CSS Health Insurance: In-Depth Review
Switzerland's largest health insurer, known for comprehensive coverage options, digital innovation, and their new Livo supplementary insurance for 2025. Here's everything you need to know about CSS.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1899
- Headquarters: Lucerne
- Insured Persons: 1.7 million+
- Market Share: 15%
- Customer Rating: 4.2/5.0
Service Languages
CSS offers comprehensive service in all listed languages, with strong English support available. Their documentation, customer service, and digital platforms are accessible in English, making them a good option for international residents in Switzerland.
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Largest health insurer in Switzerland
- Excellent digital services and innovation
- Strong English support for expats
- Comprehensive supplementary options
- New Livo supplementary insurance for 2025
- Extensive provider network
Limitations
- Higher basic insurance premiums in some cantons
- Complex supplementary insurance structure
- Stricter acceptance criteria for some supplementary packages
- Customer service can be slower during peak periods
Digital Services
Digital Features
- Award-winning myCSS app
- Digital health coach
- Online claims submission with photo upload
- Digital insurance card
- Virtual consultations
- Health tracking integration
Benefits
- Fast and efficient claims processing
- Intuitive user interface
- Multilingual support including English
- 24/7 access to insurance information
CSS Basic Insurance Models
CSS offers several models for basic insurance, allowing you to save on premiums by choosing certain restrictions on your first point of medical contact.
| Model | How It Works | Potential Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Model | Free choice of doctors and specialists | None (base premium) | Those prioritizing maximum flexibility |
| Family Doctor Model | Family doctor as first point of contact | Up to 15% | Those with a trusted family doctor |
| HMO Model | HMO center as first point of contact | Up to 22% | Urban residents seeking significant savings |
| Telmed Model | Telemedical consultation first | Up to 18% | Tech-savvy individuals valuing convenience |
Understanding Deductibles (Franchise)
The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. CSS offers various options:
- CHF 300: Standard deductible, highest premiums
- CHF 500, 1000, 1500, 2000: Intermediate options
- CHF 2500: Highest deductible, lowest premiums (up to 40% savings)
After your deductible is met, you pay a 10% co-payment on all costs up to CHF 700 per year.
New for 2025: CSS Livo Supplementary Insurance
Introducing Livo: Simplified Supplementary Insurance
CSS has completely redesigned their supplementary insurance offerings for 2025 with the new Livo product line. Livo simplifies the previously complex supplementary insurance structure into three clear tiers: Basic, Plus, and Premium.
Livo Basic
Essential coverage for everyday healthcare needs at an affordable price point.
Ideal for: Budget-conscious individuals seeking fundamental supplementary benefits.
Livo Plus
Enhanced coverage with higher limits and additional benefits for comprehensive protection.
Ideal for: Families and individuals seeking balanced coverage and value.
Livo Premium
Maximum coverage with the highest limits and exclusive benefits for complete peace of mind.
Ideal for: Those seeking the most comprehensive protection available.
Livo Basic (New for 2025)
- Streamlined outpatient coverage
- Essential alternative medicine treatments
- Basic fitness contributions
- Vision care contributions
- Preventive care benefits
- Medication coverage
Livo Plus (New for 2025)
- Enhanced outpatient coverage
- Expanded alternative medicine
- Higher fitness contributions
- Comprehensive vision and hearing care
- Extended preventive care
- International coverage
Livo Premium (New for 2025)
- Maximum outpatient coverage
- Complete alternative medicine package
- Extensive fitness and wellness benefits
- Premium vision and hearing care
- Comprehensive preventive services
- Global coverage options
Individual Premium Supplement Option
With the new Livo supplementary insurance, CSS offers an innovative approach to pre-existing conditions:
Full Coverage Despite Pre-existing Conditions
- Individual premium supplement instead of coverage exclusions
- Comprehensive insurance even with health conditions
- Flexibility to choose between premium supplement or restriction
- Innovative solution unique in the Swiss insurance market
How It Works
Instead of excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions, CSS calculates a personalized monthly premium supplement that allows you to receive full benefits from your supplementary insurance.
This groundbreaking approach means you can access comprehensive coverage that would otherwise be unavailable to you, making CSS a particularly attractive option for those with existing health conditions.
