Does health insurance cover a breast pump? (Switzerland)

Many mothers don’t ask themselves whether their health insurance will cover a breast pump until they run into problems with breastfeeding and need a quick solution. The good news: In many cases, basic health insurance covers the rental cost. Here, you’ll learn what requirements apply, who can prescribe the pump, how to get a rental pump in just a few steps, and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket. This article is meant to provide guidance but does not replace the information you’d receive from your health insurance provider.

Breast Pumps and Health Insurance: How Basic Coverage Works

In Switzerland, the list of medical aids and devices—known as MiGeL for short—determines which medical aids are covered by basic health insurance. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) maintains this list as Annex 2 to the Health Care Services Ordinance. Breast pumps are classified in their own product group within this list.

According to MiGeL, basic health insurance covers a medical aid if it:

• corresponds to an item on the list,
• is prescribed by a doctor,
• and is dispensed by an authorized dispensing facility.

For each item, the BAG sets a maximum reimbursement amount. The health insurance company will not pay more than that. If the service costs more than that, you’ll have to pay the difference yourself.

When is a breast pump covered by insurance?

Health insurance does not automatically cover a breast pump after every birth. According to MiGeL, at least one of the following reasons must apply:

For the baby:

• Premature Birth
• Feeding difficulties
• Congenital anomalies
• Organic diseases

For breastfeeding mothers:

• Sore nipples
• Inflammation
• Milk engorgement
• Temporary treatment with medication
• Too much or too little breast milk

For mother and child: a medically necessary separation, such as when your baby is in the neonatal unit.

If you want to pump so your partner can feed the baby or because you’ve returned to work, these do not qualify as valid reasons. In such cases, basic health insurance generally does not cover the cost.

Who can prescribe a breast pump?

According to the current MiGeL, a prescription from a doctor is required for reimbursement. This can be your OB-GYN, your baby’s pediatrician, or your primary care physician. If your baby is in the hospital, ask the staff there how they handle prescriptions.

And what about the midwife or lactation consultant? They’re often the first to realize that a breast pump can help. They’ll advise you, show you how to pump, and contact your doctor if needed. In March 2025, Parliament passed a law allowing midwives to prescribe certain medications and medical devices on their own in the future. According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the federal government is drafting the implementing regulations in several phases. Ask your midwife or health insurance provider whether the new rule already applies to you.

Here’s how to rent a pump

1. Address the issue early on. Tell your midwife, lactation consultant, or doctor where you’re having trouble with breastfeeding. Together, you can determine whether a pump is a good idea.
2. Get a Prescription Ask your doctor to write you a prescription for an electric breast pump. It’s important that the medical reason be stated on the prescription.
3. Choose a rental location Many pharmacies rent out breast pumps. Ask in advance whether the pharmacy bills your health insurance directly and whether it requires a deposit.
4. Add a pumping set The pumping set, including the breast shield and bottle, is personal and belongs to you. The MiGeL lists it as a separate item.
5. Submit the invoice. If the rental agency does not bill your health insurance directly, you pay the invoice and send it, along with the prescription, to your health insurance provider.
6. Renew on Time If you need the pump for longer than 8 weeks, talk to your doctor before the rental period ends. A renewal requires a medical reason.
7. Return the pump Clean the pump according to the instructions and return it. You may keep the pump set.

To learn how to pump hygienically and store your milk properly, read the guide “Pumping and Storing Breast Milk.”

How much does a breast pump cost? Maximum reimbursement amount, deductible, copay

The MiGeL sets the following maximum reimbursement amounts for breast pumps. These are the maximum amounts covered by basic insurance, not retail prices.

MiGeL recommends purchasing the pump if you expect to need it for an extended period. The same medical reasons as listed above apply to all items.

Deductible and copayment: Normally, you first pay your deductible—usually 300 francs per year—and then a 10 percent copayment up to a maximum of 700 francs per year. According to the FOPH, there is an exception regarding childbirth: From the 13th week of pregnancy until eight weeks after giving birth, you do not have to pay any portion of the costs for general medical services. This means you pay neither the deductible nor the copayment for a rental breast pump during this period. It’s best to contact your health insurance provider directly to find out how they bill for rental days after this period.

Supplemental Insurance: What It Covers

Supplemental insurance is optional, and each health insurance provider handles it differently. Some policies help cover additional breastfeeding counseling sessions or aids that basic insurance does not cover. CONCORDIA, for example, covers breastfeeding counseling sessions beyond the three sessions paid for by basic insurance through its NATURA and NATURAplus supplemental insurance plans.

Check your insurance policy to see if your supplemental insurance covers part of the cost of a breast pump you’ve purchased. The quickest way to find out is to call or send a message to your health insurance provider. It’s best to ask specifically: “Do you cover the cost of a breast pump, and do you require a prescription for it?”

Should You Rent or Buy a Breast Pump?

A rental pump and a pump you own serve different purposes. Some mothers use both in succession: first a rental pump for medical reasons, and later their own, portable pump for everyday use.

If you’re buying a pump on your own, make sure to choose compatible breast shields and that the parts are easy to clean. The LIINI® breast pump is a cordless pump that you wear inside your bra. It features a stimulation mode and an expression mode, each with five settings, a 180-ml milk container, and nipple shields in sizes 15, 17, and 21 mm. You can find all models under “Breast Pumps,” and replacement parts and inserts under “Breast Pump Accessories.” The guide “Warming Up Pumped Milk on the Go” shows you how to warm up pumped milk later when you’re out and about.

From LIINI

LIINI® Breast pump beige with battery 1'800mAh99.95CHFincl. VATView product →

Germany and Austria: A Quick Guide

Germany: With a doctor’s prescription, public health insurance plans generally cover the cost of a breast pump. It is usually provided on loan through contracted partners such as pharmacies or medical supply stores. Barmer, for example, generally covers the costs until the end of your child’s sixth month of life, including the breast pump sets. Some rental locations require a deposit.

Austria: The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) covers a breast pump if it is medically necessary and has been prescribed by a doctor. According to the public health portal, the following applies to medical devices and assistive devices: You must redeem the prescription within 30 days, usually at a provider contracted with the health insurance fund. Depending on the case, a copayment may apply.

In both countries, it’s a good idea to give the health insurance provider a quick call before picking up the pump.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

1. List of Medicines and Medical Devices (MiGeL), Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
2. List of Medicines and Medical Devices, July 1, 2026 edition (PDF), Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
3. Health Insurance: Cost-Sharing for Insured Persons Residing in Switzerland, Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
4. KVG Amendment: Cost-Containment Measures, Package 2, Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
5. Breastfeeding Counseling, CONCORDIA Health and Accident Insurance
6. Maternity: What Costs Does Health Insurance Cover?, CONCORDIA Health and Accident Insurance
7. Electric breast pumps for mothers, BARMER
8. When Can I Get a Breast Pump on Prescription?, Medela
9. Material Assistance Related to Childbirth, Austrian Children’s Friends
10. Medical Aids and Assistive Devices, gesundheit.gv.at, Austria’s Public Health Portal