Sanitas Health Insurance in Switzerland: An Informational Guide (2026)
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Welcome to Switzerland! For expatriates navigating the Swiss healthcare system, understanding the available health insurance options is essential. This guide provides publicly available information about Sanitas, a prominent health insurance provider in Switzerland known for its modern approach, comprehensive digital services, and a range of insurance plans designed to meet diverse needs.
This guide focuses on aspects of Sanitas that may be relevant to expats, based on publicly available information. This includes Sanitas's approach to pre-existing conditions coverage and their digital tools.
Important Disclaimer:
The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data from official Sanitas sources. It does not constitute financial, legal, or insurance advice. Expat-Savvy.ch is an information platform and does not have a direct partnership with Sanitas. For personalized advice and to purchase insurance products, we can connect you with independent, external insurance consultants who may have their own partnerships with various insurers, including Sanitas.
Last updated: September 11, 2025
Key Facts About Sanitas (2025/2026) â Based on Public Information
- âąBasic Insurance: Acceptance into the mandatory basic health insurance is guaranteed by law for all Swiss residents.
- âąSupplementary Insurance: Acceptance into supplementary insurance plans is subject to a health check by the insurer.
- âąPre-existing Conditions: Sanitas offers an "Individual Premium Supplement" which may provide coverage for certain pre-existing conditions in supplementary plans, subject to their assessment.
- âąDigital Services: Sanitas provides digital tools such as the Sanitas Portal app and access to telemedicine services through Medgate.
- âąInsurance Models: A variety of basic insurance models are available, including Basic (free choice of doctor), CareMed (family doctor), NetMed (HMO), and Callmed & Compact One (telmed models).
Why Sanitas May Be of Interest to Expats
Based on publicly available information, here are some features of Sanitas that may be relevant to international residents in Switzerland:
English Language Support
Sanitas offers customer service and documentation in English, which can be helpful for expatriates.
Pre-existing Conditions Coverage
The availability of the "Individual Premium Supplement" can be a significant factor for individuals with pre-existing health conditions seeking supplementary insurance.
Digital-First Experience
For those who prefer managing their services online, Sanitas's digital platforms, including the Sanitas Portal app and Medgate telemedicine services, offer a convenient way to handle insurance matters.
Variety of Insurance Models
The range of basic and supplementary insurance models allows individuals to choose a plan that aligns with their healthcare needs and budget.
About Sanitas Health Insurance
Sanitas is one of Switzerland's leading health insurance providers, with a large number of policyholders and significant annual premium revenues. Sanitas presents itself as a health partner focused on well-being, offering innovative solutions and comprehensive coverage options.
Sanitas is known for its forward-thinking approach to health insurance, combining traditional Swiss quality with modern digital innovation. They offer a range of digital tools to simplify insurance management. Their solutions, such as the Individual Premium Supplement for pre-existing conditions, demonstrate their efforts to address the diverse needs of their customers, including the international community in Switzerland.
With a focus on quality service and an understanding of the challenges expats may face, Sanitas aims to make the healthcare journey in Switzerland as smooth as possible. From providing information in English to offering access to top-tier medical facilities, Sanitas is equipped to meet a wide range of expectations and provide comprehensive health coverage.
Need help understanding your options?
Expat-Savvy.ch is an information platform. We can connect you with independent insurance consultants who can provide personalized advice and help you compare different insurance providers, including Sanitas, to find the best fit for your needs.
The Sanitas Individual Premium Supplement: A Noteworthy Option
One of Sanitas's notable offerings is its Individual Premium Supplement for certain pre-existing health conditions. According to Sanitas's official website, they are "the first health insurer in Switzerland to offer many of its customers the option to take out supplementary insurance without a restriction" through this innovative approach.
While most insurers may exclude pre-existing conditions from supplementary coverage, Sanitas offers a solution that may allow for coverage without such restrictions. This approach means that an individual might pay a higher premium, but in return, their pre-existing condition could be covered under the terms of their supplementary plan. This can provide a path to more comprehensive coverage for expats with existing health concerns.
Sanitas Basic Health Insurance (Obligatorische Grundversicherung)
In Switzerland, basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) is mandatory for all residents, including expatriates. This foundational coverage ensures access to essential medical services. Sanitas, like all Swiss health insurers, provides basic health insurance plans that comply with federal regulations.
While the scope of services under basic insurance is defined by law and is consistent across all providers, Sanitas offers various models to suit different needs and preferences.
Basic Health Insurance Models (Verified from Official Sources)
Based on information from Sanitas's official website, the following models are available:
Basic (Free Choice of Doctor)
Allows for the free choice of doctors throughout Switzerland, with the highest premium.
