Kosten der Pflege zu Hause: Was kommt auf Sie zu?
Caring for a family member at home involves costs -- for professional support, aids and often indirectly through reduced employment. Who pays for what? What services does the health insurer cover, and what do you have to pay yourself? This guide gives you an overview of home care costs in Switzerland.
Cost overview: Who pays what?
The costs of home care are made up of various items. The basic health insurance covers the costs of medically necessary care services. These include basic care (personal hygiene, nutrition, mobility) and medical treatments by Spitex.
The person receiving care must pay a co-payment and a deductible, as with other health insurance services. Additionally, aids (e.g. wheelchair, care bed) may be needed. Part of this is covered by the health insurer, the rest is borne by the person in need of care or their family.
Pure support services (e.g. companionship, accompaniment) are not covered by basic insurance. These costs must be borne by the individual or financed through supplementary benefits.
What the health insurer covers
The mandatory health insurance (OKP) covers the costs of medically indicated home care. The prerequisites are a medical prescription and recognition by the health insurer. Spitex services are then billed directly to the health insurer.
If you take over the care as a family member and are employed through a recognised Spitex organisation, the health insurer also covers your compensation. The amount is up to CHF 51,900 per year (based on 25h/week) depending on the Spitex organisation. With our salary calculator you can calculate your entitlement.
Important: The health insurer only pays for services that are recorded in the care plan and billed by Spitex. Informal care without employment is not remunerated, which is why official employment through a Spitex organisation is worthwhile.
Supplementary benefits and helplessness allowance
Persons with low income and assets can apply for supplementary benefits to AHV/IV (EL). These cover the cost of living including care costs that are not covered by the health insurer.
The helplessness allowance (HE) from AHV/IV is paid to persons who regularly need help with everyday activities. It is independent of income and can be used to finance care services. The amount depends on the care level (mild, moderate, severe).
Learn more on our pages about helplessness allowance and family caregiving.
Compensation for family caregivers
If you take over the care as a family member, you are entitled to appropriate compensation. This is financed by the health insurer through Spitex. So you do not have to pay anything out of pocket. On the contrary: you receive a regular salary with social insurance contributions.
The compensation offsets part of your expenses and can help ensure you need to reduce your paid work less. Check with our salary calculator whether you have an entitlement. The assessment is free and non-binding.
Home care costs are manageable when you know the funding sources. Health insurance, helplessness allowance and supplementary benefits together form a solid foundation. As a family caregiver, you do not have to provide care without compensation. Inform yourself about your rights.