Legal situation in Switzerland

The legal framework in Switzerland is determined by the Fortpflanzungsmedizingesetz (FmedG). After a successful popular vote on June 5, 2016, the revised FmedG was accepted, allowing Switzerland to offer a contemporary treatment with one of the most advanced laws in Europe.

Its most important aspects are as follows

• The freezing (cryopreservation) of unfertilized and fertilized eggs (known as zygotes) as well as embryos (known as blastocysts) is allowed for a maximum of 2x5 years = 10 years.
• The development of embryos until day 5 (blastocyst culture) is explicitly allowed, enabling higher success rates per IVF transfer with fewer risks (twin risk).
• Sperm donation is allowed but subject to special authorizations. Conceived children have the explicit right to learn the identity of the sperm donor when they reach adulthood. The donor must be tested for transmittable diseases. Each donor can enable a maximum of 8 pregnancies, after which they are excluded from further donations.
• Newly introduced is the genetic testing of cells before embryo transfer through preimplantation diagnosis (PID) or preimplantation screening (PIS). This allows for the early detection of chromosomal abnormalities or gene defects that could impair the embryo's developmental capacity or pose a risk to the future health of the child.
• The development of up to 12 embryos in the IVF laboratory is permitted.
• Similarly, a maximum of 3 embryos can be transferred to the uterus.
  Memo: In reality, the transfer of 3 embryos is no longer significant due to the risk of multiple births. On the contrary, due to the legislation, we can now increasingly offer elective single embryo transfer (eSET) to reduce the probability of twins/multiple births. 

Coverage by Health Insurers

The costs of investigations (medical examinations) for infertility are usually covered by mandatory health insurance. After the age of 40, coverage may be refused.

If therapy is necessary, hormone therapies (including hormone injections) and up to 3 inseminations (IUI) per pregnancy are covered. This means that, for example, after a miscarriage, there is a renewed entitlement to 3 additional inseminations.

In vitro fertilization (artificial insemination) is not covered by Swiss basic and supplementary health insurance under any circumstances and must always be paid for by the individuals themselves. However, the expenses can be tax-deductible in most cantons.

Follow-up costs of artificial insemination (e.g., complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) may be covered by health insurance.