You have prescribed medical compression stockings? Here you can find out what the details on the prescription mean, what the reimbursement by the health insurance company looks like and where you can buy the right stockings in Switzerland.
Compression stockings – a standardized quality product
Medical compression stockings (German: Kompressionsstrümpfe) are not to be confused with support stockings (German: Stützstrümpfe). Compression stockings are medical aids that are manufactured to strict standards. Among other things, the standards determine which length variants and compression classes are available. These two important features can also be found on the doctor’s prescription.
Length options
Compression stockings are available in the following standard length:
- Knee Socks, Knee Highs, AD (German Kniestrumpf, Kniesocken): This stocking variant extends to a few inches below the knee. This variant is most commonly used.
- Knee-highs with adhesive border (ADH): This length variant has the same effect as the AD variant, but has a better grip thanks to the grip top. The adhesive border also helps to prevent constrictions in the area of the popliteal fossa.
- Thigh Stockings, AGH (German: Schenkelstrumpf): Thigh stockings extend to a few inches below the crotch. They offer a good effect for the whole leg. An adhesive tape with silicone coating on the inside keeps the stocking securely on the leg.
- Tights, AT (German: Strumpfhose): Tights usually have a compression-free body part. They offer the same effect as thigh stockings, but a different feel. There are also tights especially for men.
- Tights for Pregnant Women, ATM, ATU (German: Schwangerschafts-Strumpfhose): Pregnancy tights have a highly elastic body that adapts to the growing belly. Many models are equipped with an elastic buttonhole band, which provides good grip.
Compression class
Medical compression stockings are divided into three different classes. The most common abbreviations for the compression class (German: Kompressionsklasse) are KKL, CCL or class. The compression classes differ in standardized ankle pressure. The course of this pressure decrease is standardized.
- Class 1: The light compression is ideal for the prevention of venous diseases and heavy legs. The ankle pressure is 18-21 mmHg.
- Class 2: The most commonly chosen compression class is suitable for most venous and lymphatic disorders. The mean pressure of 23-32 mmHg is effective and comfortable.
- Class 3: This high compression of 34-46 mmHg is rarely used, e.g. in advanced venous disease or pronounced lymphedema.
Reimbursement by the health insurance
Compression stockings can be bought in Switzerland without prescription. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to have a doctors prescription, because it is a prerequisite for the reimbursement by the health insurance.
Send the receipt of your compression stockings together with the prescription to your health insurance company.
The basic insurance is obliged to reimburse 2 pairs of compression stockings in accordance with the MiGeL list if there is a prescription. The current MiGeL amounts (04/2019) are:
- AD / ADH in compression class 2: 69.75 CHF per pair
- AGH in compression class 2: 100.20 CHF per pair
- AT / ATU / ATM in compression class 2: 109.50 CHF per pair
Further pair stockings, or the price difference between MiGeL amount and purchase price can possibly be taken over by the supplementary insurance. Therefore, please also send the invoice to your supplementary insurance.
Where to buy compression socks?
The largest selection of medical compression socks and stockings can be found in Switzerland online at kompressionsstruempfe.ch. The online shop offers all well-known brands and many models in beautiful colors. Also special stockings for pregnant women or for men are available.
For an English consultation please choose the contact form.
The right stocking for every indication
Compression socks and stockings are available from different brands and in different qualities. For most indications the compression class 2 is suitable. Not only the class, but also the stiffness of the stocking is decisive for an effective therapy and a high well-being. We present you with some suitable qualities for the most common indications.
Pregnancy
Compression stockings are prescribed during pregnancy because the veins are heavily loaded by the increased blood volume. Stockings promote blood flow, help prevent the development of varicose veins and thrombosis. Pregnant women usually need a highly elastic compression stocking that is easy to put on. Choose e.g.
- Juzo Inspiration: The slightly transparent compression stocking from Juzo is available in countless great colors.
- Venosan 4002: The highly elastic stocking with climate-regulating Tactel fibers offers first-class wearing comfort.
Varicose veins
Untreated varicose veins can cause unpleasant symptoms such as itching, heavy legs, swelling or skin lesions. Compression socks support the venous blood flow towards the heart to prevent these discomforts. Suitable compression stockings with low to medium Stiffness are:
- Juzo Spirit: The elastic compression stocking with fine shine is available in many fashionable colors.
- Mediven Plus: If varicose veins are associated with swelling, the stocking with medium stiffness has a good effect.
After the venous surgery
Compression socks and stockings help to reduce swelling after surgery, lower the risk of thrombosis and promote the healing process. Suitable are soft, comfortable stockings that are easy to put on and still provide a good effect.
- Juzo Soft: The soft stockings made of climate-regulating microfibers are especially gentle on the skin and the surgical wounds.
- Sigvaris Top Fine: The comfortable stockings guarantee a fresh, clean feel and beautifully put the leg in scene.
For strong swelling
Some venous diseases are associated with pronounced swelling. If the leg is very soft due to the edema, or even in case of overweight, a firm stocking is required, which reliably supports the tissue and push back the swelling.
- Venosan 7002: The firm compression stocking actively cares for the skin with SeaCell fibers and offers a high wearing comfort due to its cotton content.
- Juzo Dynamic: The opaque stocking is available in many great colors. Thanks to fine-mesh knit, the Juzo Dynamic is particularly gentle on the skin.
For men
Especially for men there are opaque knee socks, which are not noticeable under clothing. A large foot part guarantees best wearing comfort in everyday life.
- Mediven for men: The elastic, comfortable men’s stocking was designed by Wolfgang Joop and convinces with the business rib design.
- Juzo Adventure Cotton: The solid men’s compression sock has a good effect on swelling, is extremely resistant and thanks to cotton content especially skin-friendly.
Lymphedema
The lymphedema needs to be treated with a powerful compression. The compression effect of the socks should be constant over the course of the day, so that the swelling is still effectively controlled in the evening.
- Mediven forte: The sturdy fabric of the mediven forte is equipped with Clima Fresh technology, which inhibits bacterial growth and thus provides a fresh feeling of wear.
- Juzo Expert: The flat-knit stocking is highly effective at swelling. Available as a knee sock in standard size, all length variations as a stocking on measurement.
Open leg
The open leg (ulcus cruris venosum) is treated with compression. Special ulcer sets, consisting of two undersocks and an overstocking, offer the best effect and make it easier to put on. The Ulcus Set is reimbursed by the basic insurance in addition to the 2 pairs of compression stockings per year.