Other CSS Supplementary Insurance Options
In addition to the new Livo packages, CSS offers specialized supplementary insurance options for specific needs:
Hospital Insurance
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Free choice of doctor
- Worldwide hospital coverage
- Comfort services during hospital stays
- Flexible options (Hospital Flex)
Dental Insurance
- Dental check-ups and hygiene
- Dental treatments
- Orthodontic work
- Various coverage levels available
- Preventive dental care
Important Considerations
- Health Check: Unlike basic insurance, supplementary plans require a health questionnaire and may exclude pre-existing conditions (unless using the premium supplement option).
- Timing: It's best to apply when you're in good health, as acceptance becomes more difficult with age or health issues.
- Cancellation Terms: Supplementary insurance typically has different cancellation terms than basic insurance (often 3 months' notice).
CSS for English Speakers
English Services
CSS offers good support for English speakers, making it a suitable choice for international residents in Switzerland.
- English-speaking customer service representatives
- Key documentation available in English
- English website and app interface
- Support for newcomers to the Swiss system
For Newcomers to Switzerland
If you've recently moved to Switzerland, CSS offers several advantages:
- Comprehensive coverage options
- User-friendly digital services
- Alternative insurance models to reduce costs
- Guidance through the Swiss insurance system
CSS for Specific Groups
For Families
- Family-friendly coverage options
- Comprehensive maternity coverage
- Child-specific supplementary options
- Family discounts available
For Health-Conscious
- Preventive health programs
- Fitness and wellness benefits
- Digital health coaching
- Health tracking integration
For International Residents
- Good English language support
- International coverage options
- Digital-first approach for convenience
- Support for navigating Swiss healthcare
Premiums and Costs
CSS premiums vary based on several factors. While exact figures depend on individual circumstances, here are the key factors affecting your premium:
Premium Factors
- Canton of residence
- Age group
- Chosen insurance model
- Selected deductible
- Supplementary coverage options
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Choose an alternative insurance model
- Opt for a higher deductible if healthy
- Pay premiums annually for potential discounts
- Review supplementary coverage needs regularly
- Check eligibility for premium subsidies
Get Personalized Premium Quotes
For accurate premium information based on your specific situation, use our AI calculator or schedule a free consultation with our insurance experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new CSS Livo supplementary insurance for 2025?
CSS Livo is a completely redesigned supplementary insurance offering launching in 2025. It simplifies the previously complex supplementary structure into three clear tiers: Livo Basic, Livo Plus, and Livo Premium. Each tier offers progressively more comprehensive coverage and higher benefit limits. A key innovation is the individual premium supplement option, which allows people with pre-existing conditions to get full coverage by paying a personalized premium supplement rather than facing coverage exclusions.
How does CSS compare to other major Swiss insurers?
As Switzerland's largest health insurer, CSS offers extensive coverage options and a wide provider network. Their basic insurance premiums are competitive in many cantons, though not always the lowest. They excel in digital services with their award-winning myCSS app and offer good English support for international residents. Their new Livo supplementary insurance for 2025 represents a significant innovation in the market. While their size can sometimes mean slower customer service during peak periods, they generally provide reliable service and comprehensive coverage options.
What is the individual premium supplement option?
The individual premium supplement is an innovative approach introduced with CSS's Livo supplementary insurance. Instead of excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions (the traditional approach), CSS offers the option to pay a personalized monthly premium supplement that allows you to receive full benefits from your supplementary insurance despite having pre-existing health conditions. This means you can access comprehensive coverage that would otherwise be unavailable to you, making CSS a particularly attractive option for those with existing health conditions.
Is CSS a good choice for English-speaking expats?
Yes, CSS is generally a good choice for English-speaking expats. They offer comprehensive English support through their customer service, with English-speaking staff available to handle insurance matters. Their website, app, and key documentation are available in English. Their size and experience mean they're accustomed to serving international clients and understand the unique needs of expats navigating the Swiss healthcare system. Their digital-first approach also makes managing your insurance more convenient for busy international professionals.
How do I switch to CSS from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to CSS by giving notice to your current insurer by November 30th for a January 1st change. For supplementary insurance, the notice period is typically three months, but check your current policy. It's important to secure acceptance from CSS for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. With the new Livo supplementary insurance launching in 2025, this might be a good time to consider switching, especially if you have pre-existing conditions that could benefit from the individual premium supplement option. Our experts can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Interested in CSS Insurance?
Compare CSS's premiums with other providers and get expert guidance on choosing the right coverage for your needs, including the new Livo supplementary insurance options for 2025.