Concordia Health Insurance Switzerland Your Partner for Expat & Family Healthcare
Navigating the Swiss healthcare system is a crucial step for every expatriate and family moving to this beautiful country. Among the trusted names in Swiss health insurance, Concordia stands out, often lauded as "the family insurance" and recognized for its tradition of excellence and personalized health insurance service.
Founded in 1914, Concordia has evolved into a significant player in the Swiss insurance landscape, serving over 632,000 policyholders with comprehensive insurance solutions particularly well-suited for families and expats seeking tailored coverage.
What Makes Concordia Health Insurance Ideal for Families and Expats?
Before exploring Concordia's specific plans, it's crucial for expats and families to understand the Swiss health insurance framework. The system is built on two main pillars: compulsory basic health insurance (governed by Concordia LAMal KVG) and optional supplementary insurance (governed by Concordia LCA VVG). Concordia provides comprehensive solutions under both categories, ensuring you can meet legal requirements while tailoring coverage to your personal healthcare preferences.
Why is Concordia known as "the family insurance"?
Concordia has earned its reputation as "the family insurance" through its family-centric approach to health coverage. They offer attractive premiums for children, comprehensive family plans, and services that address the unique healthcare needs of families at different life stages. Their focus on preventive care, robust dental options, and personalized service makes them particularly appealing to families looking for reliable healthcare protection.
The Swiss Health Insurance System (Compulsory Basic - LAMal/KVG)
Every resident in Switzerland, including expats and their family members, must have basic health insurance within three months of arrival. This insurance, mandated by the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal or KVG), ensures access to essential medical services. The benefits are legally defined and identical across all insurers, including Concordia. This foundational coverage includes treatments for illness, accidents (if not covered by an employer's accident insurance), and maternity care, guaranteeing a high standard of healthcare for everyone.
Supplementary Insurance (Optional - LCA/VVG)
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, many expats and families opt for supplementary insurance to enhance their protection and comfort. These plans, offered under the Federal Insurance Contracts Act (LCA or VVG), are not standardized, meaning benefits and premiums vary. Concordia's supplementary health insurance options allow you to cover services such as private or semi-private hospital rooms, comprehensive dental treatments, alternative medicine, and more extensive international coverage – all aspects that are often highly valued by the international community and families in Switzerland.
Understand more about supplementary insurance in Switzerland
Family Focus
Known as 'the family insurance', offering tailored plans and benefits for families with children.
Personalized Service
Offering personalized health insurance solutions with individual consultation and support.
Multiple Basic Models
Variety of models including Traditional, myDoc family doctor, HMO, and smartDoc telemedicine options.
Extensive Supplementary Options
Comprehensive supplementary plans including dental, alternative medicine, and travel coverage.
About CONCORDIA
CONCORDIA is a Lucerne based health and accident insurance provider with a history dating back to 1914. It has roughly 632,000 policy holders in their basic compulsory insurance model. 2018 revenues from premiums amounted to 2.8 billion Swiss francs.
Expat Advantages with CONCORDIA
Customer service in multiple languages
Modern online platform and app
Special plans and discounts for families
Wide range of insurance options
Compare Health Insurance Options in Switzerland
Get personalized quotes and expert advice tailored to your family's situation
Get Your Personalized concordia Quote
Tell us about your needs for a tailored recommendation
What Supplementary Insurance Options Does Concordia Offer?
To bridge gaps left by basic insurance, Concordia offers a suite of supplementary health insurance plans. These Concordia supplementary plans are particularly beneficial for expats and families seeking comprehensive coverage.
Why expats and families should consider supplementary insurance with Concordia
Supplementary plans can cover dental care, private hospital rooms, alternative therapies, and more extensive travel medical insurance – all valuable additions for expats living in Switzerland who want enhanced coverage beyond the basics. For families, these plans often include specific benefits for children's healthcare needs.
Concordia's Key Supplementary Plans
Basic Supplementary
An initial layer of enhanced protection covering common gaps in basic insurance.
- Extended outpatient coverage
- Basic preventive measures
- Additional healthcare services
Dental Insurance
Multiple variants of dental coverage to suit different needs and budgets.
