Compression stockings in Geneva: fitting and advice

Who are compression stockings for?

Medical compression stockings apply graduated pressure, strongest at the ankle and decreasing up the leg, to help blood return to the heart. Our pharmacists most often fit them for:

• heavy, tired or swollen legs, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency;
• pregnancy, when the hormonal changes and the weight of the baby slow venous return;
• long-haul flights, long car journeys or jobs that involve standing or sitting all day;
• after vein surgery or a deep vein thrombosis, as prescribed by your doctor;
• lymphoedema, which usually needs flat-knit, made-to-measure garments;
• sport and recovery, with lighter compression socks or calf sleeves.

Which compression class do I need?

The class indicates the pressure exerted at the ankle. In Switzerland, as in much of Europe, medical stockings are graded in four classes. The class must match your condition: too little pressure is ineffective, too much is uncomfortable and can be harmful if your arteries are not healthy.

Class	Ankle pressure (approx.)	Typical uses
Travel / prevention	Below class 1	Flights, standing jobs, mild heaviness
Class 1	18–21 mmHg	Heavy legs, mild varicose veins, pregnancy
Class 2	23–32 mmHg	Varicose veins, oedema, after vein treatment or thrombosis
Class 3	34–46 mmHg	Severe venous insufficiency, lymphoedema
Class 4	49 mmHg and more	Severe lymphoedema, on medical prescription

How is the fitting done at the pharmacy?

1. Come in the morning. Legs are least swollen early in the day, which gives the most accurate measurements. Make an appointment for longer fittings.
2. Measurement. In our private area, we measure the circumference of your ankle, calf and thigh, and the length of your leg, at several precise points.
3. Choice of model. Socks, thigh-high stockings or tights; open or closed toe; colour and texture. We take your lifestyle and the ease of putting them on into account.
4. Ready-made or made-to-measure. If your measurements fall within a standard size, you can often leave with your stockings. Otherwise, we order a made-to-measure pair, usually ready within a few days to two weeks.
5. Follow-up. We show you how to put them on and can provide donning aids such as gloves or a frame.

Service	Price
Leg measurement and fitting advice	On request

Are compression stockings reimbursed by health insurance?

Yes, partly, under certain conditions. Medical compression stockings are listed in the federal list of medical aids and devices (MiGeL, called LiMA in French). Basic insurance (LAMal) reimburses classes 2 to 4 on medical prescription, when the measurements are taken by qualified staff at an approved supplier, up to a maximum of two pairs per year and up to the maximum amount set for each type of garment, after your deductible and the 10% co-payment. If the stockings cost more than this maximum, you pay the difference.

Class 1 stockings and preventive compression for pregnancy, travel or sport are not covered by basic insurance, even with a prescription. Some supplementary policies contribute: check your contract. We give you a detailed receipt in all cases.

Tips from our counter

• Put your stockings on in the morning, before your legs swell, and take them off at night unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Wash them regularly, by hand or on a delicate cycle, and dry them flat away from heat.
• Replace them roughly every six months of daily wear: after that, they lose much of their effectiveness.
• Planning a long flight? Read our travel health advice, and ask us about compression socks for the journey.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get compression stockings fitted in Geneva?

At pharmacies offering measurement, such as Pharmacie de Cologny at Place du Manoir 20, Cologny. We measure your legs, advise you on the class and model, and order made-to-measure stockings if needed.

Do I need a prescription for compression stockings in Switzerland?

Not to buy them, but a medical prescription is needed for basic insurance reimbursement, which applies to classes 2 to 4 only. These higher classes should always be prescribed by a doctor after a check of your veins and arteries.

Should I wear compression socks on a long flight?

For flights of several hours, compression socks reduce leg swelling and are often recommended for people at higher risk of thrombosis. Ask us for advice, particularly if you are pregnant, have had a thrombosis or recently had surgery.

Can I wear compression stockings during pregnancy?

Yes, they are often advised for heavy legs and varicose veins during pregnancy. We help you choose comfortable models, such as maternity tights with an adjustable waist.

How long does it take to get made-to-measure stockings?

Usually from a few days to two weeks, depending on the manufacturer. We let you know as soon as they arrive and check the fit with you.