The glasses and contact lens reimbursement Switzerland depends on the rules set by LaMAL (mandatory health insurance). Discover here how to get a refund for your glasses or contact lenses, and what supplementary insurance offers.
Reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses in Switzerland
Contact lens glasses reimbursement Switzerland: LaMAL conditions
Basic health insurance covers different situations for the reimbursement of optical equipment. Here are the main cases covered:
Reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses for those under 18
- Mandatory annual medical prescription by an ophthalmologist
- Possible intermediate adaptations at an optometrist
- Reimbursed amount: CHF 180.67 per year
Special case contact lens reimbursement (all ages)
When refraction changes due to illness, medication, or after surgery:
- Mandatory medical prescription
- Reimbursed amount: CHF 180.67 per eye/year
Special cases contact lenses (I)
A specific reimbursement for contact lenses is provided in Switzerland under these conditions:
- Medical prescription required by an ophthalmologist
- Visual improvement of at least 2/10 compared to glasses
- Conditions: myopia > -8.0D, hyperopia > +6.0D, astigmatism < -3.0D, anisometropia ≥ 3.0D
- Reimbursement: CHF 271.00 per eye every 2 years
Special cases glasses contact lenses (II)
Lens glasses reimbursement in Switzerland without time limit in the following situations:
- Irregular astigmatism, corneal pathology or lesion, iris defect
- Mandatory medical prescription
- Reimbursement: CHF 632.34 per eye (contact lenses) or per pair (glasses)
Progressive myopia in young people (up to 21 years old)
- Myopia ≤ -5.00D with progression ≥ 0.50D/year
- Specific ophthalmologist's prescription required
- Treatment with special lenses or glasses that inhibit myopia (orthokeratology or multifocal lenses)
- Reimbursement up to CHF 850.00/year
💡 Important advice: Carefully check the receipt from your health insurance!
Reimbursement for glasses and contact lenses in Switzerland by supplementary insurance
In addition to the basic insurance (LaMAL), supplementary insurances (LCA) often offer additional reimbursements for your glasses and contact lenses in Switzerland. However, the amounts vary greatly depending on the contracts.
Thus, it is recommended to compare supplementary insurance policies to choose the one that best suits your visual needs. Note that a medical prescription is generally not required.
Learn more about contact lenses and glasses
Finally, consult our practical guides to better choose your optical equipment: