Health Insurance

You have to be insured

From birth or arrival in Switzerland, you have three months within which to obtain compulsory health insurance. During this period you are already insured. You are free to choose a health insurance company on the list of authorised companies.Every insured person pays a monthly premium to the insurance company. The amount of the premium varies from insurer to insurer and from canton to canton. Children up to the age of 18 pay lower premiums. People on low incomes may be entitled to a premium reduction.

You have to pay the premiums, a deductible and a retention fee

Every insured person pays a monthly premium to the insurance company. The amount of the premium varies from insurer to insurer and from canton to canton. Children up to the age of 18 pay lower premiums. People on low incomes may be entitled to a premium reduction.

You have to pay a share of the costs

If you require treatment, you will have to pay part of the costs. Your share is made up of a deductible, the retention fee and a contribution to the cost of a hospital stay.

Deductible

The deductible (often referred to in Switzerland as the “franchise”) is the amount (CHF 300 for adults; children up to the age of 18 do not pay a deductible) that you have to pay towards your treatment costs every year. Only after this amount has been reached does the insurance company start to pay out. If you want to reduce your premium, you are free to increase your deductible.

Retention fee

Even after the deductible has been exceeded, you still have to pay 10 per cent of any treatment costs. However, this charge, often referred to as a “retention fee”, amounts to a maximum each year of CHF 700 for adults and CHF 350 for children.

Your Benefits

N

Simple

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Fast

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English speaking service

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Personal solution

N

Family discounts

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Supplementary Insurance

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Family Profits

N

Holidays cover

Hospital contribution

The hospital contribution amounts to CHF 15 per day spent at the hospital. Children, young adults in education or training and women whose maternity benefits are fully covered do not pay any hospital contribution.

Avoid unpleasant surprises

When a doctor prescribes treatment that is not covered by the basic insurance, he or she must inform you about it. However, if you have any doubts, it is worth checking with your health insurance company.

FAQ

Useful information about basic health insurance

Once you have registered at the residents’ registration office, you have 3 months to take out mandatory basic health insurance. If you apply for insurance within this period, you are covered as of the date you took up residence in Switzerland. Premiums for this time must also be paid retroactively within this period. If you miss the deadline, coverage will not start until after conclusion. Additionally, an extra charge will be levied for late registration.

Can I change my deductible if I have medical conditions?

You can easily lower or raise your deductible with effect from the end of the year:

Lowering the deductible:

The health insurer must be notified in writing of the desired lower deductible by 30 November or by the last working day in November (the day the insurance company receives the letter is relevant).

Raising the deductible:

The health insurer must be notified of the desired higher deductible by 31 December or by the last working day in December.

Supplementary insurance-Health questionnaire required

Before you are offered supplementary insurance, the health insurance company will ask you to complete a health questionnaire. The terms on which the desired insurance is offered will depend on the answers to these questions about your health. Complete the questionnaire to the best of your knowledge and belief, because the health insurance company may subsequently change the terms of your insurance or even terminate your policy if the information you give proves to be wrong.