purchased abroad. - The measure concerns compulsory health care insurance (AOMS). - Drugs are excluded. ## Key facts - What: Reimbursement of medical devices purchased abroad. - When: Proposal of the Federal Council. - Where: European Economic Area. - Who: Insured AOMS. - Amount: 727 million francs (EMAp costs in 2023). The Federal Council has proposed an amendment to the Health Insurance Act (LAMal) to allow the reimbursement of certain medical devices purchased privately within the European Economic Area. Currently, such devices are not remunerated if purchased abroad. The new measure aims to foster competition and reduce healthcare costs in Switzerland. For example, a patient in Zurich could buy a blood glucose reader abroad at a price 30% lower than Swiss prices, saving about CHF 150. > "The aim is to increase competition and reduce costs for patients," the Federal Council said. According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), costs for privately purchased medical devices (PMED) reached CHF 727 million in 2023. The change to LAMal could lead to annual savings of around CHF 100 million for policyholders. The medical devices concerned include those such as
Dettagli operativi
Practical implications The recently approved regulatory change will have a significant impact on healthcare costs in Switzerland, in particular with regard to consumables, which represent about 50% of the costs of the list of vehicles and appliances (EMAp), amounting to CHF 727 million in 2023. The actual savings will depend on the actual use of the new possibility by policyholders. According to estimates, if only 20% of policyholders in Canton Zurich, which has about 1.5 million inhabitants, decided to buy medical devices abroad, the savings could reach 7.3 million francs per year, considering an average price reduction of 30%. The implementation of the project is the responsibility of the Federal Council and the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI), which will define which means and apparatus can be remunerated. > "This measure represents an important step towards reducing healthcare costs in Switzerland," said a representative of the Federal Council. ### Comparison with the current situation Currently, medical devices purchased abroad are not remunerated by the Compulsory Health Insurance (AOMS), as established by the DFI ordinance of 29 September 1995. With the new proposal, policyholders will be able to take advantage of potentially lower prices applied abroad, thus containing health costs. For example, a survey conducted among hospitals in the city of ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
Procedure and deadlines The implementation of the new measure will be defined by the Federal Council and the Federal Department of the Interior (DFI). Policyholders will have to check with their insurances which medical devices will be covered and how to proceed with the purchase abroad and reimbursement. For example, in Zurich, some insurers are already drawing up lists of medical devices that can be purchased abroad, such as knee braces and dentures. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) for updates on legislation and procedures. The legislation will come into force on 1 January 2024, with a maximum limit of reimbursable expenditure set at CHF 500 per device. > "This measure represents an important step towards reducing healthcare costs for Swiss citizens," said Federal Councillor Alain Berset. To drill down and calculate potential savings, you can use our salary calculator to assess the impact on your healthcare costs. For example, a citizen of Geneva could save up to 30% on the purchase of a knee brace purchased in France instead of Switzerland. - Check the conditions of your health insurance. - See the list of allowed medical devices on the FOPH website. - Calculate potential savings using our salary calculator. A comparison between buying in Switzerland and abroad Source: tio.ch
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What medical devices will be reimbursed?","a":"The proposal concerns certain medical devices purchased within the European Economic Area. The Federal Council and the DFI will specifically define which means and apparatus will be covered."},{"q":"Does the measure include medications?","a":"No, the proposal explicitly excludes drugs. Only certain medical devices will be considered for reimbursement."},{"q":"How can I check which devices are covered?","a":"It is advisable to consult the official website of the FOPH and contact your health insurance for up-to-date information on the procedures and devices covered."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What medical devices will be reimbursed?
- The proposal concerns certain medical devices purchased within the European Economic Area. The Federal Council and the DFI will specifically define which means and apparatus will be covered.
- Does the measure include medications?
- No, the proposal explicitly excludes drugs. Only certain medical devices will be considered for reimbursement.
- How can I check which devices are covered?
- It is advisable to consult the official website of the FOPH and contact your health insurance for up-to-date information on the procedures and devices covered.