Glasses and contact lens reimbursement in Switzerland depends mainly on the rules set by the LaMal / compulsory health insurance and the MiGeL list. This guide explains the main situations in which glasses or contact lenses may be reimbursed, the maximum amounts to know in 2026, and the role of supplementary insurance.
Glasses and contact lens reimbursement in Switzerland
Glasses and contact lens reimbursement in Switzerland: what basic insurance covers
In Switzerland, compulsory health insurance does not automatically reimburse visual aids for every adult. Coverage mainly exists in specific situations defined by the MiGeL list, especially for children, certain medical cases and progressive myopia.
Reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses for people under 18
- Annual prescription from an ophthalmologist
- Interim adjustments may be carried out by an optometrist
- Reimbursement: CHF 180.67 per year
Special cases for glasses or contact lenses (all ages)
Coverage may also apply when refraction changes because of a disease, medication or surgery.
- Medical prescription required
- Applies to all age groups
- Reimbursement: CHF 180.67 per eye per year
Special cases for contact lenses I
A specific reimbursement for contact lenses is available when contact lenses improve visual acuity by at least 2/10 compared with glasses and at least one additional condition is met.
- Medical prescription required
- At least one of the following criteria must apply:
- myopia < -8.0 diopters
- hyperopia > +6.0 diopters
- anisometropia of 3 diopters or more, with symptoms
- astigmatism < -3.0 diopters
- Reimbursement: CHF 271.00 per eye every 2 years
Special cases for contact lenses II
In certain ophthalmological situations, contact lenses may be reimbursed without time limitation.
- Irregular astigmatism
- Corneal disease or lesion
- Need after corneal surgery
- Iris defects
- Reimbursement: CHF 632.34 per eye
Special cases for glasses II
When these same situations make glasses necessary, a separate reimbursement also exists.
- Irregular astigmatism
- Corneal disease or lesion
- Need after corneal surgery
- Iris defects
- Reimbursement: CHF 632.34 per pair of glasses
Progressive myopia in young people up to age 21
The MiGeL list also provides reimbursement for progressive myopia in young people under strict conditions.
- Progression of at least 0.50 diopters per year
- High myopia already present or a risk of progressing to high myopia
- Prescription from an ophthalmologist using the dedicated form
- Treatment only with glasses or contact lenses with proven myopia-control effect:
- multifocal contact lenses with peripheral defocus
- orthokeratology lenses
- spectacle lenses for myopia control
- Reimbursement: up to CHF 850.00 per year
Good to know: even when reimbursement applies, your deductible and co-payment still apply.
Summary table: glasses and contact lens reimbursement in Switzerland
| Situation | Main conditions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | Annual prescription from an ophthalmologist | CHF 180.67/year |
| Special cases all ages | Refraction changed by disease, medication or surgery | CHF 180.67/eye/year |
| Contact lenses I | 2/10 visual improvement + MiGeL optical criteria | CHF 271.00/eye/2 years |
| Contact lenses II | Cornea, iris, post-surgery, irregular astigmatism | CHF 632.34/eye |
| Glasses II | Same special ophthalmological cases | CHF 632.34/pair |
| Progressive myopia up to age 21 | Specialist prescription + recognized myopia-control treatment | CHF 850.00/year |
Practical tip: always keep your prescription, proof of purchase and the statement sent by your health insurer.
Supplementary insurance for glasses and contact lenses in Switzerland
In addition to compulsory health insurance, many supplementary insurance policies offer reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses. In practice, this optical coverage is often included in a package of benefits rather than sold as a stand-alone optics-only policy.
Amounts, waiting periods, reimbursement frequency and exclusions vary greatly from one contract to another. It is therefore useful to compare policies before subscribing.
Frequently asked questions about glasses and contact lens reimbursement in Switzerland
Do adults automatically get reimbursed for glasses?
No. As a rule, compulsory health insurance does not automatically reimburse glasses for adults, except in special cases listed in the MiGeL.
Are contact lenses reimbursed in Switzerland?
Yes, but only in certain situations: special medical cases, specific visual criteria or recognized progressive myopia treatment.
Do I need a prescription to get reimbursed?
Yes. In the cases covered by basic insurance, a medical prescription is generally required, often from an ophthalmologist.
Does supplementary insurance reimburse more?
Often yes, but it depends entirely on the contract. You should check the limits, reimbursement frequency and exclusions carefully.
Learn more about contact lenses and glasses
You can also read our practical guides:
- Contact lenses or glasses: which should you choose?
- Who can wear contact lenses?
- Contact lenses and dry eyes: compatible solutions
This page is provided for information only and does not replace advice from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or your insurer.