Pregnancy for an expatriate in Switzerland involves various considerations, from health care to administrative details. How does pregnancy affect your work situation? What are the legal provisions for pregnant employees? How much does it cost to have a baby in Switzerland? This article provides answers to these questions.
In Switzerland, maternity care is closely regulated by strict protocols, whether you're seeing a gynecologist, visiting a hospital, or attending a private clinic.
Pregnancy follow-up in Switzerland
Pregnancy follow-up in Switzerland comprises several key stages:
Prenatal consultations
This includes ultrasound scans, blood and urine tests, blood pressure checks, and monitoring of fetal growth. For details on the frequency and coverage of these examinations, see the section below.
Birth preparation course
Most Swiss hospitals and clinics provide birth preparation courses that cover the birthing process, breathing and relaxation techniques, and newborn care.
Postnatal care
After giving birth, postnatal care typically involves home visits from a midwife to monitor the health of both mother and baby, along with follow-up consultations with a gynecologist. For details on your entitlements and reimbursement options, refer to the section below.
Where can I find a gynecologist in Switzerland?
You can find a gynecologist through recommendations (such as from your GP) or by using an online directory. Platforms like OneDoc and Medicosearch allow you to search for practitioners and book appointments directly. Additionally, your health insurance company can provide you with a list of approved gynecologists.
Where do I give birth in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, women can choose from various options for giving birth: a public or university hospital, a private clinic, or a birthing center managed by midwives. Birthing centers offer a less medicalized environment compared to hospitals. Home births are also possible, but a registered midwife must be present.
Check with your health insurance company to find out which medical facilities are covered and to get details on the costs associated with different options, such as a single room.
What does health insurance cover during pregnancy in Switzerland?
Health insurance covers several benefits during pregnancy under compulsory basic insurance. Supplementary insurance offers additional coverage based on your specific choices.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, the following services are covered in Switzerland:
- 7 routine check-ups and two ultrasounds (one between the 12th and 14th weeks, the other between the 20th and 23rd weeks). If, on the other hand, you are aware of a high-risk pregnancy, you will be entitled to as many examinations (including ultrasounds) as you need;
- A first-trimester prenatal test to detect the risk of trisomy (measurement of nuchal translucency by ultrasound between the 12th and 14th weeks of pregnancy);
- Amniocentesis in case of risk;
- Preparation for childbirth: CHF 150 for an individual or group course.
Childbirth costs are reimbursed if the delivery takes place in a hospital listed in your canton of residence.
After childbirth
The following services are covered by compulsory health insurance:
- A check-up between the 6th and 10th week;
- 3 breastfeeding counseling sessions;
- 10 home visits by a midwife to monitor the health of mother and child. More visits are possible in certain cases (particular difficulties or birth of twins).
Hospitalization costs for the newborn
If your newborn requires hospitalization, the costs will be covered by the child's insurance, though you may still need to contribute to some expenses. Your insurer will provide detailed information.
If you have private international health insurance as part of your expatriation contract, be sure to review the specific provisions, as they may differ from those of Switzerland's compulsory health insurance.
Your rights during pregnancy as an employee in Switzerland
Maternity leave
In Switzerland, maternity leave starts on the day your child is born and lasts 98 days (14 weeks). You are not allowed to return to work during the first 8 weeks after childbirth.
The maternity leave allowance is 80% of your income, up to a maximum of CHF 220 per day. While this is the standard, collective agreements or cantonal regulations might offer more generous benefits. Additionally, if you have insurance coverage, you may be entitled to daily allowances.
Extending your maternity leave
You can extend your maternity leave by an additional two weeks beyond the 14 weeks provided by law, but you won't receive benefits for these extra two weeks. After the statutory period, your employer can decide whether to grant you additional unpaid leave if you request it.
Paternity leave
In Switzerland, you're entitled to paternity leave if you were insured during the nine months before your child's birth and worked for at least five months during the mother's pregnancy.
Paternity leave is legally set at 2 weeks (14 daily allowances). The allowance is 80% of your income, up to a maximum of CHF 220 per day, unless otherwise specified. You can take this leave all at once or as individual days within six months of your child's birth.
Protecting employees during pregnancy in Switzerland
At the end of your maternity leave, your employer must offer you a comparable position and cannot dismiss you during your pregnancy or within 16 weeks after childbirth.
There are other measures at work for pregnant women, such as:
- A working day not exceeding 9 hours, even if your contract so provides;
- Difficult or dangerous work: you are exempt if it presents a risk to you or your child;
- If you have to work at night, you can ask your employer to give you an equivalent job during the day.
If you stop working during your pregnancy due to a medical certificate, you will receive your salary as if you were on sick leave.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
