The sensitive issue of nipple tattoos is being discussed in Bern – with the Federal Council being told by parliament to review the situation.
Nipple tattoos are used at the end of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. But health insurance will only pay for them if they’re either done by a doctor or at least in a hospital.
The problem is that doctors are not normally good tattoo artists and there are not enough professional artists working in hospitals – although there are a few.
Campaigners want insurance companies to pay for the tattoo in a professional studio.
Many patients pay for the tattoo out of their pocket – but there are some who will do it for free.