Supplementary insurance for glasses, health insurer comparison 2026
Glasses costs in Switzerland depend on lens type, frame and coating. Whether and to what extent supplementary insurance contributes is governed by the specific plan. What matters are the policy conditions, waiting periods, limits, health questions and the acceptance decision.
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- VVG
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The vision aids covered, renewal cycle and limits differ by insurer and plan.
Single-vision, varifocal, screen, anti-reflective or self-tinting lenses are covered depending on the plan.
Waiting periods and acceptance conditions may apply depending on the plan. A policy only becomes binding once accepted.
A qualified eye test may be relevant depending on the plan. Check recognised points of purchase in advance.
Note: Supplementary insurance is governed by the VVG (Federal Insurance Contract Act). Depending on the insurer and plan, health questions, waiting periods, benefit limits, exclusions or reservations may apply. A contract is only binding once the insurer has accepted it.
Let us check which supplementary insurance fits your glasses situation.
Please do not enter any medical diagnoses or confidential health details here. If such information is needed later, it will be clarified separately in the advisory process or by the insurer.
Reviewing glasses costs correctly.
Rather than blanket amounts, what counts is whether the invoice, point of purchase and plan conditions fit together cleanly. Specific benefits depend on the insurer, plan and acceptance decision.
List material, fit and point of purchase separately on the invoice.
Document lens type, prescription and coating clearly.
Check limits, renewal cycle, waiting periods and the acceptance decision.
- List items clearly.Lens, frame and coating shown separately on the invoice make the review easier.
- Document the prescription.Dioptres, axes and, where applicable, the add help with matching.
- Read the plan conditions.Limits, waiting periods, health questions and the acceptance decision are plan-dependent.
Please note: specific benefits, limits and conditions vary by insurer and plan.
Which glasses suit your everyday life?
Every pair of glasses has its purpose. The right supplementary insurance covers all types, from the classic pair to prescription sports glasses.
Single-vision glasses
Corrects short- or long-sightedness. The classic solution for a stable prescription.
Varifocal glasses
Seamless transition between near and far. Often relevant from middle adulthood onwards.
Screen glasses
Optimised for the typical screen working distance; can reduce eye strain.
Sports glasses
Shatterproof lenses and a secure fit. Optionally with an individual prescription.
Prescription sunglasses
UV protection with an individual prescription. Covered depending on the plan, possibly with special conditions.
Children's glasses
For children and teenagers up to age 18, basic insurance may contribute under the applicable requirements.
Lenses & coatings, that makes the difference.
Over 60% of glasses costs go to the lenses and their coatings. Premium supplementary plans cover every lens type up to the annual limit, including special coatings.
- Lens thickness depends on your dioptres, not on the frame.
- Anti-reflective coating improves vision at night and on screen.
- A hard coating extends the lifespan by an average of 2 years.
High-index lenses
Index 1.6 to 1.74. Thinner, lighter, more aesthetic, especially for strong corrections from ±4 dpt.
Premium anti-reflective coating
Reflection-free when driving, on screen and in photos. Scratch-resistant and dirt-repellent.
Self-tinting lenses
React to UV light and darken within 30 seconds. Photochromic, ideal as a 2-in-1 solution.
Blue-light filter
Reduces blue-violet light from screens. Recommended for more than 4 hrs of daily screen work.
Four steps to reimbursed glasses.
From the health insurer comparison to submission. Waiting periods and acceptance conditions may apply depending on the plan.
- 1
Start the comparison
Health insurer comparison in 2 minutes, transparent and free. An overview of more than 30 Swiss insurers.
- 2
Request in 2 minutes
Submit your request. Application and acceptance depend on the insurer and plan. A policy only becomes binding once the insurer has accepted it.
- 3
Eye test and purchase
Eye test at a recognised optician or ophthalmologist. Buy the glasses in line with the plan conditions.
- 4
Submit the invoice
Submit an itemised invoice with lens, frame and coating as well as the prescription to the insurer.
Who really benefits from glasses supplementary insurance.
Four typical life situations in which the health insurer comparison pays off in the very first year.
Screen workers
Eight hours of screen work take their toll. Screen or varifocal glasses often pay off in the first year.
