In the LAMal general ward, you choose neither your doctor nor your room. Here's what hospital supplementary cover actually adds, and whether it's justified in your case.
In the general ward (basic cover), you're admitted to a multi-bed room, under the hospital's on-call doctor, with no option to choose a particular practitioner, nor a facility outside your care region, except in an emergency.
| Ward | Room | Choice of doctor |
|---|---|---|
| General (LAMal) | Multi-bed | Hospital on-call doctor |
| Semi-private | 2-bed | Wider choice among the facility's doctors |
| Private | Single room | Full free choice, including outside your region |
Watch out: hospital supplementary policies are generally subject to a detailed health questionnaire and can be subject to reservations, or even refusal depending on age and medical history. The earlier you subscribe, the more favourable the terms.
The semi-private ward is often the best cost/comfort compromise for most profiles: it already allows a wider choice of doctor without the cost of the private ward. The private ward is justified mainly for those who place great importance on choosing their exact surgeon or on total privacy (a single room), or who have a budget able to absorb a significantly higher premium over the long term.
Choosing hospital supplementary cover is a long-term commitment and depends on personal medical criteria. We help you identify the level of cover truly justified by your situation, without over- or under-covering.
Yes, subject to a new health questionnaire and the insurer's acceptance, which can be stricter with age.
Depending on the contract, worldwide extension may be included or offered as an option, to be checked precisely before travelling for long periods outside Europe.
There's no strict legal limit, but acceptance conditions (reservations, premiums) generally become less favourable with age and medical history.
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