Hi,

I am new to Switzerland and am trying to figure out the best health insurance franchise for my case. I moved here from the United States. I am fairly healthy and don't usually visit the doctor except for an annual visit to get some basic blood work and my prescription for levothyroxine renewed. My insurance used to cover the cost of my prescription completely in the United States. Does anyone have any idea on how much the drug costs here and if I should opt for a lower franchise given I need a regular supply of levothyroxine? or is the cost of levothyroxine low enough that it shouldn't be a problem. I am used to taking the generic version of the drug.

Hello,

The overall cost per package (50 capsules) is below 25chf and your insurance will cover minimum up to 70% of it. The remaining 30% depends on the franchise limit of your health insurance model (check on comparis web site in English for a full comparison).

I hope this helps you.

Basically you will have to pay for it yourself. Your deductible minimum is 250 CHF and if you only need LThyroxin, you will not reach that threshold.

I guess the price varies depending on the dose but the box I have in front of me costs 14.70chf for a hundred 75ug tablets so a whole year’s supply would be under 60chf.
It doesn’t seem worth opting for a lower franchise and higher premiums just for that but it might be worth it if you need specialist visits and other tests associated with it throughout the year.

The insurance company won’t reimburse any if the costs until your franchise is reached and you wouldn’t even reach the lowest franchise possible (300chf) just for the tablets. It’s the consultation costs which will be the biggest expense for you.

Not covered. The blood tests aren't covered either in my experience.
The medication is far from breaking the bank though.

They are all covered once the franchise is reached, at least they are for my husband.

My tests are pretty much the only routine thing I see a doctor for. My franchise remains beyond reach.

Don't know where you got that info from, Ato.
Ob/Gyn exams and blood tests are also covered by basic insurance.

The blood tests are covered indeed, with basic insurance. They were already over 20yrs ago when my GP did them and are still now when the Endocrinologist does them, as well as the examination.


@OP I got Hashimoto since about ~25 yrs,
First on Eltroxine 0.05mg ( 100 tablets cost 9.35.-), am now on Euthyrox 50mcg ( 100tablets 14.70.-).

I buy the tablets in bulk at my pharmacy for one year ( because my son also has Hashi and is on same meds so should I snuff it, he can inherit them and use them up)

I pay myself, save the bills and at the end of the year I have accumulated more expenses than 500.- ( my deductible minimum) and then send everything in bulk to my insurance.

__________________
Voluntary SWISS shoe -horn to Expats since 1999, do I get a medal now?

I'll try again this year so! Don't know why they didn't cover them last year, I still suspect my bargain basement insurance coverage though.
Thanks for the info.

The tablets might cost 9.35 or 14.70...but there is a pharmacy 'service fee' in this country for up to 25 CHF... want it or not! (particularly if you don't speak German, they will try to charge it to you)

It doesn't matter if it is original or generics, prices of Levothyroxine are 10 times higher in Switzerland than in the rest of EU countries. I would strongly suggest to take the doctors' prescription, and, in any trip that you make to France, Germany, or any other country, go to a pharmacy, and buy 3 or 4 boxes (for the whole year). If the pharmacist frown (which, s/he shouldn't, as you have an original prescription), just tell him/her that you are on holidays and forgot to pack the pills. Price in EU countries = 2.5 EU/box.
Cheers, and welcome to Switzerland....

BTW, If you decide to go to the minimum premium (with 2500 CHF cost/year allowance), and you co-pay 300 CHF+ for some GYN yearly check..(let alone the cost of your endocrinologist, which might be even higher), you will see that the Levothyroxine is the least of your costs...