Family Care
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This page is essentially about the fact that the Federal Supreme Court has approved payment for family care. Like lightning, „SPITEX“ companies shot up like mushrooms. Their business model: „We employ relatives who care for their family members. We pay them an hourly wage and charge their health insurance companies the same amount with a hefty „sympathy surcharge“ – double the price and even more.“
The Einheits-KrankenKasse will eliminate this middleman trade, which has often been criticized, by paying the caregivers directly. We will inform you about the exact process soon.
Jan 21, 2026 My question to ChatGPT:
Good morning, dear ChatGPT
I would like some basic information regarding family care. The Federal Supreme Court has made a landmark decision that relatives who care for family members receive money for it. What do you know about this, what can you tell me, and are there any sources?
Good morning, dear Werner from Einheits-KrankenKasse – here is a clear, up-to-date basic information on family care in Switzerland, the Federal Supreme Court rulings, and developments specifically for the care of mentally ill relatives:
⚖️ 1. Federal Supreme Court: Remuneration for caring relatives, decision on basic care by relatives:
In Switzerland, the Federal Supreme Court (highest court) has ruled that relatives who provide basic care at home are generally entitled to compensation from the health insurance company if this care is provided within the framework of the benefits of the mandatory health care insurance (OKP). This applies if the care is provided via a Spitex organization and the organization employs or remunerates the relatives as caregivers. (Federal News)
This means: Relatives can be paid for basic care at an hourly wage (typically ~30-40 CHF), and the health insurance company bears the costs up to the rates provided by the OKP. (Canton of Zurich)
⚖️2. Expansion: Psychiatric care / basic psychiatric care
New Federal Supreme Court ruling for mentally ill relatives. A landmark decision dated May 8, 2024 (BGer 9C_385/2023) has clarified the following: Relatives who care for mentally ill family members at home are also entitled to remuneration for „basic psychiatric care.“
What does this mean in concrete terms?
• Until then, it was unclear whether only physical care (e.g., help with dressing, eating, washing) would be compensated.
• Now the Federal Supreme Court has decided that the care and support of mentally ill people – even without medical training of the caring relatives – falls under the benefit entitlement of basic insurance if this care qualifies as basic psychiatric care. (Advokaturgemeinschaft)
Practical example from media reports: A mother cared for her mentally ill son at home and was able to sue for compensation for this care effort following this ruling – in terms of very many care hours, for example, up to around 15,000 CHF a month would have been possible (calculated purely on an hourly basis, depending on the situation and need). (Blick)
What is basic psychiatric care? Basic psychiatric care includes not only classic kitchen or hygiene tasks, but also support, monitoring, emotional assistance, and daily care that a mentally ill person requires – e.g., help with structuring the day, dealing with crises, accompanying to therapies, safety monitoring, etc. These activities can be performed by relatives as „laypersons“ if they are actually necessary. (Tribunal Fédéral)
⚖️3. Important restrictions / legal framework
✅ Only basic care according to OKP applies:
The health insurance performance obligation only covers basic care services, not medical treatments or nursing measures that require professional training (e.g., medical treatment techniques).
❗ Employment and billing via Spitex or providers:
In order for relatives to actually receive this compensation, they must usually be employed by a recognized Spitex organization or care agency or the service must be registered there. (Federal News)
⚖️4. Further state support
In addition to this compensation, there are also legal entitlements in Switzerland to paid working time if you care for a relative professionally:
• Short-term paid care leave: Up to 10 days per year in the event of a relative’s serious illness. (VISCHER)
• Longer paid parental/care leave: Up to 14 weeks for parents who care for their child with a serious health impairment (e.g., serious illness/accident) – partly via the income compensation scheme (EO). (Federal Social Insurance Office) These working time regulations complement the compensated care claim via health insurance.
⚖️5. Summary for you – what counts now?
✔ Relatives can be paid for basic care at home – if handled correctly through a Spitex/registered care organization. (Federal News)
✔ The Federal Supreme Court has extended the health insurance’s obligation to pay for basic psychiatric care provided by relatives. (Advokaturgemeinschaft)
✔ This is a significant precedent for people who care for mentally ill relatives at home. (Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF))
Sources & Decisions for Further Reading:
Here are the most important official sources/relevant decisions:
Federal Supreme Court Ruling 9C_385/2023 – „Compensation for basic psychiatric care“: (Tribunal Fédéral)
Media Report – Blick: Ruling and potential compensation amount (Blick)
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