Hello,
I will be relocating to Geneva with my wife and 2-year-old son early this year. My wife was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease about one year ago. So far her condition seems quite manageable as long as she takes her medication. I'm wondering if we will have any issue getting the insurance and care she needs in Geneva.
Will the insurance fees be exorbitant? Will her choice of insurers or doctors be restricted? Will the basic care suffice, or will we need supplemental insurance? Are any particular companies or plans recommended?
Any help or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Basic insurance is obligatory here, insurers would take any resident who applies, and premiums don't depend on health condition. The premiums are exorbitant though in any case, 300-500 Fr/month (you can check on
http://www.priminfo.ch/ ). Supplementary insurance is a different matter, rejection for a preexisting condition is likely.
"basic" insurance in Switzerland is not really basic. All medically required treatments are covered, it's just extras like private room, right to see a senior doctor even for minor illness, complementary therapies that are not covered.
You'll be fine with basic. We moved to Switzerland when Mr HH had active cancer...so could only get basic. It's paaid for all of his treatments, new and expensive drugs, major surgery, 3 weeks residential rehab after surgery, etc etc. He's seen senior doctors when appropriate (complex or unusual situations) and well supervised junior doctors for simpler things.
Not sure where you are moving from, but the system compares very favourably with our experiences of either the UK or US systems.