- Preventative check-ups
- Dental treatments
- Orthodontic procedures (varying levels)
- Cost protection for dental work
Hospital Insurance
Enhanced comfort during hospital stays with semi-private or private room options.
- Private/semi-private rooms
- Enhanced hospital comfort
- Flexible hospitalization options
- Broader choice of hospitals
Alternative Medicine
Coverage for complementary and alternative therapies.
- 130+ alternative medicine methods
- Holistic treatment approaches
- Preventative health focus
- Health promotion activities
Travel Insurance
Protection during international travel, particularly valuable for expats.
- Medical emergencies abroad
- Repatriation coverage
- Medical assistance while traveling
- Support organizing care abroad
Important note: When considering supplementary insurance, assess your family's specific health needs, lifestyle (e.g., travel frequency, preference for private rooms, need for dental or vision care), and budget. Applying when you are in good health is advisable as insurers are not obliged to accept every applicant for supplementary insurance.
Family Focus
Known as 'the family insurance', offering tailored plans and benefits for families with children.
Personalized Service
Offering personalized health insurance solutions with individual consultation and support.
Multiple Basic Models
Variety of models including Traditional, myDoc family doctor, HMO, and smartDoc telemedicine options.
Extensive Supplementary Options
Comprehensive supplementary plans including dental, alternative medicine, and travel coverage.
How Does Concordia Compare to Other Swiss Health Insurers?
When choosing health insurance in Switzerland, it's important to understand how Concordia stacks up against other providers. Here's a comparison of key aspects to help you make an informed decision:
| Feature | Concordia | Other Major Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Family Focus | Very High - Known as "the family insurance" with tailored options for families | Varies - Some providers offer family discounts but few position themselves specifically for families |
| Dental Coverage | Strong - Multiple dental insurance variants available | Varies - Most offer dental options but with varying comprehensiveness |
| Alternative Medicine | Excellent - Coverage for up to 130 alternative medicine methods | Varies - Most offer some alternative medicine coverage but often less comprehensive |
| Digital Services | Good - smartDoc telemedicine option and digital tools available | Varies - Digital capabilities range from basic to very advanced depending on the insurer |
| Personalized Service | High - Focus on personalized health insurance solutions | Varies - Service quality and personalization vary significantly between insurers |
Overall, Concordia particularly stands out for families and those seeking comprehensive alternative medicine coverage and dental options. Their personal approach and family focus make them especially attractive to expat families looking for tailored healthcare solutions in Switzerland.
How Do Concordia's Digital Services Benefit Expats and Families?
While Concordia balances traditional personalized service with modern technology, they do offer a range of digital services designed to make managing your health insurance more convenient, especially for busy expat families.
How tech-savvy do I need to be to use Concordia's digital services?
Concordia's digital platforms are designed to be user-friendly and accessible. While the smartDoc model is best suited for those comfortable with app-based consultations, their other models and services cater to varying degrees of tech comfort. Basic familiarity with smartphones and online services is sufficient for most of their digital features.
Concordia Online Portal
- Manage your policy details
- Submit claims digitally
- View statements and documents
- Track reimbursements
smartDoc App
- Telemedicine consultations
- Medical advice in multiple languages
- Digital prescriptions when possible
- Referrals to in-person care when needed
Digital Benefits for Expat Families
For expat families, Concordia's digital services offer several practical advantages:
- Convenience for busy families - manage everything from home
- Reduced language barriers through digital interfaces
- Quick access to telemedicine, especially helpful for children's minor illnesses
- Simple claim submissions - photograph and upload receipts
How Can Expat Savvy Help You Apply for Concordia Insurance?
Navigating the Swiss health insurance market can be challenging, especially for expat families. Expat Savvy is here to simplify the process of securing health insurance with Concordia:
- System Explanation
We clarify the Swiss healthcare system and how Concordia's offerings fit within it, with a focus on family-specific considerations.
- Family Needs Assessment
We conduct a thorough assessment of your family's specific healthcare needs to determine the most suitable Concordia coverage.
- Plan Comparison
We help you compare Concordia's health plans internally and, if necessary, benchmark them against other insurers to ensure the optimal choice for your family.
