Health Insurance

Compulsory Health Insurance in Switzerland

In Switzerland, healthcare is organized at the cantonal level and is not included in social security contributions. Every person residing in Switzerland must take out a basic health insurance policy within three months of arrival, ensuring access to the country’s excellent healthcare system.

This insurance covers essential medical services, medication, and general hospital stays. Newborns must also be insured within the same three-month period.

Although all insurance providers offer the same compulsory benefits, their monthly premiums vary—so it’s worth comparing offers using neutral platforms such as www.comparis.ch.

Many people also choose to take out supplementary insurance to cover additional benefits such as semi-private or private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, or dental treatments, which are not included in the basic plan.

Tip: Some employers have corporate agreements with specific insurance providers that offer reduced rates for employees. Check if this applies to you.

Exemptions from Swiss Health Insurance

Most residents are required to have Swiss health insurance, but in certain cases—typically for employees seconded to Switzerland by a foreign employer—it’s possible to apply for an exemption.

To qualify, you must remain insured under your home country’s social security system and be exempt from contributing to Swiss old-age and disability insurance (AHV/IV).

How to apply for an exemption:

1. Once registered at your local municipality, you will receive a letter titled “Compulsory Health Insurance” (Obligatorische Krankenversicherung / Assurance maladie obligatoire / Assicurazione malattia obbligatoria).
2. Contact your commune to confirm that you are covered by your home country’s compulsory health insurance.
3. Send a written exemption request to your cantonal health authority, attaching proof of continued social security coverage.

Typical documents required include:

• Form E101/A1 (for EU/EFTA nationals)
• Certificate of coverage and Form C from your employer (for the U.S., Canada, Australia, Israel, the Philippines, or Turkey)
• Certificate of coverage for nationals from countries with bilateral agreements (e.g., Chile, India, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, or Serbia).

A full list of cantonal health authorities can be found online or through your municipality.

Applying for Health Insurance

In Switzerland, you are responsible for arranging your own health insurance. You can only do this after arrival, once you’ve registered your residence or applied for your Swiss permit.

You must choose a plan within 90 days of your arrival (or birth, for newborns). If you fail to do so, your commune will assign an insurer to you—often without considering your preferences or budget.

Once you join a plan, your coverage will be backdated to your official start of residency, meaning you’ll also need to pay premiums retroactively for that period.

You can switch insurers at the end of each calendar year, usually by giving one month’s notice (by 30 November). New annual premium rates are published by all insurers by 31 October, allowing time to compare and change providers if desired.

Types of Health Insurance Models

1. Standard Basic Insurance
   The default model allowing you to consult any doctor of your choice.
2. GP Model (Hausarztmodell)
   – You always contact your chosen General Practitioner first (except in emergencies).
   – Your GP coordinates any referrals to specialists.
3. HMO Model (Health Maintenance Organization)
   – You visit an assigned medical center with in-house doctors.
   – The model usually offers lower premiums.
4. TelMed Model
   – You call a medical advice hotline before visiting a doctor.
   – The service guides you to the right care and helps reduce unnecessary visits.

Health Insurance Costs

Health insurance in Switzerland is individual, not family-based—each family member needs their own policy.

Monthly premiums depend on:

• The insurance model you select
• Your canton (and sometimes premium region)
• The deductible amount (“franchise”) you choose

You can reduce your monthly premium by selecting a higher deductible, but you’ll need to pay that amount out of pocket before insurance starts covering costs.

By law, adults must pay at least the first CHF 300 per year of medical expenses (no deductible for children). After that, you contribute 10% of remaining costs up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year (CHF 350 for children). For hospital stays, a daily contribution of CHF 15 applies.

Maternity care—including pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal check-ups—is fully covered and exempt from deductibles.

Basic insurance must accept every applicant, regardless of age or health condition. The benefits are identical across all insurers and include:

• Outpatient medical treatment
• Hospital stays in general wards
• Emergency services and ambulance transport
• Prescription medicines
• Maternity care and antenatal classes
• Vaccinations and routine check-ups
• Rehabilitation and limited coverage abroad

Dental care is generally not covered, except in cases linked to serious illness or accident. Many residents therefore add private dental insurance for routine and preventive care.

Note: Most Swiss schools provide one free annual dental check-up for children through local school dentists.

Helpful Resources

• Compare health insurance premiums: www.comparis.ch
• Neutral insurance advice: Several independent consulting services can help you analyze your options and choose the right provider for your needs.