We are under IVF/ICSI treatment.

My husband did TESE, testicular sperm extraction? Will this surgery be covered by insurance (Swisscare)?

We know that IVF/ICSI will not be covered by insurance, however, I just read some documment, which say TESE is covered by insurance, provided no testicle biopsy has done previously. He didn't do this before of course.

He had asked Swisscare whether TESE is covered, but the company said no. I don't know why? Should it be covered?

Wait for any kind suggestions.

Many thanks!

I had this done some years back and was told quite clearly that it was not covered. May vary by company, of course, so whuy not just call your insurer and ask them?

Edit: Oh, I see you did. Bit puzzled by your question then, TBH. Your insurer says it''s not covered, but you still think it might be?

I would say probably not, but you should have asked the hospital before the operation. Might be quite costly...(Switzerland-...high salaries but after rent, health insurance and food...nothing left)

From what I understand, if certain procedures are done because of a health relate issue, it probably is covered. If they are done for a fertility reason, it probably is not covered.

I'm guessing if he had a disease or a medical condition that called for this to be done it would have been covered. Since it was done for fertility purposes, it's probably not covered.

Not looking forward to being ill, infertile or other!!

Appears health care covers very little.

Yes here healthcare insurance cover little, is expensive and compulsory. But this is what the majority wants, last time we were asked to vote more than 70 % said no to a change.

That being said in a testicular sperm extraction the most painful is probably not the bill...

Your comment is just not correct, sorry. It does cover more or less everything actually health related- ask those here who have had intensive and extensive cancer treatment for instance. However here there is no absolute right to have a baby by all means- as it is not health related as such. AI is covered, as long as you are under 40 and have no contra-indication which would make it unlikely to work. In-vitro is NOT covered and it seems, neither is testicular extraction (which is normally done because the patient has had an elective vasectomy in the past - again not normally a health issue, but a personal one).

Yes I am SURE you would get a better deal from a private insurance in another country....

These are the Swiss government rules for the basic compulsory insurance cover,

http://www.bag.admin.ch/themen/krank...x.html?lang=en

I am in remission from incurable cancer at the moment. My insurance covered all my very costly chemo and the two ops I needed.

you vote again in a few weeks, and there are health- related issues on the ballot.

I suppose it depends on your perspective. Coming from the US, our insurance here is less expensive, covers more with less hassle. I've always thought that fertility procedures such as ivf and sperm extraction are a gray area, more an elective procedure than necessary for health.

To be honest my post was in response to the deemed recollection of several threads re: what health care wont cover!

But I am pleased there are several proud health care defendants!

Enlighten me, I am listening. What does health Insurance here does NOT cover which is directly health related???

Well for a start as long as you have not reach your "franchise" nothing is paid. It means that if you do not earn a lot you have to opt for a high franchise (up to CHF2500 a year) and pay everything yourself up to this amount. It also means that people with limited means will hesitate to go to see a doctor because of cost. This is probably unique in Western Europe (I know in US it is worse...in Bangladesh too).

I found this utterly unfair and fight for a change. A fixed franchise for start.

Yes but it is worse than in most of Europe. I know of people who pay 25 % of their salary for healthcare premiums, while others only 0.000001 %...

Yes it is elective, just as abortion is, or by-pass surgery.

By-pass surgery and abortion on medical grounds or medical advice are indeed covered.

i know many people who are on Social and their insurance is paid by the system. It is true that having a high franchise is a problem with young children and chronic conditions and that it is important to research the cheapest insurance possible - Assura is usually the lowest.

Is it not true, however, that if you have a low income, you get a subsidy for insurance? Are these plans all high franchise? I don't know, that's why I ask.

Weird thread - OP asks a Q. to which they already have an answer; then it turns into a mass debate as to what health insurance does or does not cover.

You choose the franchise here. If you have a low income then go to your local social security office and claim a subsidy. The subsidy is a national payment, administered by the canton you live in, based on your income tax return statement. It is not back dated.

Sensible people choose a CHF 300 franchise, it is more expensive, but affordable. Anyway you live in the UK, so it doesn't apply to you.

Gotta love the meanderings of EF.

OK but if you are chronically ill then you need a low franchise, and thus have to pay more monthly. Thus in Switzerland if you are ill and poor you pay more than if you are healthy and rich.

Of course the belief here is always that people "choose" to get ill through their lifestyle. Peasant mentality really, stuck in the 19th century!!!