Septoplasty price in Switzerland: what is reimbursed

Septoplasty corrects a deviation of the nasal septum, the wall separating the two nostrils. When it causes nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, recurrent sinusitis or snoring, it is a medical rather than a cosmetic matter. This is why, unlike most of the procedures presented on this site, septoplasty is in principle covered by basic insurance when the indication is medically established. The patient then essentially pays their deductible and co-payment. The situation becomes more complicated when a cosmetic correction of the nose is performed at the same time: this is called rhinoseptoplasty, and only the functional portion is covered. For the procedure itself, see our page on septoplasty.

A septoplasty justified by breathing difficulty is in principle reimbursed by basic insurance; the patient pays their deductible, the co-payment and, where applicable, a supplement for a private room not covered. When it is combined with a cosmetic rhinoplasty, the cosmetic portion remains entirely at the patient's expense, and the quote must clearly separate the two. Turbinate treatment generally follows the same rules as septoplasty.

Compulsory insurance covers treatments that are effective, appropriate and cost-effective. For a septoplasty, this requires a diagnosis by a specialist, often an ENT, with an examination of the nose and sometimes an endoscopy, a CT scan or nasal breathing tests. When the indication is confirmed, the procedure, anaesthesia, the stay in a general ward and care are covered at contracted tariffs. The patient pays their annual deductible, if not already reached, and the co-payment, within the limits set by law.

Many patients take advantage of the correction of their septum to change the appearance of their nose as well. This combination is common and logical, since both procedures are performed through the same approaches. But billing is twofold: the insurer covers the functional portion at contracted tariffs, while the cosmetic portion, meaning additional fees, extra operating time and any clinic costs, is billed to the patient. A clear quote, approved in advance, avoids unpleasant surprises. You may be asked to submit the application to the insurer before the procedure. Our page on rhinoplasty and the one on the price of rhinoplasty complete this information.

For a septoplasty alone, out-of-pocket costs depend mainly on the policy: the deductible level chosen, the amount already spent in the year, the co-payment and any supplementary hospital insurance. A person who has chosen a high deductible and has had no other costs during the year will pay more than someone with a low deductible or whose deductible has already been reached. It is worth checking these points with your insurer before setting the date.

Some people choose to have private surgery, with a surgeon of their choice, in a clinic that is not included in the planning covered by their insurer, or want a private room without supplementary insurance. In this case, some or all of the costs may remain at their expense. The following tables show the cost of a septoplasty performed privately, without coverage, by city and canton, compared with Geneva.

To facilitate coverage, the application generally includes a specialist's report describing the symptoms and their impact, the results of the nasal examination, possibly an endoscopy, a CT scan or an airflow measurement, and a description of the planned procedure. For a rhinoseptoplasty, the separation of the portions is indicated. Some insurers require prior approval.

The turbinates are ridges inside the nose that can swell and obstruct breathing. Their reduction, by surgery, radiofrequency or laser, is often combined with septoplasty and generally follows the same coverage rules when it is medically justified.

A person with a deviated septum that impairs their breathing, operated on in a general ward, pays only their deductible and co-payment. The same person, operated on in a private room without supplementary insurance, also pays the hotel supplement and possibly private fees. A person who combines septum correction with cosmetic rhinoplasty pays their share under basic coverage, plus the entire cosmetic portion.

Before setting the date, check your deductible level and what has already been spent in the year; it may be worth grouping treatments in the same year. Ask the facility whether it bills the insurer directly. For a rhinoseptoplasty, insist on a separate quote for the cosmetic portion and clarify the payment terms for this portion, which is often requested before the procedure.

Supplementary hospital insurance, where it exists, can cover a stay in a semi-private or private room, free choice of doctor in certain facilities and part of the private fees. It generally does not cover the cosmetic portion of a rhinoseptoplasty. Before the procedure, it is worth asking your insurer for a written guarantee of coverage specifying what will be covered by basic and by supplementary insurance. This step avoids unexpected bills after the hospital stay.

The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Septoplasty in Switzerland.

Other prices to consult

• Ultrasonic rhinoplasty: prices in Switzerland
• Blepharoplasty: prices in Switzerland
• Rhinoplasty: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Rhinoplasty in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Everything about price, in a few lines.

Your questions

Is septoplasty reimbursed? Yes, in principle, when it treats medically justified breathing difficulty.

What remains to be paid? The deductible and co-payment set out in your insurance policy.

Is a prior application required? Sometimes; your doctor and your insurer will tell you.

Is a private room covered? Only with suitable supplementary insurance.

Is cosmetic correction reimbursed? No, it remains at the patient's expense.

What is a rhinoseptoplasty? A procedure combining correction of the septum with cosmetic rhinoplasty.

How is a rhinoseptoplasty billed? The functional portion to the insurer, the cosmetic portion to the patient.

Are the turbinates treated at the same time? Often, if necessary, with similar coverage.

Is the CT scan reimbursed? Yes, if it is prescribed for diagnosis.

Is the ENT consultation reimbursed? Yes, according to the usual rules.

Is septoplasty performed as a day case? Often, sometimes with one night's stay.

Is nasal packing included? Yes, it is part of the procedure.

Does the price vary by canton? Contracted tariffs vary little; see our tables.

Can a patient without supplementary insurance choose their surgeon? Within the framework of their policy and hospital planning.

Does private septoplasty cost more? Yes, if it is performed outside basic coverage.

Do I have to pay the costs upfront? Depending on the billing method, the insurer may pay directly.

Is sick leave compensated? Depending on your employment contract and your insurance.

Is a revision covered? If it is medically justified, generally yes.

Are medicines reimbursed? Those prescribed and on the approved list, according to the rules.

Is saline rinse reimbursed? It depends; its cost is low.

Can septoplasty be performed in a private clinic? Yes, depending on coverage and the clinic's agreements.

Is septoplasty painful? Moderately; this does not change the price.

How many days off work? Often one to two weeks.

Should the quote separate the portions? Yes, essential in the case of rhinoseptoplasty.

Can the insurer refuse? If the functional indication is not demonstrated.

What documents should be provided? ENT report, examinations, sometimes photos and a questionnaire.

Can children be operated on? Rarely, after growth has finished; coverage follows the same rules.

Does supplementary insurance cover cosmetic procedures? Generally not.

Is the price the same for a man? Yes.

Does septoplasty improve snoring? Sometimes; this does not change the billing.

Is a night in hospital required? Not always.

Are room costs included? In a general ward, under basic coverage.

Is a second opinion reimbursed? According to your insurer's rules.

Is laser treatment of the turbinates reimbursed? If medically indicated, often yes.

Enter your canton: we will refer you free of charge to an ENT specialist or surgeon who performs septoplasty near you.