CareMed (Family Doctor Model)
Requires choosing a designated family doctor as the first point of contact, which can result in lower premiums (discount of between 7% and 10%).
NetMed (HMO Model)
A Health Maintenance Organization with a network of doctors, offering lower premiums (discount of between 7% and 19%).
Callmed & Compact One (Telmed Models)
Requires an initial consultation via the Medgate app or telephone, providing significant premium savings (discount of between 7% and 23%).
Medbase MultiAccess (Combi Model)
Choose flexibly from Medbase medical centres, Medbase pharmacies or telemedicine, offering premium discounts of between 10% and 15%.
Note: When choosing a basic health insurance model, it is important to consider factors such as your preferred level of flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, your budget, and your comfort with models like telmed or HMO. An independent insurance consultant can provide guidance on which model might best align with your individual circumstances.
Sanitas Digital Experience: User-Friendly Apps and Services
In an increasingly digital world, the convenience of managing health insurance online is a significant factor for many. Sanitas has embraced technology to enhance the customer experience with its comprehensive digital ecosystem, which may be particularly appealing to tech-savvy expatriates and those who value efficiency and accessibility.
Sanitas Portal App (Verified Information)
According to Sanitas's official website, the Sanitas Portal app serves as a digital health insurance command center, offering a range of convenient features:
- âą Policy Documents: View insurance details, coverage limits, and policy documents in one place
- âą Coverage Checking: Check specific coverage details for various treatments and services
- âą Digital Claims Submission: Submit medical claims by scanning or uploading invoices
- âą Personal Details Management: Update contact information and personal details directly
- âą Digital Insurance Card: Access a digital insurance card anytime, anywhere
Sanitas Medgate App (Verified Information)
This specialized telemedicine application connects users directly with medical professionals:
- âą Virtual Consultations: Consult with qualified physicians via video or phone calls from home
- âą Medical Advice: Receive professional medical opinions for non-emergency situations
- âą Prescriptions: When appropriate, doctors can issue prescriptions sent directly to a pharmacy
- âą Integration with Telmed Models: For Callmed or Compact One models, this app is the mandated first point of contact
Benefits for Expats
For expatriates in Switzerland, Sanitas's digital services may offer several advantages:
- Language Accessibility: The apps are available in multiple languages, which can help overcome potential language barriers in the Swiss healthcare system.
- Familiarity: A digital approach to healthcare management may feel more familiar and comfortable for many international residents who are used to digital services.
- Convenience: Digital claim submission and management can be particularly valuable when navigating a new healthcare system in a foreign country.
Innovative Approach to Pre-existing Conditions
One of Sanitas's most distinctive offerings is its approach to pre-existing conditions in supplementary insurance. This is particularly relevant for expats who may be concerned about coverage limitations for existing health issues when moving to Switzerland.
The Individual Premium Supplement (Verified Information)
Traditionally, when applying for supplementary health insurance in Switzerland with pre-existing conditions, insurers typically offer one of three outcomes:
- Full acceptance with standard premiums (rare for significant pre-existing conditions)
- Acceptance with exclusions for the pre-existing conditions (common)
- Outright rejection of the application (for severe conditions)
According to Sanitas's official website, they offer an innovative fourth option: The Individual Premium Supplement. With this approach, instead of excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions, Sanitas may offer to cover them by calculating an individualized premium supplement based on the specific condition and associated risk.
How It Works:
- During the application process for supplementary insurance, you complete the standard health questionnaire.
- If you disclose a pre-existing condition, Sanitas assesses the associated risk.
- Rather than automatically excluding coverage for this condition, Sanitas may offer you an Individual Premium Supplement.
- You pay a higher premium, but in return, the pre-existing condition is covered according to the terms of your supplementary insurance plan.
Key Benefits for Expats:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Your pre-existing condition is covered under your supplementary insurance plan, providing more comprehensive protection.
- Transparency: You know exactly what you're paying for the additional coverage, with a clear breakdown of your standard premium and the supplement.
- Peace of Mind: Particularly valuable when settling in a new country, knowing that your existing health concerns are covered can provide significant reassurance.
- Choice: In many cases, you may still have the option to choose between a traditional exclusion or the premium supplement, allowing you to select the approach that best suits your needs and budget.
It's important to note that this option isn't automatically available for all conditions or applicants. The availability of the Individual Premium Supplement and its cost will depend on various factors, including the specific pre-existing condition, its severity, and your overall health profile.
For expatriates with pre-existing health conditions who are concerned about securing comprehensive coverage in Switzerland, this innovative approach from Sanitas represents a significant advantage worth exploring. An independent insurance consultant can help you understand the potential implications for your specific situation and guide you through the application process.
