How do you insure your baby with a health insurer?
In short
Register your baby with a health insurer within three months of birth and it is insured from birth.
It is best to apply for supplementary insurance during pregnancy. The mother's basic insurance pays for the birth without deductible and co-payment.
Want to know more?
What do you need to do and when?
- During pregnancy. Compare children’s premiums on priminfo.admin.ch. Submit the application for any supplementary insurance before the birth.
- After the birth. Register your child within three months. The insurance then applies retroactively from birth.
- In the first autumn. Check deductible and model for your child as you do for yourself.
What does basic insurance pay around the birth?
| Service | What applies |
|---|---|
| Check-ups and ultrasound | Paid, without co-payment |
| Birth in hospital, birth centre or at home | Paid, without co-payment |
| Birth preparation and breastfeeding advice | Paid up to a fixed amount |
| Illness from week 13 until eight weeks after the birth | Without deductible and co-payment |
What does that mean in francs?
Children’s premiums are clearly lower than premiums for adults. With a deductible of CHF 600 instead of CHF 0 the premium falls further. A healthy child often needs little. A child with many doctor visits quickly costs you more with a high deductible. Work out both with your insurer’s figures.
What many people get wrong
- “My baby is automatically with my insurer.” No. You have to register it yourself.
- “I can always take out supplementary insurance later.” Later the insurer may ask health questions and turn you down.
- “The birth uses up my deductible.” No. Around the birth you pay no cost sharing.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the three-month deadline?
Then your child is only insured from registration. You pay costs from the time before yourself, and the insurer can charge a premium surcharge. So register your child early.
Does my baby have to be with the same insurer as me?
No. You can take out basic insurance for your child with any insurer. The insurer must accept it. For supplementary insurance it may turn you down.
Which deductible suits children?
For children the deductible of CHF 0 applies unless you choose otherwise. You can choose a higher one up to CHF 600 and so save premium. The co-payment is 10 percent, at most CHF 350 a year.
What does the birth cost me?
From the 13th week of pregnancy until eight weeks after the birth you pay no deductible and no co-payment in basic insurance. That applies to check-ups, birth and postnatal care and also to illnesses in this period.
One more question
Is supplementary insurance worth it for my child?
That depends on you. It is often about braces, glasses or a hospital room. Later the insurer can turn you down because of illnesses. Before the birth access is usually easiest.
What comes next?
Your path · We are expecting a child Step 3 of 7
Your next step Which deductible is right for you?Sources and date 2 October 2026
This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.