Are you pregnant or are you soon going to be? Then you must have many questions and unclarities, which need to be clarified. We want to help you, so we have summarized the laws and circumstances that apply here in Switzerland.
Working during and after the pregnancy
Generally, you are fit for work during pregnancy, except a doctor attests a pregnant person as sick hence unable to work.
Despite this, there are specific regulations about dangerous and exhausting work. For example, an expecting person is not allowed to be exposed to extreme hotness or coldness neither to move heavy weights.
After childbirth, every mother is entitled to claim a maternity leave of at least 14 weeks. Even if you wish to start working earlier, due to federal law, you are prohibited to work in the first eight weeks after giving birth. During this time, you will receive 80% of the average income earned before childbirth.
Since January 2021, fathers are entitled to at least two weeks of paid paternity leave in the first six months after childbirth.
Health Insurance during pregnancy
Compulsory health insurance covers not only the same services as for sickness but also specific maternity services. In addition, as of the 13th week of pregnancy and up until eight weeks after giving birth, women no longer have to contribute to the cost of general medical services or care in the event of illness.
Also covered are advice sessions for breastfeeding and group childbirth preparation courses.
Childbirth in Switzerland
In Switzerland, you have a range of possible birth venues to choose from:
Hospital: Besides natural birth, you can choose to have a cesarean section (C-section). The basic health insurance only covers, a stay in the general ward (up to 6 people in one room, normally 2 after birth) in a hospital in the canton of residence.
Birth house: Is a competence center for pregnancy and expecting mothers, lead by experienced midwives. A birth house often combines academic medicine and alternative healing methods. This birth venue is only for healthy pregnant individuals an option. For more information reach out to a local birth house.
At home: Giving birth at home means a natural birth in a familiar environment. The delivery should be performed by a skilled midwife. To give birth at home it is crucial that the expecting mother and the unborn child are healthy.
The pregnant mother-to-be has to register in a hospital. There will be a note in the records, that the birth will be at home.
Health insurance for the baby
Unconditional acceptance in the compulsory basic health insurance is also granted for (unborn) babies. However, that is not the case for supplementary health insurance. That is why you should sign up your baby for both health insurance 2-3 months before the birth. Mostly, the insurers accept the applications without any further questions. After the birth, you can hand in some additional declarations to receive the best cover for your little wonder.
Do you want the best cover for your baby? We take care of it.
Fill in this form and we will contact you to discuss the best solution for you and your newest family member.