Key Sanitas Advantages for Expats
Based on publicly available information, here are some reasons why Sanitas may be of interest to international residents:
Digital-First Approach
Sanitas's modern digital ecosystem, including the Sanitas Portal app and Medgate telemedicine services, offers convenient policy management and healthcare access. This may be ideal for tech-savvy expatriates who value digital accessibility.
Individual Premium Supplement
Sanitas's innovative approach to pre-existing conditions in supplementary insurance, through an individualized premium adjustment, can provide a path to more comprehensive health coverage for some expats.
Multilingual Support
Sanitas provides customer service in multiple languages, including English, which can help expatriates navigate the Swiss healthcare system more comfortably. Documentation and digital services are also available in English.
Global Coverage Options
With premium supplementary insurance plans, Sanitas offers enhanced international coverage for treatment abroad. This can be valuable for expats who travel frequently.
Getting Started with an Independent Consultant
Expat-Savvy.ch is an information platform that can connect you with independent insurance consultants. These consultants can help you navigate the complexities of the Swiss health insurance market and find a provider that matches your unique needs, whether it's Sanitas or another insurer.
Services Offered by Independent Consultants:
Personalized Consultation
Understanding your needs, family situation, budget, and any pre-existing conditions.
Needs Analysis & Comparison
Explaining the plans of various insurers, including Sanitas, and comparing them with other market alternatives.
Pre-existing Conditions Guidance
Providing information and assistance regarding options like Sanitas's Individual Premium Supplement.
Application Help
Offering guidance with the application process and documentation.
Premium Optimization
Helping you find ways to optimize your coverage while managing costs.
Family Packages
Evaluating family-oriented insurance options.
Ready to explore your options with an independent expert?
Get the guidance you need for peace of mind with your Swiss health insurance. We can connect you with a qualified, independent consultant for a free consultation.
Helpful Resources
Learn more about health insurance in Switzerland:
Switching Health Insurance
Learn about the process, timing, and considerations when changing your health insurance provider.
Learn more âHealth Insurance for New Arrivals
Everything you need to know about setting up health insurance when you first move to Switzerland.
Learn more âSwiss Health Insurance Deadlines
Important dates and deadlines for switching or modifying your health insurance coverage in Switzerland.
Learn more âFrequently Asked Questions
How does Sanitas handle pre-existing conditions for supplementary insurance?
According to Sanitas's official website, they offer an innovative "Individual Premium Supplement" for certain pre-existing conditions. This means you might pay a higher premium, but in return, your pre-existing condition could be covered under your supplementary insurance plan. The availability and cost of this supplement depend on Sanitas's assessment of the individual case.
Is Expat-Savvy.ch a partner of Sanitas?
No, Expat-Savvy.ch is an information platform and does not have a direct partnership with Sanitas. We provide publicly available information about various insurance providers in Switzerland. For personalized advice and to purchase insurance products, we connect users with independent, external insurance consultants who may have their own partnerships with insurers, including Sanitas.
What digital services does Sanitas actually offer?
Based on verified information from Sanitas's official website, they offer the Sanitas Portal app for managing insurance affairs and the Sanitas Medgate app for telemedicine consultations. These apps provide features like digital claims submission, coverage checking, and virtual doctor consultations.
Disclaimer and Important Information
No Partnership or Endorsement:
Expat-Savvy.ch is an independent information platform and has no direct partnership, affiliation, or formal relationship with Sanitas or any other insurance provider mentioned on this website. The use of the Sanitas name or any other trademarks is for informational and editorial purposes only. It does not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by Sanitas of Expat-Savvy.ch, or vice-versa.
Informational Purposes Only:
The content provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information from official Sanitas sources and other verified public sources. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
External Consultants:
Expat-Savvy.ch is an information platform that connects users with external, independent insurance consultants. These consultants are not employees of Expat-Savvy.ch and operate their own businesses. They may have their own contractual relationships with various insurance companies, including Sanitas. Any advice or services provided by these consultants are their own and not the responsibility of Expat-Savvy.ch.
No Legal, Tax, or Financial Advice:
The information on this website is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Verification of Information:
We strongly recommend that you verify all information, including but not limited to, policy details, premiums, and coverage, directly with the insurance provider or a qualified independent insurance consultant before making any decisions. The official websites and documents of the insurance providers are the primary sources of information.
Sources:
Information in this guide has been compiled from publicly available sources, primarily Sanitas's official website (sanitas.com) and other verified public sources. All factual claims have been cross-referenced with official documentation where possible.
This page was last updated on September 11, 2025.