In Switzerland, the difference lies in the accommodation and the doctors who will take care of you.
On a general ward, you will stay in a room with several beds (between two and eight), depending on availability. You cannot choose your medical practitioners (surgeon, obstetrician, etc.). In the case of public hospitals, the CHIS reimburses 100% of the costs associated with a stay on a general ward.
On a semi-private ward, you will stay in a room with two beds. You can choose your medical practitioners (surgeon, obstetrician, etc.), provided that they are recognised by the hospital or clinic. In the case of a public hospital or an approved private clinic, the costs of hospitalisation on a semi-private ward are reimbursed by the CHIS according to the General Rule.
The same conditions apply to hospitalisation on a private ward as to hospitalisation on a semi-private ward, but you will stay in a room with one bed and the room supplement will be entirely at your own expense.
Please note that, in a non-approved clinic, 80% of hospitalisation costs will be reimbursed, with no limit on the costs borne by the member (no FCA accumulation).
| Establishment | Approved | Not-Approved | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common division (cantonal hospitals) | Semi-private division | Private division | Semi-private division | Private division | |
| Choice of practitioners (surgeon, obstetrician) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of beds | 2 to 8 beds | Max. 2 beds | 1 bed | Max 2 beds | 1 bed |
| Reimbursement of medical treatment costs | 100% | General Rules | General Rules | 80% | 80% |
|
Semi-private |
Not applicable | General Rules | General Rules | 80% | 80% |
| Private accommodation (1st class) | Not applicable | Difference between 2nd and 1st class at member's sole expense | Not applicable | Difference between 2nd and 1st class at member's sole expense | |