I just moved to Switzerland (ZG) and I’m in the phase to search for health insurance, but I had a little issue trying the first one and I’m afraid to try another insurance company and again have the same issue.
A few weeks ago my therapist said to go to a psychiatrist or neurologist due to ADD symptoms for a proper diagnosis with a doctor, but it was 3 days before moving - which means I know I will “keep a treatment” in Switzerland. So, when I applied, I wrote my case very honest ( naive?) and the insurance company didn’t want to cover more than the basics (which do not include psychotherapy and meds which I didn’t find fair).
So, what should I do?
Observation:
Insurances usually ask about something “found” in the last 5-10 years and, actually, 7 years ago, when I was doing therapy for another purpose, popped up the idea of having ADD to be investigated, but there were so many things going on and I moved to another place that I didn’t went further into that. I kept struggling with the symptoms but could make it so far because I learned how to manage most of the symptoms (and mask them pretty well, though). However, the struggle is real and, again, went to therapy for another reason and popped up the ADD to be investigated again - coincidentally, in the same situation: about moving from one place to another.
So, if it is ADD and I would need more than diet, routine, omega3, workout and positive thinking to be able to work properly, so, I’m up for it. But then, I need more than basic coverage from insurance in Switzerland...
Does somebody have some idea about insurance companies' options that might cover these things or how these things work here to give me some clarification about my case?
P.S.: I've read other threads saying about children with adhd/add in Switzerland and I saw it seems to work differently insurances for children and adults. And I'm not interested in neurofeedback or other holistic treatment (I've tried a sort of them!).
I am afraid that is the reality of Swiss health insurance. They cannot turn you down for basic insurance. but are entirely entitled to refuse any or all supplementary cover. If you lie on application, they will soon find out anyhow- so being honest is the only way. (btw we were turned down due to pre-existing conditions. Some people with pre-exisiting conditions seem to be able to by-pass those restrictions, as they employers have huge contracts with an Insurance and they close of blind eye. They are more than very lucky!)
No insurance will take you on if they assess that you will be a loss from the start, which is why many people agree to pay over the top when they are young and healthy, so that they will have that cover if and when.
I have only the basic insurance, and have ADD. My Ritalin is covered by insurance. I can’t speak to diagnostic coverage because I was dx’d in the US. You might be covered, depending on your needs.
My Concerta is covered by Basic Insurance, as is any consultation, which I have to have if I want an update or change in my prescription. Also, I can only have Concerta OR Ritalin, but not both.
Perhaps you’ll be lucky, but I doubt it....
It is normally covered by the Kanton not the insurance companies, but there are residency rules and diagnosis deadlines to qualify so not really a possibility for expats.
Exactly what happened. The supplementary was refused because I said I wished to go to the doctor, even though I do not have a diagnosis.
I was thinking to don't being so specific next time. Say something like "therapist indicated visit a psychiatrist", but not specify the ADD condition.
Exactly, I've had asthma and bronchitis since I was 5 y/o and she said the supplementation was refused not because of it, but because of ADD condition. So, I found it pretty weird, because as I understand, even with a late diagnosis, you might have been born with ADD/ADHD just not found before for uncountable reasons. I don't see differences between both conditions, only the fact that I need a diagnosis for the ADD.
Which made me think as you:
But thank you very much for replying me!
Have you had a diagnosis in Switzerland or not?
Great to know the basic insurance covers it! It helps a lot knowing it! Thank you!
You are in a bit of a pickle because many insurances ask "have you been turned down by insurance" and if you answer honestly, then they will immediately turn you down.
Psychaitrist is covered by basic insurance so you can go to one to get assessed. medicines will also be covered. ongoing psychotherapy coverage will be limited (but it is on most plans...)
....apart from basic insurance which they cannot refuse
Yes! Apologies I was referring to the complementary insurance part.
Psychiatry is covered by basic insurance, including medication and therapy.
I don't think I was really rejected by an insurance company since they kept offering me with basics. Which I think is fine. It is not an issue to violate norms or policy, they didn't want to give me any supplementation of the insurance. I was naive to say too much information straightway and I think it could have sounded like "I came to Switzerland for treatments" as it would be my option and not a lack of option.
Anyhow, it is something I might clarify in the next insurance company!
You were turned down for supplementary, and this is what other companies will want to know. Lying could have serious consequences. Of course they offered you basic insurance, they have to, by Law.
The question they ask is something very broad and all encompassing like "Were you ever turned down for any insurance for any reason" and clearly the answer for you is "yes" - you can lie of course and perhaps get away with it but perhaps not. Your decision.
Am surprised to hear this. In my experience psychotherapy is 100% covered but it has to be prescribed by a psychiatrist. If you go to a therapist on your own initiative insurance won't pay for it. I have also been turned down for supplementary but have never had a problem with having my regular psychiatrist, psychologist, and med bills being paid by basic insurance. To be honest I'm not even sure what benefits supplementary insurance could offer, apart from maybe a private hospital room if it ever came to that???
Indeed that happened! And I had to answer "yes".
So there were a bunch of questions more to answer explaining the reason. I tried to put something broader but at least because I checked with my psychologist and the diagnosis I can do it clinically with her, so here in Switzerland I just would need to go to the doctor and check the dosage... Which I think, would decrease the issue of "being in a diagnosis" with psychotherapy and so on. Less bad to the insurance, I think.
Well... It was what the commercial agent from CSS told me, I couldn't go to a psychologist only to any doctor, and a psychologist would be in the supplementary but I couldn't get it because of the possible but undiagnosed ADHD. So I quit CSS and I'm taking another insurance!
I will keep my psychotherapy anyway online, private outside of CH. Here I only would need a psychiatrist. But at least, I checked with this insurance that if it would be needed a psychologist, it would be possible and the agent said that if it would be prescribed by a doctor, there would be any problem.
Perhaps, the agent from CSS was just not interested to pick the risk for the company - it is a cheap one.
Make sure you have actually quit - because in Switzerland you can only cancel an insurance in November far as I know. You just writing and cancelling it now doesn’t work.
I quit = I didn't accept the offer.
But good to know! Thank you!!