Visana Health Insurance: In-Depth Review
A well-established Swiss health insurer with strong presence in German-speaking regions. Here's a balanced assessment of Visana's strengths and limitations to help you make an informed decision.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1996
- Headquarters: Bern
- Insured Persons: 855,000+
- Market Share: 6.4%
- Customer Rating: 4/5.0
Service Languages
Visana's primary service languages are German, French, and Italian, with German being the strongest due to their headquarters in Bern. English support is very limited compared to other major Swiss insurers, which can be a significant challenge for non-Swiss language speakers.
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Strong presence in German-speaking regions
- Good supplementary insurance options
- Solid digital platform for Swiss language users
- Competitive premiums in some cantons
- Focus on preventive healthcare
- Good customer service in Swiss languages
Limitations
- Very limited English support
- Documentation primarily in Swiss languages
- Digital services not fully available in English
- Limited support for international customers
- Fewer physical offices outside German regions
- Less expat-friendly than other major insurers
Digital Services
Digital Features
- Customer portal (myVisana)
- Mobile app
- Digital insurance card
- Online claims submission
- Electronic document management
- Health services directory
Digital Limitations
- Limited English interface options
- Help documentation primarily in Swiss languages
- Customer support in digital channels mainly in Swiss languages
- Navigation challenges for non-Swiss language speakers
Visana Basic Insurance Models
Visana 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 20% | Urban residents seeking significant savings |
| Telmed Model | 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. Visana 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.
Visana Supplementary Insurance Options
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, Visana's supplementary plans offer enhanced benefits and services for more comprehensive protection.
Ambulatory
- Outpatient coverage
- Alternative medicine treatments
- Fitness contributions
- Vision and hearing aids
- Preventive care benefits
- Medication coverage
Complementary
- Alternative medicine focus
- Natural treatments and therapies
- Holistic health approach
- Preventive care
- Health promotion benefits
Hospital
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Free choice of doctor
- Hospital coverage in Switzerland
- 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).
Visana for English Speakers
⚠️ Not Recommended for English-Only Speakers
We do not generally recommend Visana for expats or residents who only speak English. Their English language support is very limited, which can create significant barriers throughout your insurance experience.
- Documentation: Most materials are only available in German, French, and Italian
- Customer Service: Very few English-speaking representatives
- Digital Platforms: Limited or no English interface options
- Claims Process: Difficult to navigate without Swiss language skills
Language Barriers
Visana's services are primarily designed for Swiss language speakers, with significant barriers for English-only customers:
- Policy documents primarily in Swiss languages
- Customer service representatives rarely speak English fluently
- Website and app with minimal English functionality
- Claim forms and health questionnaires in Swiss languages
Better Alternatives for Expats
If you're an English speaker in Switzerland, we recommend these more expat-friendly insurers:
- Helsana: Excellent English support and expat services
- Sanitas: Strong English capabilities and international focus
- SWICA: Good English support and digital services
- CSS: Comprehensive English materials and support
Visana for Specific Groups
For Swiss Language Speakers
- Comprehensive service in German
- Good service in French and Italian
- Complete documentation in Swiss languages
- Local understanding of needs
For Families
- Family-friendly coverage options
- Comprehensive maternity coverage
- Child-specific supplementary options
- Family discounts available
Not Ideal For
- English-only speakers
- International professionals
- Recent arrivals to Switzerland
- Those needing extensive international coverage
Premiums and Costs
Visana's 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
Is Visana a good choice for English-speaking expats?
No, we generally don't recommend Visana for English-speaking expats who don't speak a Swiss national language. Their English support is very limited, with documentation, customer service, and digital platforms primarily available only in Swiss languages. This creates significant barriers for English-only speakers trying to navigate the Swiss healthcare system. For expats, insurers like Helsana, Sanitas, SWICA, or CSS offer much better English language support and expat-friendly services.
What are the main advantages of choosing Visana?
For Swiss language speakers, Visana offers several advantages including a strong presence in German-speaking regions, good supplementary insurance options, and solid customer service in Swiss languages. They have competitive premiums in some cantons and a good focus on preventive healthcare. Their digital platform works well for those who speak German, French, or Italian. However, these advantages are significantly diminished for those who only speak English.
How do Visana's digital services compare to other insurers?
Visana offers a functional digital platform including a customer portal (myVisana), mobile app, digital insurance card, and online claims submission. However, these digital services are primarily available in Swiss languages with very limited English options. For Swiss language speakers, the platform is adequate but not as advanced as digital leaders like Helsana or Sanitas. For English-only speakers, the digital experience is significantly compromised due to language barriers.
What supplementary insurance options does Visana offer?
Visana offers a range of supplementary insurance options including ambulatory coverage for outpatient treatments, complementary medicine packages, hospital insurance for private or semi-private rooms, and dental coverage. Their supplementary packages are well-structured and competitive in terms of benefits and pricing. However, all documentation and support for these packages is primarily in Swiss languages, making them difficult to navigate for English-only speakers.
How do I switch to Visana from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to Visana 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 Visana for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. However, if you're an English-only speaker, we strongly recommend considering other insurers with better English support to avoid communication difficulties throughout your insurance relationship.
Compare All Your Options
While Visana may be suitable for Swiss language speakers, English-only speakers should explore more expat-friendly alternatives. Compare all Swiss health insurers to find the best match for your specific needs and language preferences.