Family doctor, telmed or HMO, which model suits you?
In short
In the family doctor, HMO or telmed model you go to a fixed first point of contact, except in an emergency.
In return your premium is lower. The benefits of basic insurance stay exactly the same. If you do not follow the rules, you risk that the insurer does not pay.
CalculatorWith your numbers
What do you save with a different model?
Look in the federal premium calculator for your premium in the standard model and in the model that interests you.
Saving per year
CHF 840Discount
15 %With the model you save CHF 840 a year. In return you first go to your fixed point of contact, except in an emergency.
The benefits of basic insurance stay the same in every model. You find premiums on priminfo.admin.ch. Not advice.
Want to know more?
How do the models work?
| Model | First point of contact |
|---|---|
| Family doctor | Your chosen family doctor practice |
| HMO | A health centre with several doctors |
| Telmed | A telephone or digital advice centre |
| Hybrid forms | You choose between several points of contact, such as practice, telephone or pharmacy |
The point of contact treats you itself or refers you to a specialist. A lower premium is only allowed because these models really do save costs.
Which model suits whom?
- Family doctor suits you if you already have a family doctor you trust.
- HMO suits you if you have a centre nearby and like to do everything in one place.
- Telmed suits you if you are rarely ill and like to be advised by phone first.
- Standard model suits you if you often need different specialists and want to choose freely.
What does that mean in francs?
The discount depends on insurer, region and deductible. Compare your real premium in the federal premium calculator and enter it above. Even CHF 40 a month makes CHF 480 a year, and correspondingly more for a family.
What many people get wrong
- “In a model I get worse medicine.” Wrong. The benefits of basic insurance are the same.
- “The rules are only recommendations.” Wrong. If you go to a specialist without a referral, the insurer can refuse to pay.
- “Telmed means I am only treated by phone.” Wrong. The phone is the first point of contact. If needed you are referred to a practice.
Frequently asked questions
What happens in an emergency?
In an emergency you may go straight to hospital or to the nearest doctor. Inform your point of contact afterwards, as your model requires.
May I go straight to the gynaecologist or the eye doctor?
With many models yes, for check-ups and certain examinations. What applies to you is in the terms of your model.
When can I change the model?
As a rule at the end of the year. If your insurer notifies you of a new premium, your notice of termination must arrive by 30 November.
Does anything change in 2027?
In the federal premium calculator the models are classified anew. Family doctor and HMO are called practice there, telemedicine models and hybrid forms have their own categories. This changes nothing about the benefits.
What comes next?
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.