AUTHOR=Riabchenko Kateryna , De Pietro Carlo 
  
TITLE=Future of supplementary private hospitalization insurance in Switzerland: a policy brief
  
JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews
  
VOLUME=Volume 47 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2026.1609046
  
DOI=10.3389/phrs.2026.1609046
  
ISSN=2107-6952
  
ABSTRACT=BackgroundVoluntary hospitalization insurance (VHI) in Switzerland has lost part of its traditional role as mandatory health insurance has expanded, hospital financing reforms have increased public co-financing of inpatient care, and patterns of hospitalization have changed. Nevertheless, VHI remains strategically important for hospitals, insurers, and some providers.AnalysisThis policy brief draws on a structured review of academic and grey literature, regulatory and policy documents, market information, and ten semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis identifies four main challenges: growing dependence on mandatory health insurance, changing patterns of hospitalization, non-uniform benefits across insurers and providers, and fragmented tariff arrangements.Policy optionsThree policy directions emerge: modernizing VHI through innovation, strengthening communication with policyholders and patients, and improving public reporting on coverage, pricing, and use.ConclusionStrengthening transparency while enabling innovation is essential if VHI is to remain a credible and sustainable component of the Swiss healthcare system.