Health insurance – what you need to know in Switzerland

Health insurance and doctor visits are a given for many, but not everyone fully understands how the system works. In this article, we’ll cover the most important aspects of the Swiss health insurance system, from choosing the right provider to managing your coverage and knowing when to switch plans.

Table of Contents

• Finding and purchasing health insurance
• Managing your health insurance
• Switching your health insurance
• Summary

Finding and purchasing health insurance

In Switzerland, there are a few key points to keep in mind when getting health insurance, especially if you’re an expat or new to the country:

• Mandatory coverage: Switzerland’s basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) is obligatory. Everyone in the country must have health insurance.
• Three-month deadline: When you move to Switzerland, you have three months to select a health insurer. The same rule applies to newborns. However, waiting until the last minute won’t save you money—premiums are backdated to your registration or birth date.
• Private and income-independent: Unlike some countries, individuals must choose and pay for their own health insurance. Employers typically don’t contribute, and the cost of premiums isn’t linked to your income.
• Premium structure: All insurers offer the same benefits in the basic coverage. The main differences lie in costs, which depend on the deductible (Franchise) you choose. Deductibles range from CHF 300.- to CHF 2'500.- per year. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. If you rarely visit the doctor, a higher deductible may save you money.

Treatment models:

• Telmed: You call the insurer first for guidance or prescriptions, making it the cheapest option.

• Family doctor model: You must consult your GP first for referrals to specialists.

• Free choice of doctor: You can see any doctor directly but pay higher premiums.

• Supplementary insurance: Unlike basic insurance, supplementary plans let you customize your coverage for things like dental, vision, or fitness benefits. However, insurers can reject applications or exclude pre-existing conditions, so it’s smart to sign up when you’re young and healthy.

• Accident insurance: If you work more than 8 hours per week, you’re already covered for accidents through your employer. Otherwise, include accident insurance in your health plan.

• Finding the best provider: Use comparison sites like Comparis.ch or Priminfo.admin.ch. Comparis is the largest platform but earns commissions for listings, whereas Priminfo is government-run.

Managing your health insurance

After selecting your health insurance, you’ll need to handle billing, taxes, and life changes.

• Billing: Some insurers require you to pay the doctor first and then submit the bill for reimbursement (after your deductible is met). Others let doctors bill the insurer directly. Check how often reimbursements are made—some insurers only process claims once a year, which can be problematic if you have high expenses.
• Coverage gaps: If you change jobs, your accident insurance continues for one month. If you remain unemployed or take time off (e.g., for travel), ensure your health insurance includes accident coverage.
• Taxes: You can partially deduct health insurance premiums from your taxes. For expats or residents taxed at source, this happens automatically. If you earn over CHF 120'000.- annually or hold a C permit, you can list premiums on your tax return. Read more on source tax (Quellensteuer) vs. regular tax declaration here.

Switching your health insurance

You can change your health insurer every year, which often makes sense since premiums frequently rise.

• Basic insurance: Cancel by November 30 to switch to a cheaper provider.
• Supplementary insurance: Deadlines are usually September 30, but secure confirmation from your new insurer before canceling your current plan to avoid being left without coverage (since supplementary insurers can reject applications based on health screenings).

Comparison tools like Comparis and Priminfo can help you find the best option.

Summary on health insurance in Switzerland

Switzerland’s health insurance system is straightforward: Choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget, and reassess annually to ensure it still makes sense. If your situation changes or premiums rise, switching insurers is worth considering. Additionally, always keep enough savings to cover your deductible and co-payments in case of unexpected health expenses.