In Switzerland, mandatory health insurance fully covers certain maternity-related costs, meaning you won’t have to contribute to these expenses. This includes check-ups during and after pregnancy, carried out or prescribed by doctors or midwives, the first-trimester test, and the birth itself — whether at home, in a hospital, or in a birth centre. You’ll also receive a CHF 150 contribution towards a childbirth preparation course, as well as coverage for breastfeeding consultations and midwife services before, during, and after birth. If prescribed due to pregnancy, compression stockings and medications are also included.
From the 13th week of pregnancy until eight weeks after birth, general medical and nursing care for illnesses are also covered.
Paid Check-ups and Ultrasounds
For a low-risk pregnancy, health insurance covers seven check-ups, including two ultrasounds. After birth, a postnatal check-up is scheduled between weeks six and ten. If the pregnancy is classified as high-risk, additional ultrasounds will be covered as needed.
Is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT) Covered?
The mandatory health insurance covers NIPT screening for trisomy 21, 18, or 13 from the 12th week of pregnancy if the risk of trisomy is 1:1000 or higher based on the first-trimester test. If the test confirms a higher risk, an amniocentesis (amniotic fluid test) will also be covered.
What About Supplementary Insurance?
A supplementary insurance plan can provide additional benefits, depending on the provider. This might include extra contributions for prenatal and postnatal courses, a private or semi-private hospital room, reimbursement for prenatal vitamins, the option to give birth in a hospital outside your canton, or even a breastfeeding allowance.
However, be mindful of waiting periods—some private insurers require a qualifying period before covering maternity-related expenses. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand exactly what’s included in your policy.
