Sympany Health Insurance: In-Depth Review
A customer-focused Swiss health insurer known for competitive premiums, innovative supplementary packages, and a strong digital presence. Here's everything you need to know about Sympany.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1914
- Headquarters: Basel
- Insured Persons: 260,000+
- Market Share: 3.2%
- Customer Rating: 4.3/5.0
Service Languages
Sympany offers service in all listed languages, with particularly strong support in German and French due to their Basel headquarters. Their English services are well-developed, making them a good option for international residents in Switzerland.
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Competitive basic insurance premiums
- Innovative supplementary packages
- Strong focus on customer satisfaction
- Good digital services
- Transparent pricing structure
- Flexible coverage options
Limitations
- Smaller provider with less market presence
- Limited physical office locations
- Less extensive hospital network in some regions
- Fewer specialized supplementary options compared to larger insurers
Digital Services
Digital Features
- User-friendly customer portal (mySympany)
- Mobile app with full functionality
- Digital insurance card
- Online claims submission
- Electronic document management
- Virtual consultations
Benefits
- Streamlined claims processing
- 24/7 access to insurance information
- Paperless communication
- Intuitive user experience
Sympany Basic Insurance Models
Sympany 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 |
| casamed family doctor | Family doctor as first point of contact | Up to 15% | Those with a trusted family doctor |
| casamed HMO | HMO center as first point of contact | Up to 22% | Urban residents seeking significant savings |
| callmed 24 | 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. Sympany 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.
Sympany Supplementary Insurance Options
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, Sympany's supplementary plans offer enhanced benefits and services for more comprehensive protection.
plus
- Comprehensive outpatient coverage
- Alternative medicine treatments
- Fitness contributions
- Vision and hearing aids
- Preventive care benefits
- Medication coverage
premium
- Enhanced outpatient coverage
- Extensive alternative medicine
- Higher fitness contributions
- Expanded vision and dental care
- Comprehensive preventive care
- International coverage
hospita
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Free choice of doctor
- Worldwide hospital coverage
- Comfort services during hospital stays
- Flexible options (hospita 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).
Sympany for English Speakers
English Services
Sympany 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, Sympany offers several advantages:
- Competitive premiums for basic insurance
- Streamlined digital application process
- Alternative insurance models to reduce costs
- Strong presence in Basel region (popular with expats)
Sympany for Specific Groups
For Families
- Family-friendly coverage options
- Comprehensive maternity coverage
- Child-specific supplementary options
- Preventive care benefits
For Young Adults
- Special rates for ages 19-25
- Digital-first approach
- Fitness and wellness benefits
- Budget-friendly options
For Urban Residents
- Strong HMO network in cities
- Digital services for busy lifestyles
- Preventive health programs
- Particularly strong in Basel region
Premiums and Costs
Sympany is known for offering competitive premiums, particularly for basic insurance. While exact figures vary based 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
How does Sympany compare to larger Swiss insurers?
Sympany is a mid-sized insurer that often offers more competitive basic insurance premiums than some larger providers. While they may have fewer physical locations and specialized supplementary options, they excel in customer service and digital offerings. Their size allows for more personalized service, though their provider network might be less extensive in some regions outside their Basel stronghold.
What makes Sympany's supplementary insurance unique?
Sympany's supplementary packages are known for their flexibility and innovative approach. Their "plus" and "premium" packages offer comprehensive coverage for alternative medicine, preventive care, and fitness contributions at competitive rates. They're particularly strong in offering clear, transparent packages without complicated exclusions or limitations, making it easier for customers to understand exactly what they're getting.
How good is Sympany's English support?
Sympany offers good English support through their customer service, with English-speaking staff available to handle insurance matters. Their website and app are available in English, and key documentation is provided in English. Being based in Basel, which has a large international community, they're accustomed to serving English-speaking customers and generally provide good support for non-German speakers.
Is Sympany a good choice for newcomers to Switzerland?
Yes, Sympany can be an excellent choice for newcomers, particularly those settling in the Basel region or other urban areas. Their competitive premiums, good English support, and user-friendly digital services make the Swiss insurance system easier to navigate. Their alternative insurance models can help newcomers save on premiums while still receiving quality coverage.
How do I switch to Sympany from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to Sympany 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 Sympany for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. Our experts can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Interested in Sympany Insurance?
Compare Sympany's premiums with other providers and get expert guidance on choosing the right coverage for your needs.