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Swiss-made medical support stockings in Slovakia cost around a third of the price in Switzerland.
A man from Winterthur has to wear compression stockings for medical reasons. When he visited Slovakia, he discovered that his models there only cost around a third of the Swiss price. The support stockings from the St. Gallen manufacturer Sigvaris are “Swiss made”.
These high price differences exist both for Sigvaris stockings without a doctor’s prescription and with one. He paid 105 francs for the “Sigvaris Essential Thermoregulating Cotton” model in a specialist store in Winterthur. The health insurance company reimbursed him just under 63 francs.
So he had to pay a good 42 francs himself. If he had bought the same support stockings in the Sigvaris online shop in Slovakia, they would have only cost the equivalent of around 30 francs. “I think that’s a cheek,” the man says to “Espresso”.
What does Sigvaris say about the price differences?
In a statement, Sigvaris writes that it is not she as a supplier, but rather the specialist retailer who sets the prices for customers. And further: “We do not operate the Slovakian online shop mentioned, but rather an intermediary with Sigvaris distribution rights in Slovakia.”
In Slovakia, legal maximum margins are stipulated. In Switzerland, the MiGeL list of resources and items requires consultation so that compression stockings can be reimbursed by health insurance upon prescription. This advice is paid at the Swiss wage level.
Criticism from price watchdogs and consumer protection
Price monitor Stefan Meierhans criticized the enormous price differences for compression stockings between Switzerland and abroad in a market analysis in 2018. Apparently little has changed. That’s why he reiterates his criticism:
Admittedly, the costs are slightly higher in Switzerland. But that in no way justifies the fact that our compression stockings cost several times more.
Meierhans sees a system error: “The maximum remuneration amounts (HVB) specified in the MiGeL are often not viewed as a price ceiling, but as a recommended price.”
The price monitor therefore reiterates its demands from 2018: The Federal Office of Public Health should check HVB more frequently and take prices abroad into account when determining them. Health insurance companies should also be allowed to reimburse medical supplies that were purchased abroad.
“This measure would also create the necessary pressure on prices in our country.” The Foundation for Consumer Protection SKS and the health insurance association Santésuisse support these demands.
No standard consulting fee
When it comes to prescription compression supports, price monitors and consumer protection also criticize the fact that the flat rate for consultation is always included in the price.
SKS managing director Sara Stalder believes that the consultation fee should only be charged if advice, for example with measurement, is actually necessary and not as standard for every purchase.
2024-02-22 07:12:13
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