Pregnancy and Administrative Questions
All future parents (including same sex couples) are entitled to practical financial and legal advice as well as information regarding their social situation (for example, questions regarding: employment; the acknowledgement of paternity, and parental authority; insurance; social benefits; finance etc.). Sexual health and reproductive health services will answer any questions you may have free of charge and in a confidential manner.
Medical Insurance
When a woman is pregnant, her health insurance covers all costs for check-ups by a doctor or midwife as well as the costs of the birth, and postnatal check-up (there are certain exceptions, for example, prescribed vitamins). After childbirth, health insurance also pays for 10 midwifery home visits up to within 56 days of the birth - if there are complications this may be longer if requested by a doctor – as well as 3 breastfeeding consultations for as long as a woman breastfeeds.
Maternity Leave and Maternity Allowance
Swiss law entitles women to maternity leave for 14 weeks starting from the time of delivery. She receives 80% of her normal salary. To receive this benefit, women need to have paid AVS insurance for at least 9 months prior to giving birth and have earned a salary for at least 5 months during that time.
Cantonal Maternity or Birth Allowance
In some cantons, a supplementary benefit is paid to eligible parents. You can enquire about this at a social services office in your canton, at a sexual health centre or at a perinatal centre (maternity care and baby care).
Family Allowance
All cantons are under obligation to pay parents a monthly child benefit of at least 200CHF. This is paid to all parents regardless of their salary and the number of hours they work. It is paid along with the salary via the employer who acts as intermediary.
2016, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Fondation suisse pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive; ALECSS Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung