Private Health
A policy that covers your treatment costs at private hospitals and doctors, on top of public coverage.
What is Private Health and how does it work?
Private health insurance means the insurer pays your treatment costs at private hospitals and doctors, up to the limits in the policy. It does not replace public coverage (SGK); it sits on top of it, giving you a wider choice of hospitals, shorter waits and more comfortable service.
Policies usually start from inpatient treatment, with outpatient care, maternity, check-ups and medication added or removed depending on the plan. Two policies with the same premium can differ greatly in hospital network and limits, so it pays to read the cover table, not just the price.
Who is it for?
It suits individuals, families and managers who want to be treated at a private hospital, by a doctor they choose, without waiting.
A practical way to choose
The first step is to be clear about who the policy is for: one person, or a spouse and children too? Age, current health and the hospitals you prefer shape what cover you need. Then compare inpatient and outpatient limits, maternity and check-up cover, and waiting periods.
Claims experience matters as much as the premium: is pre-authorisation quick, is any extra fee asked at a network hospital? Quotes do not state this. We know how the insurers behave in practice and put the offers side by side in one table.
How does the process work with Santerna?
First we listen to your needs and budget. Then we collect suitable quotes from the insurers we work with and put the cover and conditions side by side in a simple table. You make the choice; after the policy is issued we track the renewal date and stand by you when a claim happens. You can reach us by phone, WhatsApp or by visiting our office.
What does it usually cover?
- Inpatient treatment and surgery costs
- Outpatient care, tests and imaging (depending on the plan)
- Optional cover such as maternity and check-ups
What to look at when choosing
- The hospital and doctor network
- Annual limits, deductibles and co-payments
- Waiting periods and exclusions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between private and supplementary health insurance?
Private health insurance pays costs directly up to the policy limits and offers a wide hospital network. Supplementary health focuses on the extra fees charged at private hospitals that work with public coverage; it costs less but has narrower cover and a shorter hospital list.
Can I get a policy if I have an existing condition?
A health declaration is taken at application. Insurers may exclude existing conditions, charge an extra premium or apply a waiting period. Since this differs between insurers, comparing several quotes helps.
Why does the premium go up at renewal?
Rising healthcare costs, your age group and the policy's claims history all affect the premium. Cover and limit changes should also be checked before renewal; we are happy to review your policy with you.
Let us find the right one for you together.
Cover varies by insurer and policy; this page is general information.