- Application Support
We guide you through the application process for Concordia health insurance, making the administrative aspects smoother.
- Ongoing Assistance
Our support continues even after your policy is active, providing peace of mind as your family settles into Swiss life.
The Application Process
1. Family Consultation
We'll discuss your family's specific needs, preferences, and budget to understand your unique situation.
2. Tailored Recommendation
We'll analyze the Concordia options that best fit your family's circumstances and explain the benefits, limitations, and costs.
3. Simplified Application
We'll assist with the paperwork and application process, making it hassle-free for your family to secure appropriate coverage.
The Expat Savvy Family Advantage
- We understand Concordia's family-focused insurance solutions in depth
- Our multilingual team can bridge any communication gaps
- We offer unbiased advice based on your family's specific situation
- Our service is free of charge for you
Conclusion: Secure Your Family's Health with Concordia
Choosing the right health insurance in Switzerland is a cornerstone of a secure and comfortable life for expats and families. Concordia health insurance offers a compelling blend of tradition, personalized service, and family-focused coverage options, making it a strong candidate for your healthcare needs.
Is Concordia the right choice for your family?
Concordia is particularly well-suited for:
- • Families looking for attractive rates for children
- • Those interested in comprehensive dental coverage options
- • People who value alternative medicine approaches
- • Expats who appreciate personalized service and family-focused solutions
- • Those seeking a balance of tradition and modern digital services
With its family-centric approach and diverse plans, including robust dental insurance options and extensive alternative medicine coverage, Concordia is well-equipped to serve the international community. The myDoc family doctor model provides continuity of care that many families value, while their digital services offer convenience for busy expat lifestyles.
Ready to explore your Concordia options? Contact Expat Savvy today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
Ready to secure your family's health coverage in Switzerland?
Let our insurance experts guide you through Concordia's family-friendly options and find the perfect plan for your needs.
Important notice: This information is provided for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest changes to Concordia's offering. While we strive to keep our content current, please consult directly with Concordia or our advisors for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concordia for Expats & Families
- Is Concordia a good health insurance for families in Switzerland?
- Yes, Concordia is often recommended for families due to its positioning as 'the family insurance' and its focus on personalized service. They offer plans and support tailored to family needs, including attractive premiums for children and comprehensive coverage options designed for families.
- Is Concordia suitable for expats in Switzerland?
- Concordia can be very suitable for expats, especially those seeking personalized service and comprehensive coverage options, including robust dental and travel insurance. The availability of telemedicine and multilingual support also adds to its appeal for international residents in Switzerland.
- Does Concordia offer English customer service?
- While direct confirmation is best obtained directly from Concordia, their frequent inclusion in expat-focused insurance guides suggests a strong likelihood of English-speaking support. Many expats report positive experiences with Concordia's multilingual customer service.
- What are Concordia's basic health insurance models?
- Concordia offers several basic models: the Traditional (standard) model with free choice of doctor, myDoc (family doctor model) requiring you to choose a specific GP as first contact, HMO (health network model) using a specific network of providers, and smartDoc (telemedicine model) leveraging virtual consultations as the first point of contact.
- What types of dental insurance does Concordia offer?
- Concordia offers multiple variants of dental insurance, allowing individuals and families to choose a plan that best suits their needs and budget for dental treatments. These range from basic preventative care to more comprehensive options covering orthodontics and complex dental work.
- Does Concordia cover alternative medicine?
- Yes, Concordia offers supplementary insurance options that cover alternative medicine therapies. Their plans can include coverage for up to 130 different alternative medicine methods, providing a holistic approach to healthcare for those who prefer complementary therapies.
- How can I save on Concordia health insurance premiums?
- You can save on Concordia health insurance premiums by choosing an alternative basic insurance model (myDoc, HMO, smartDoc) instead of the Traditional model, selecting a higher annual deductible, or potentially through family discounts if offered.
- How does Concordia myDoc family doctor model work?
- The Concordia myDoc model requires you to choose a designated family doctor as your first point of contact for most health issues. This doctor then coordinates your care and refers you to specialists when necessary. This model fosters a continuous doctor-patient relationship and often comes with premium discounts.
