Breast pump

What is a breast pump in health insurance?

A breast pump is a device that breastfeeding mothers use to express breast milk. There are hand-operated pumps, electric single pumps for one breast and electric double pumps for both breasts at the same time. In health insurance, a breast pump counts as an “aid or appliance”, i.e. a medical aid that you use yourself at home.

Which aids and appliances basic health insurance pays for, and up to what amount, is set out in the FOPH’s Aids and Appliances List, the MiGeL. Breast pumps have their own item there (01.01). However, basic health insurance does not pay for every breast pump: you need a doctor’s prescription and a medical reason from the exhaustive list of indications.

The breast pump is therefore distinct from the special benefits for maternity that basic health insurance pays without a medical reason, such as check-ups, the birth or breastfeeding advice with up to three sessions. If you simply want to breastfeed more conveniently or flexibly, basic health insurance will not pay for the pump. Supplementary insurance may cover it in some cases.

How it works

1. Medical reason: at least one of these indications from the MiGeL must apply:

• for the child: premature birth, feeding difficulties, malformations or organic diseases;
• for the breastfeeding mother: sore nipples, inflammation, breast engorgement, temporary treatment with medication, increased or reduced milk production;
• medically necessary separation of mother and child.

2. Prescription: a doctor prescribes the pump. With the prescription, you collect it from an approved supplier, for example a pharmacy or a medical supply shop that has a contract with your insurer.

3. Renting or buying: the MiGeL sets a maximum reimbursement amount for each option. The insurer pays up to this amount. If the supplier charges more, you pay the difference yourself.

Source: FOPH MiGeL, as of 01.07.2026, column for use by the insured person; the amounts have applied since 01.01.2024. For premature babies, up to twice the amount can be reimbursed for the accessory set. For a new child or for a medical indication, such as a change in nipple size, a new accessory set is paid for again.

Legal basis

Basic health insurance pays for aids and appliances under Art. 25 para. 2 let. b of the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG) if a doctor has prescribed them. Art. 20 para. 1 KLV specifies that reimbursement covers aids and appliances that are used for treatment, are supplied by an approved supplier on a doctor’s order and are used by the insured person themselves. Which items these are is set out in the MiGeL (Annex 2 KLV).

Art. 24 KLV governs the amount: the insurer pays up to the maximum reimbursement amount on the list (para. 1). If the price exceeds this amount, the insured person pays the difference (para. 3). The reimbursement can be set as a purchase or a rental price; expensive, reusable devices are usually rented (para. 4).

On co-payment: under Art. 64 para. 7 let. b KVG, the insurer may not charge a deductible or a retention fee for benefits under Art. 25 KVG provided from the 13th week of pregnancy, during childbirth and up to eight weeks after childbirth. Under Art. 105 para. 3 of the Health Insurance Ordinance (KVV), this period ends at midnight on the 56th day after the birth. For the mother, this also applies to a breast pump prescribed during this period. After that, the normal co-payment applies. Under Art. 29 para. 2 let. c KVG and Art. 15 KLV, breastfeeding advice is limited to three sessions and is also exempt from co-payment.

Example: renting or buying after a premature birth

Nina’s baby is born prematurely. Because the baby was born too early and cannot feed at first, the doctor prescribes an electric breast pump. Nina compares renting and buying at the maximum amounts in the MiGeL (as of 01.07.2026).

What this means for you

• Get a prescription: without a doctor’s prescription, the insurer does not pay. Ask for the indication to be noted on the prescription.
• Compare prices: ask the supplier in advance whether its price is above the MiGeL maximum amount. You pay the difference yourself.
• Estimate how long you will need it: renting is worthwhile for a few weeks, buying for a longer period. Remember the accessory set when renting.
• Use breastfeeding advice: basic health insurance pays for three sessions of breastfeeding advice from a midwife or a specialised nurse without co-payment. This is often where you can clarify whether a pump is needed.
• Insure your baby: you need to register your newborn with an insurer within three months of the birth. The children’s premium calculator shows what this costs; you will find all offers for adults and children in the premium calculator.
• Check supplementary insurance: whether a supplementary insurance policy helps pay for a pump without a medical reason is set out in its terms and conditions. The health insurers page gives an overview of the insurers.

Common mistakes

• Buying a pump without a prescription. Without a doctor’s order, the pump is not a compulsory benefit. Get the prescription before buying or renting.
• Believing every mother is entitled to one. Basic health insurance only pays for the indications in the MiGeL. Breastfeeding alone is not a reason.
• Forgetting the accessory set. It is not included in the rental and must be bought separately; the insurer pays up to CHF 27.85.
• Renting for too long. Cover ends after 8 weeks, unless the doctor justifies an extension of no more than 8 further weeks.
• Overestimating the pregnancy exemption. The exemption from deductible and retention fee only applies until 8 weeks after the birth. A pump supplied later is subject to the normal co-payment.

We explain how we prepare maximum amounts and examples under how we calculate. You will find more on the time around the birth under pregnancy.