Medical Device Reimbursement in Switzerland

How Medical Device Reimbursement Works in Switzerland

Medical device reimbursement in Switzerland depends on the care setting, device risk class, and intended use. Devices are reimbursed through different mechanisms including hospital tariffs, outpatient fee schedules, positive lists, and case-by-case decisions by insurers.

Unlike centralized systems, Switzerland combines federal oversight with strong roles for insurers, medical associations, and cantons. Early reimbursement planning is therefore critical for successful market access.

Switzerland’s reimbursement framework is governed by federal law (KVG/LAMal) and implemented through national tariffs, positive lists, and insurer-level decisions.

Reimbursement Landscape in Switzerland

Understand the current Swiss reimbursement environment relevant to your medical device. We will:

• Clarify Swiss reimbursement systems: CHOP (Swiss procedure codes for hospital interventions), TARDOC (outpatient physician tariff), MiGeL (List of Medical Aids and Devices for home use), and SwissDRG (inpatient hospital payment system).
• Locate specific reimbursement mechanisms or recommend new pathways, including cantonal pilot projects or adjustments to TARDOC/SwissDRG.
• Identify key decision makers, outline reimbursement paths and timelines, and provide an initial strategy for market access in Switzerland.

Swiss Medical Device Reimbursement Pathways at a Glance

Reimbursement Planning for Swiss Decision Makers

Based on the landscape analysis, we develop the required evidence for Swiss stakeholders, including BAG, BSV, SantéSuisse, FMH, and cantonal authorities. This includes:

• Value Story: Present clinical and economic benefits to Swiss providers and insurers, forming the basis for economic modeling.
• Economic Model: Demonstrate device impact and identify outcomes for future clinical studies.
• Clinical Data: Guide study design to generate reimbursement evidence.
• Decision Makers’ Feedback: Interviews with Swiss clinicians and payers for actionable input on value story, economic model, and study design.

Implementation

Depending on existing reimbursement mechanisms, we provide:

• Billing Guide: Step-by-step instructions for providers to obtain reimbursement.
• Reimbursement Applications: Apply for TARDOC/SwissDRG adjustments, MiGeL inclusion, or other positive lists.
• Pilot Projects: Collaborate with providers and insurers across cantons.
• Other Funding Options: Access programs and case-by-case reimbursement support.

Benefits of Partnering with Mediclever

Working with Mediclever ensures smooth reimbursement in Switzerland. Clients gain:

• Faster Market Access: Streamlined pathways reduce delays.
• Strategic Insights: Advice tailored to Swiss DRG, TARDOC, and MiGeL policies.
• Evidence-Based Support: Value story, economic modeling, and clinical data guidance.
• Local Expertise: Direct engagement with Swiss decision makers.
• End-to-End Assistance: From landscape assessment to implementation and pilot projects.

FAQs: Medical Device Reimbursement in Switzerland

How long does medical device reimbursement take in Switzerland?

Medical device reimbursement in Switzerland typically takes 6–36 months, depending on the pathway. Hospital-based pilot projects can be implemented within 6–12 months, while national tariff or list inclusion often requires 1–3 years.

Which reimbursement pathways exist for medical devices in Switzerland?

Devices may be funded via CHOP codes, TARDOC tariffs, MiGeL listings, SwissDRG, cantonal pilot projects, or supplementary insurance.

Who are the key decision makers for reimbursement in Switzerland?

BAG, BSV, SantéSuisse, FMH, and cantonal authorities.

Can reimbursement planning begin before regulatory approval?

Yes. Early planning informs evidence generation and pilot design, though formal reimbursement requires regulatory approval.

When should manufacturers start reimbursement planning in Switzerland?

Reimbursement planning should begin before or during clinical development. Early planning helps align evidence generation, economic models, and coding strategy with Swiss payer expectations, reducing delays after regulatory approval.

View all FAQs or explore our medical device reimbursement consulting services.

Why Mediclever?

Mediclever specializes in Swiss medical device reimbursement, combining local expertise with structured strategies across CHOP, TARDOC, MiGeL, and SwissDRG pathways.

We support manufacturers with landscape assessments, evidence generation, economic modeling, and coding analysis to facilitate market access and reimbursement in Switzerland.