Families & parents
Children's glasses break, adults change every 3 years. Family plans bundle cover for everyone who wears glasses.
45+, new to varifocals
Age-related long-sightedness pushes almost everyone towards their first varifocals. Premium plans cover varifocals in full.
Active in sport
Sports glasses, prescription swimming goggles, sunglasses, Premium tiers also cover special glasses for sport.
Buying glasses, what to look out for in 2026.
- Have your prescription checked regularly: A current eye test at the optician or ophthalmologist is the basis of any choice of glasses.
- Consider lens quality: High-index, anti-reflective lenses are thinner, lighter and reflect less.
- A frame that fits your everyday life: Material, weight and comfort determine daily usability.
- Check the policy conditions: Compare limits, waiting periods, health questions and recognised points of purchase in the health insurer comparison.
- Consider a second pair: Prescription sunglasses or sports glasses are covered differently depending on the plan.
What to look for in the review
- Read the plan conditions carefully, especially limits and waiting periods.
- Structure the invoice cleanly, listing lens, frame and coating separately.
- Clarify recognised points of purchase in advance, especially for online or foreign providers.
- Include your family situation if further people are to be co-insured.
- Check whether a suitable supplementary plan can sensibly complement your annual vision aids costs.
What to look for when reviewing Glasses.
Instead of fixed amounts, what counts is the entire plan logic: scope of benefits, terms, waiting periods, health questions, recognised points of purchase and the fit with your personal needs.
Scope of benefits
- Covered vision aids: Glasses, lenses, possibly replacement glasses
- Lenses: Single-vision, varifocal, special designs
- Frame: included or separate, depending on plan
- Coating: plan-dependent
Terms & reservations
- Waiting period: may apply
- Health questions: possible
- Periodic limit: e.g. yearly or multi-year
- Reservations: possible depending on the acceptance decision
Proof & points of purchase
- Recognised point of purchase: optician or ophthalmologist
- Itemised invoice: lens, frame, coating listed separately
- Prescription / eye test: may be required
- Consultation recommended: find the right plan logic
FINWIWO AG operates as an insurer-neutral insurance broker. Specific benefits, limits and terms vary by insurer and plan. We review relevant Swiss insurers and present suitable options transparently and comprehensibly.
We compare 34 Swiss health insurers
And many more — 34 Swiss health insurers compared in total.
Related topics in the health insurer comparison.
Frequently asked questions, Glasses.
The most important answers, compactly summarised. If anything is missing, we'll advise you free of charge.
Does basic insurance pay for glasses for adults?+
For adults, compulsory basic insurance generally does not cover glasses or contact lenses for everyday use. In medically justified individual cases an assessment may be possible, provided the applicable requirements are met.
What does supplementary insurance pay for glasses?+
That depends on the specific plan. What matters are the policy conditions, recognised points of purchase, periodic limits and the acceptance decision. A personal review is advisable.
Are varifocal or screen lenses covered?+
Lens types are covered differently depending on the plan. Which lens types and coatings are included is governed by the specific product.
Can I freely choose the optician or online shop?+
Plans define recognised points of purchase differently. Swiss opticians are generally recognised; for online or foreign providers it is worth checking in advance.
Are there waiting periods or health questions?+
Yes, depending on the insurer and plan, waiting periods, health questions and reservations may apply. A policy only becomes binding once the insurer has accepted it.
How often can new glasses be submitted?+
Plans provide for periodic limits, e.g. yearly or over several years. Some products require proof of a changed prescription.
What should the invoice show?+
An itemised invoice with separate lines for lens, frame and coating, the prescription and the point of purchase is advisable.
Can glasses and contact lenses be submitted together?+
Some products run a shared vision aids budget, others differentiate. What matters are the conditions of your policy.
Are repairs or breakage protection covered?+
Breakage and repairs are plan-dependent. Some products cover repairs, others do not.
Why is a personal consultation worthwhile?+
Because policy conditions, the acceptance decision and your needs interact. A personal review helps identify a solution that fits your needs.
Ready for the right vision-aid protection?
Start the request in 2 minutes. The personal review happens after submission. Waiting periods and acceptance conditions may apply depending on the insurer and plan; a contract is only binding once the insurer has accepted it.