Sanitas Health Insurance: In-Depth Review
A leading Swiss health insurer known for digital innovation, international coverage options, and comprehensive supplementary packages. Here's everything you need to know about Sanitas.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: Zurich
- Insured Persons: 835,000+
- Market Share: 5.8%
- Customer Rating: 4.3/5.0
Service Languages
Sanitas offers comprehensive service in all listed languages, with particularly strong English support. Their documentation, customer service, and digital platforms are available in English, making them a popular choice among international residents and expats in Switzerland.
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Excellent digital services and innovation
- Strong international coverage options
- Good English support for expats
- Comprehensive supplementary packages
- Focus on preventive healthcare
- Transparent pricing structure
Limitations
- Higher basic insurance premiums in some cantons
- Limited physical office locations
- Stricter acceptance criteria for some supplementary packages
- Less extensive network in some rural areas
Digital Services
Digital Features
- Award-winning Sanitas Portal app
- Digital health coach (Coach app)
- Online claims submission with photo upload
- Digital insurance card
- Virtual consultations
- Health tracking integration
Benefits
- Fast and efficient claims processing
- Personalized health recommendations
- Seamless digital experience
- 24/7 access to insurance information
Sanitas Basic Insurance Models
Sanitas 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 |
| NetMed (Family Doctor) | Family doctor as first point of contact | Up to 15% | Those with a trusted family doctor |
| CareMed (HMO) | HMO center as first point of contact | Up to 20% | Urban residents seeking significant savings |
| MedCall (Telmed) | Telemedical consultation first | Up to 17% | Tech-savvy individuals valuing convenience |
Understanding Deductibles (Franchise)
The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. Sanitas 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.
Sanitas Supplementary Insurance Options
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, Sanitas's supplementary plans offer enhanced benefits and services for more comprehensive protection.
Classic
- Comprehensive outpatient coverage
- Alternative medicine treatments
- Fitness contributions
- Vision and hearing aids
- Preventive care benefits
- Medication coverage
Jump
- Designed for young adults
- Sports medicine and fitness
- Mental health support
- Travel coverage
- Digital health services
- Attractive premiums
Hospital
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Free choice of doctor
- Worldwide hospital coverage
- Comfort services during hospital stays
- Flexible options (Hospital Flex)
Dental
- 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.
- 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).
Innovative Pre-existing Condition Coverage
New: Full Coverage Even With Pre-existing Conditions
Sanitas offers a groundbreaking approach to supplementary insurance with their individual premium supplement option:
Key Benefits
- Full Coverage: Comprehensive insurance despite pre-existing conditions
- Flexibility: Choose between premium supplement or restriction
- Innovative Solution: First Swiss insurer to offer this option
- Personalized: Tailored to your specific health situation
How It Works
Instead of excluding coverage for pre-existing conditions, Sanitas offers a monthly premium supplement that allows you to receive full benefits from your supplementary insurance.
This innovative approach means you can access comprehensive coverage that would otherwise be unavailable to you, making Sanitas a particularly attractive option for those with existing health conditions.
Premium Calculator
To find out if you qualify for this innovative coverage option and to get a personalized quote, speak with our insurance experts who can guide you through the process and help you understand the potential benefits for your specific situation.
Sanitas for English Speakers
English Services
Sanitas offers excellent support for English speakers, making it a popular choice for international residents and expats in Switzerland.
- Dedicated English-speaking customer service team
- Comprehensive documentation in English
- Fully functional English website and app
- Specialized support for international clients
For Newcomers to Switzerland
If you've recently moved to Switzerland, Sanitas offers several advantages:
- Expat-friendly services and support
- International coverage options
- Digital-first approach for convenience
- Guidance through the Swiss insurance system
Sanitas for Specific Groups
For Families
- Family-friendly coverage options
- Comprehensive maternity coverage
- Child-specific supplementary options
- Family discounts available
For Young Adults
- Jump package for ages 19-35
- Digital-first approach
- Sports and fitness benefits
- Mental health support
For International Professionals
- Global coverage options
- English-language services
- Digital tools for busy lifestyles
- Premium hospital coverage
Premiums and Costs
Sanitas 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 makes Sanitas stand out from other Swiss insurers?
Sanitas distinguishes itself through its strong digital innovation, with award-winning apps and digital health tools that consistently rank among the best in Switzerland. They also offer excellent international coverage options and English-language services, making them particularly popular among expats and international professionals. Their supplementary packages are well-designed with clear benefits and transparent pricing, and they place a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and wellness programs.
How good is Sanitas's English support?
Sanitas offers excellent English support across all their services. They have dedicated English-speaking staff, comprehensive English documentation, and fully functional English versions of their website and apps. Being headquartered in Zurich, which has a large international community, they're well-equipped to serve English-speaking customers and provide specialized support for expats navigating the Swiss healthcare system.
What digital services does Sanitas offer?
Sanitas is a leader in digital health services, offering an award-winning customer portal app that allows for easy policy management, claims submission with photo upload functionality, and access to digital insurance cards. Their separate Coach app provides personalized health recommendations, activity tracking, and health challenges. They also offer virtual consultations, digital document management, and integration with various health tracking devices and apps.
Is Sanitas a good choice for expats and international professionals?
Yes, Sanitas is an excellent choice for expats and international professionals. Their strong English support, digital-first approach, and international coverage options make them particularly well-suited to serve this demographic. They understand the unique needs of international residents and offer guidance through the Swiss healthcare system. Their headquarters in Zurich, a major international business hub, means they're experienced in serving a diverse, multinational customer base.
How do I switch to Sanitas from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to Sanitas 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 Sanitas for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. Our experts can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Interested in Sanitas Insurance?
Compare Sanitas's premiums with other providers and get expert guidance on choosing the right coverage for your needs.