Understanding health insurance: Basic insurance, deductible, supplementary cover
The same performance everywhere, yet premiums can vary by hundreds of francs. Here’s how to make the Swiss system work for you.
Redaktion swissexpat · 12 July 2026 · 7 min
Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland – and for newcomers it is often the most confusing topic of all. Yet the system follows a clear logic that you can grasp in ten minutes.
Basic insurance: compulsory within three months
Within three months of arrival you must take out basic insurance – backdated to your day of entry. The benefits are legally defined and identical with every provider. Only the premium varies, sometimes by hundreds of francs a year for exactly the same cover.
The three levers
First, the excess: if you rarely see a doctor, the highest excess (CHF 2 500) usually works out cheaper. Second, the model: GP, HMO or telemedicine models cut the premium by 10–20 %. Third, the provider: compare every year and switch by the end of November.
Editor’s tip
- Take out supplementary cover early – while you are still in good health, because insurers will ask health questions.
- Dental treatment is not included in basic insurance: check supplementary cover.
- Collective agreements can give 20–30 % off supplementary premiums.
The basic insurance is equally good everywhere. If you pay more, you are simply paying extra for the same protection.
For families: ideally register your children before birth, so you avoid the health questionnaire for supplementary cover. Also check whether your canton offers premium subsidies – many newcomers miss out on this grant.
Source: KVG, VVG. Status July 2026.
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