Navigating Hair Loss in Switzerland: How to Get Your Wig Covered by IV, AHV, and Health Insurance
Losing your hair—whether due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or another medical condition—is an emotionally challenging experience. On top of adjusting to changes in your appearance, there is the practical matter of finding a high-quality wig and figuring out how to pay for it.
In Switzerland, medical wigs (Perücken) are classified as necessary therapeutic aids (Hilfsmittel). This means you do not have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Understanding how disability insurance (IV), old-age insurance (AHV), and basic health insurance (KVG) work together will help you claim the full contribution you are entitled to.
Step 1: Know Your Annual Direct Allowance (IV & AHV)
In Switzerland, mandatory state insurance provides a fixed annual contribution specifically designated for hair replacement when hair loss is medically diagnosed.
- IV (Invalidenversicherung): If you have not yet reached official retirement age, the IV provides a coverage limit of up to CHF 1,500 per calendar year.
- AHV (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung): Once you pass reference retirement age, coverage transitions to the AHV, which provides up to CHF 1,000 per calendar year.
This allowance is intended to cover the cost of the wig itself. Whether related maintenance items (such as special shampoos or wig stands) are also covered varies by canton and case, so it's worth asking your cantonal SVA/IV office directly when you apply.
Step 2: Check Your Mandatory & Supplementary Health Insurance
What happens if the wig you choose costs more than the CHF 1,000 or CHF 1,500 contribution? This is where your health insurance (Krankenkasse) steps in.
- Basic Insurance (OKP / KVG): Mandatory basic health insurance generally expects state provisions (IV/AHV) to take precedence for hair substitutes. However, basic insurance may cover medical consultations or specific dermatology treatments related to your scalp.
- Supplementary Insurance (Zusatzversicherung): If you carry complementary insurance, some policies offer additional coverage for medical hair pieces beyond what the IV or AHV pays out. Coverage varies significantly between insurers and policy tiers—not all supplementary plans include this benefit—so it's best to contact your insurer directly and ask specifically about wig ("Perücke") coverage before assuming any amount will be reimbursed.
Obtain a Medical Prescription (Arztzeugnis)
Crucial first step
Visit your oncologist, dermatologist, or attending physician. Ask for a formal medical certificate or prescription (Verordnung) stating that hair loss is a direct result of illness or medical treatment.
Register with Your Cantonal SVA / IV Office
Before making any purchase
Submit the medical certificate along with the official IV/AHV application form (Anmeldung für Hilfsmittel) to the social insurance office (Sozialversicherungsanstalt) of your home canton. Importantly, the office typically wants a cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag) for the wig before giving its cost guarantee (Kostengutsprache)—so it's best to get a quote from us first and include it with your application, rather than purchasing outright.
Select Your Favorite Wig on Our Website
Once you have your cost guarantee
Browse our online catalog, check our sizing chart, and pick an accessible, natural-looking wig. Write to us if you have any questions, or if you wish to wear a customized piece made just for you. Let us know you want to use your SVA subvention, and we will send, together with your wig, a proper invoice for you to submit to the SVA. Enjoy fast Swiss delivery within 1 to 3 days.
Submit Your Invoice for Reimbursement
Claiming your coverage
Once your Kostengutsprache is confirmed, submit your itemized original invoice from us to your cantonal IV/AHV office for reimbursement up to your allowance. If the wig's cost exceeds that allowance, you can send the remaining balance to your supplementary health insurance to ask whether they will cover any additional portion.
Why Choose Us for Your Medical Wig?
- Strict Hygiene Standards: Every wig is hygiene-sealed before dispatch, ensuring you receive a 100% untouched product every time.
- Maximum Comfort: Flexible elastic caps ensure effortless, pressure-free daily wear.
- Fast Swiss Delivery: Orders are processed locally and delivered anywhere in Switzerland within 1 to 3 business days.
- Insurance-Compliant Invoicing: Just let us know your order is intended for an AHV/IV claim, and we will provide an itemized receipt containing all required codes for seamless reimbursement.
How We Recommend Buying Your Subsidized AHV / IV Wig From Us
We believe finding the perfect hairpiece should feel empowering, stress-free, and accessible. Here is our simple step-by-step recommendation for using your state subvention with us:
- Browse & Explore Our Selection. Start by exploring the wide range of natural-looking wigs on our PlatinumBlack Wigs website. Because all our products are designed with style and comfort in mind, you will find a versatile variety of cuts, shades, and textures.
- Consult Our Sizing Chart. Check our detailed sizing guide to find your match. Thanks to our soft, adjustable elastic wig caps, getting a comfortable fit is straightforward and gentle on your scalp.
- Ease In & Discover Your Style. Our accessible pricing allows you to order ready-to-wear pieces right away. Wear them, test different looks for various occasions, and take all the time you need to get used to wearing wigs while finding what suits you best.
- Get in Touch. After you decide what you need, get in touch directly through our website's Contact Page and let us know you want to order your AHV-subventioned wig. You can also opt to order your own customized piece — once you are ready for a piece tailor-made just for you, let us know your specific measurements, style preferences, and that you wish to use your AHV/IV subvention.
- Personal Guidance & Custom Fitting. We will gladly guide you through a personal online consultation to create a customized wig fully aligned with your desires and SVA funding limit—helping you feel strong, radiant, and confident in a piece made especially for you.