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What do you need to know about health insurance in Switzerland?

In short

In Switzerland you must take out basic health insurance with an insurer.

The benefits are the same everywhere, only the premium differs. Three levers decide how much you pay. The deductible, the model and the insurer. With a low income, your canton helps with premium subsidies.

As of 2 October 2026 · KVG · Sources bag.admin.ch, priminfo.admin.ch

Sort it out in this order

Which deductible is right for you? How do you change your health insurer in Switzerland? Family doctor, telmed or HMO, which model suits you? What does basic insurance cover and what does only supplementary insurance cover? Do you get a premium subsidy for your health insurance? Can you exclude accident cover from your health insurance?

Want to know more?

How does health insurance work?

You pay a premium every month. If you fall ill, you first pay your deductible yourself, then a 10 percent co-payment up to a maximum of CHF 700 a year. The insurer takes over the rest.

The benefits of basic insurance are set in law and are the same at every insurer. So you can choose the cheapest insurer without risk.

Which levers lower your premium?

  1. Deductible. The higher, the lower the premium. It pays off if you rarely see a doctor.
  2. Model. With family doctor, HMO or telmed you save if you first go to the fixed point of contact.
  3. Insurer. For the same benefits, insurers charge very different premiums. You can switch every year at the end of the year.
  4. Accident cover. If you are insured through your employer, you can suspend it.
  5. Premium subsidies. With a low or middle income, the canton helps.

Which deadlines do you need to know?

WhatWhen
Receive new premiumby 31 October
Cancel basic insurancemust arrive by 30 November
Change deductibleusually for 1 January, an increase is possible until 31 December, a reduction only with notice

Check the exact deadlines for deductible and model in your policy.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to have health insurance?

Yes. Anyone living in Switzerland must take out basic insurance within three months. The same deadline applies to newborns.

What is the biggest lever for saving?

Often the combination of a suitable deductible and a model with a fixed point of contact. Switching to a cheaper insurer comes on top.

What comes next?

Your path · My premium is rising Step 1 of 8

Your next step How much do health insurance premiums rise in Switzerland in 2027?

See all steps

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.

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