Health

Cancer prevention: What basic insurance covers

Written by Nadine Graf 05.01.2026

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death in Switzerland, and early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of recovery. Basic insurance covers certain preventive examinations, but only under clearly defined conditions or from a certain age. In this article, we explain which cancer screening benefits are covered by basic insurance and when supplementary insurance may be a good idea.

According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, about a quarter of all deaths among men and a fifth of all deaths among women in Switzerland are caused by cancer. Different types of cancer occur most frequently depending on gender. More than 50 percent of all cancers in men affect the prostate, lungs and colon. In women, breast cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer are the most common. The most dangerous types include cancers of the pancreas, lung and liver.

Successful treatment often depends on early detection of cancer. If malignant changes or a tumor are detected early, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. If metastases have already formed, the treatment options and the chances of survival are reduced. It is therefore advisable to go for regular cancer prevention check-ups.

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The most important cancer check-ups

There are over 200 types of cancer: early detection of all diseases is almost impossible. But with the appropriate preventive examinations, you can detect colon cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer at an early stage. Which check-ups are recommended for cancer prevention depends on your gender and age.

Women should have the following examinations:

From age 18: gynecological check-up
From age 30: breast examination
From age 35: skin examination
From age 50: colonoscopy

The following check-ups are recommended for men:

From age 35: skin examination
From age 45: examination of reproductive organs
From age 50: colonoscopy

People with an increased risk, such as smokers, should have regular checks.

Preventive examinations covered by basic and supplementary insurance

Basic insurance generally only covers the costs of medically necessary services in the event of illness, accident and maternity. However, the following cancer coverage is recognized by basic insurance:

Gynecological examination with Pap test every three years

Basic insurance contributes to various preventive measures: These include a Pap test every three years and the early detection of breast cancer by a clinical examination as part of a gynecological check-up. HPV vaccination for young women up to age 26 is also covered if it is part of a cantonal vaccination program.

It’s good to know that with COMPLET supplementary insurance, AXA will cover 100 percent of the costs of preventive gynecological examinations in the intervening years, provided that there are no medical findings or illnesses.

Mammogram for women with an increased risk of breast cancer

If the risk of breast cancer is increased, an annual mammogram is also included in basic insurance. In cantons with organized screening (in German), women aged 50 and over can also have a mammogram done every two years – regardless of symptoms or risk factors.

Colorectal cancer prevention

Basic insurance covers the costs of colorectal cancer screening for people between the ages of 50 and 69: this includes a blood in stool test every two years and a colonoscopy every ten years. In case of a family history and increased risk, additional examinations can be paid for – if the attending physician recommends this.

Skin cancer screening

If there is no specific suspicion, basic insurance will only cover a skin examination with mole screening if there is a familial increased risk of melanoma. However, if there is a medical suspicion, the costs of skin cancer screening are covered. Supplementary insurance benefits differ depending on the insurance and tariff.

Supplementary insurance must be taken out to cover additional check-ups. Which preventive examinations are covered depends on the provider. With AXA’s COMPLET supplementary insurance, we cover 75 percent of the costs of medical screenings – up to CHF 500 per year – in addition to gynecological screening examinations in the intervening years.

Frequently asked questions

No, basic health insurance does not normally cover general preventive examinations that are not medically necessary. It does, however, cover certain cancer screening benefits under clearly defined conditions. These include gynecological Pap tests every three years, colorectal cancer screening for people between the ages of 50 and 69, and mammograms for those at increased risk of breast cancer or as part of cantonal screening programs. Skin cancer screening in Switzerland is only paid if there is an increased risk or a specific suspicion. Supplementary insurance is generally required for further preventive examinations.

Mandatory health insurance covers the costs of medically necessary services in the event of illness, accidents and maternity. This includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medication, laboratory analyses, and selected therapies. The scope of benefits offered under basic insurance is standardized throughout Switzerland and applies regardless of health insurer, insurance model, excess, deductible, or canton of residence.

Supplementary insurance is worth taking out if you want regular check-ups that are not or only partially covered by basic insurance, such as extended check-ups or more frequent screenings.