Medical transport in Neuchâtel: what does Swiss insurance cover?

The basics: KVG/LAMal and transport

Switzerland's mandatory basic health insurance (KVG in German, LAMal in French) covers transport to medical appointments only in specific, limited circumstances. The key requirement is a formal medical transport prescription (ordonnance de transport) issued by a doctor, certifying that the patient is unable to travel by ordinary means due to their medical condition.

Under KVG/LAMal, covered situations typically include:

• Post-operative transport when the patient cannot walk independently
• Transport for dialysis, chemotherapy or radiation therapy sessions
• Emergency hospital transport
• Transport for patients with severe mobility limitations (PMR)

Routine appointments — GP visits, physiotherapy, dental — do not qualify for KVG/LAMal transport reimbursement under normal circumstances, even if driving is difficult.

Supplementary insurance (LCA): broader coverage

Many Swiss residents hold supplementary health insurance policies (LCA — Loi sur le Contrat d'Assurance) through their insurer. These policies often offer significantly broader coverage for transport, including:

• Taxi rides to hospital, specialist or physiotherapy appointments
• Return transport after procedures where driving is medically inadvisable
• Annual lump-sum transport allowances

Coverage limits, reimbursement conditions and the definition of "necessary" transport vary considerably between insurers and policies. Always check your specific policy before assuming coverage, and obtain a medical prescription where required.

Important: only licensed taxis qualify

This is a critical point. Swiss health insurance reimbursement for medical transport applies exclusively to licensed taxi operators holding a municipal operating licence. Journeys taken with Uber, carpooling services or private drivers are never reimbursable as medical transport under either KVG/LAMal or LCA policies.

AàZ Taxicab is a fully licensed taxi operator in the canton of Neuchâtel and can provide the necessary receipts and documentation for insurance reimbursement claims.

Onde Verte: subsidised social transport

Onde Verte is a social transport service operating in the canton of Neuchâtel, designed to provide affordable mobility for elderly people, people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility. The service operates on a subsidised tariff and is accessible by telephone booking.

AàZ Taxicab participates in the Onde Verte network. If you or a family member are eligible — typically AVS pensioners, people with mobility restrictions, or those in follow-up care — contact us or your social services office to discuss access to this service.

Practical steps for reimbursement

1. Ask your doctor for a written transport prescription (ordonnance de transport) if your condition qualifies.
2. Check your supplementary insurance policy for transport coverage clauses.
3. Keep all taxi receipts — AàZ Taxicab provides detailed receipts suitable for insurance claims.
4. Submit your claim to your insurer with the prescription and receipts.