Health Insurance | International Testing Psychologists

SWISS HEALTH INSURANCE

Since July 2022, basic Swiss health insurance will pay for psychological psychotherapy (treatment sessions with a qualified psychotherapist), but usually only if you have a doctor’s referral.
These rules mainly cover therapy, not full learning or attention disorder assessments.

A psychological assessment (tests for ADHD, dyslexia, learning difficulties, etc.) is not the same as psychotherapy(ongoing treatment).
Insurance rules are written for therapy, not for large testing batteries.

Most psychologists who carry out learning and attention assessments in Switzerland are not recognised as psychotherapists under the health insurance law.
Because of this, their assessments are usually not covered by basic insurance. Parents often have to pay privately.

f the testing is done by a neuropsychologist or a psychotherapist who also offers assessments, and you have a doctor’s prescription, parts of the evaluation may be billed to insurance.
Even then, insurers may only cover the parts linked to diagnosis and treatment — not assessments done just for school accommodations (like extra time in exams).

Plan for private costs: Most families pay out of pocket for full assessments of learning or attention problems.
Ask the provider upfront: Always check if the psychologist is recognised for billing under basic insurance.
Doctor’s referral helps: If there is a medical reason (e.g. ruling out ADHD), ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral — this increases the chance of at least partial coverage.
School vs medical: Assessments done for school support are usually the responsibility of the education system, not health insurance.

Many international health insurance plans (especially those designed for expats) are more flexible than Swiss basic insurance.
They often include benefits for diagnostic assessments, not just therapy.

International insurers often see assessments for ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning/attention disorders as part of medical diagnosis and treatment planning.
Because of this, the costs are more likely to be reimbursed.

Unlike Swiss rules, international plans often accept assessments from qualified psychologists or neuropsychologists, even if they are not licensed psychotherapists.
This means that the same psychologists who do most learning and attention assessments in Switzerland can often bill international insurers.

You may need to submit a doctor’s referral or pre-authorization to confirm coverage.
Coverage levels can vary: some plans cover the full cost, others cover a percentage, or only up to a certain annual limit.
Always ask your insurer which CPT / diagnostic codes the provider should use.

Higher chance of reimbursement: Families with international insurance often have most or all of the assessment fees covered.
Simpler process: The psychologist usually provides an invoice, and you submit it directly to the insurer.
Less risk of denial: Because the assessment is framed as a medical necessity (diagnosis for treatment), international insurers rarely reject it.

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