1. The Swiss health insurance framework (LAMal)
Switzerland's basic mandatory health insurance, governed by the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal / KVG), provides limited but real coverage for taxi transport in specific medical circumstances. The key condition is that the transport must be medically necessary and certified by a physician.
LAMal covers taxi transport in the following situations:
- Emergency transport — when the patient's condition requires immediate professional assistance.
- Non-urgent transport for patients unable to use public transport — due to a serious or permanent disability certified by a doctor.
- Transport linked to an inpatient hospital stay — in some circumstances, the journey to and from hospital may be covered.
In all cases, a doctor's written prescription (ordonnance médicale) is required. Without it, the insurer will not reimburse the fare.
2. Supplementary health insurance (assurance complémentaire)
Most Swiss residents hold supplementary health insurance (assurance complémentaire / Zusatzversicherung) in addition to their LAMal coverage. These policies — offered by insurers such as Groupe Mutuel, Swica, Helsana, CSS and others — often provide broader coverage for transport:
- Regular transport to dialysis sessions, chemotherapy or physiotherapy
- Transport for outpatient consultations when mobility is impaired
- Transport after day-surgery procedures
Coverage limits and conditions vary widely between policies. We strongly recommend checking your specific policy wording or contacting your insurer directly before booking.
3. Invalidity insurance (AI / IV)
For persons receiving an invalidity pension (AI/IV), transport costs linked to professional reintegration measures or recognised medical treatments may be partially covered by the invalidity insurance fund. A formal request must be submitted in advance.
4. The Onde Verte reduced rate in Neuchâtel
In Neuchâtel, pensioners (beneficiaries of AVS) and students benefit from the Onde Verte reduced rate. This is a cantonal scheme that applies a preferential per-kilometre rate of CHF 3.60/km (compared to the standard T1 rate of CHF 4.00/km). The base fare remains CHF 6.50.
To benefit from this rate, simply mention it when you call or book online. No special document is required beyond your AVS card or student card, which you may be asked to present on boarding.
5. Why a licensed taxi is essential for reimbursement
This point is critical: Swiss health insurance reimburses only licensed taxi operators. A receipt or invoice from a ride-hailing platform such as Uber will not be accepted by any Swiss insurer. Only an official receipt from a licensed taxi company — with the vehicle registration number, driver's licence number and cantonal operating licence — satisfies the documentary requirements.
AàZ Taxicab provides official invoices and receipts on request, suitable for insurance reimbursement claims.
6. Common medical transport scenarios
| Scenario | LAMal | Supplementary cover |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency transport | Yes (up to 50%) | Often covers the rest |
| Dialysis (3x/week) | Rarely | Often yes — check your policy |
| Physiotherapy | No | Sometimes — check your policy |
| Oncology treatment | Possible with prescription | Often yes |
| Outpatient consultation | Only if public transport impossible | Sometimes — check your policy |
| Post-surgical return home | Possible | Often yes |
7. How to make a reimbursement claim
- Obtain a medical prescription from your doctor confirming the medical necessity of the transport.
- Keep the official taxi receipt provided by AàZ Taxicab (date, distance, fare, company details).
- Submit both documents to your health insurer along with the completed claim form.
- For regular transport (e.g. dialysis), a blanket prescription covering a defined period may simplify the process.
Need a medical taxi in Neuchâtel?
AàZ Taxicab provides adapted vehicles and official invoices for insurance claims. Available 24/7.