Health insurance in Switzerland: a practical guide to basic and supplementary cover

In this article

1. Basic insurance: the compulsory layer
2. Premiums, deductible and your own share of costs
3. Choosing a care model
4. Changing insurer or deductible
5. Supplementary insurance: optional and different
6. A straightforward way to decide

Swiss health insurance has two distinct layers: compulsory basic insurance under the LAMal/KVG, and optional supplementary insurance under the LCA/VVG. They serve different purposes and follow different acceptance rules. This guide explains the main choices without assuming that everyone needs the same cover.

Basic insurance: the compulsory layer

People who are subject to Swiss health-insurance law generally have three months to take out basic insurance after becoming subject to the obligation—for example, after taking up residence in Switzerland. The exact rules depend on your situation, so check the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) guidance if you have moved, are working cross-border, or have another special status.

Basic insurance is offered by approved insurers. The statutory benefit package is the same, and insurers must accept people who are subject to compulsory insurance without health-based selection. What differs includes the premium, deductible, model and service experience. Premiums are not based on income; they vary with factors including your place of residence and chosen insurance arrangement. The FOPH explains the basic system and premium factors.

Premiums, deductible and your own share of costs

The premium is the regular amount you pay to the insurer. Separately, you contribute to eligible healthcare costs through the annual deductible and the retention fee (co-payment). For adults, the standard deductible is CHF 300; higher optional deductibles may be available. After the deductible, the retention fee is generally 10% of further eligible costs, up to CHF 700 per calendar year for adults. Hospital stays may also carry a CHF 15 daily contribution, with statutory exemptions. Check the FOPH overview of premiums and cost-sharing for current rules and exceptions.

A higher deductible can reduce the premium, but it also means you may have to pay more yourself if you need care. Compare the premium difference with the additional amount you could owe in a year, and choose an amount you could realistically afford. No deductible is automatically right for everyone. The FOPH publishes the official premium calculator, Priminfo, for comparing approved basic-insurance premiums.

Choosing a care model

Insurers may offer models that limit your first point of contact or choice of provider in exchange for a different premium. Depending on the contract, this might mean contacting a telemedicine service first, starting with a designated family doctor, or using a network. Read the specific model rules before choosing: referral steps, exceptions and approved providers can differ between insurers and products.

Changing insurer or deductible

Many changes take effect on 1 January. For a standard change of basic insurer, the current insurer must generally receive your cancellation by 30 November; special circumstances and contract details can affect the process. Do not rely only on the postmark. Check the current FOPH switching guidance and make sure the new cover is arranged before cancelling the old policy. A lower deductible or a different care model has its own notice rules.

Supplementary insurance: optional and different

Supplementary insurance is optional and may add benefits that are not included, or are only partly included, in basic cover—for example, certain dental, optical, alternative-treatment or hospital-comfort benefits. The exact benefits, limits, waiting periods and exclusions depend on the policy. Check the written terms rather than relying on a category name or headline benefit.

Unlike basic insurers, supplementary insurers can assess an application, ask health questions, impose conditions or decline it. Do not cancel existing supplementary cover until you have written acceptance for any replacement you want. You can generally hold basic and supplementary policies with different insurers.

A straightforward way to decide

1. Compare basic premiums for your place of residence, age group, deductible and care model using Priminfo.
2. Check whether the model’s access rules work for you.
3. For supplementary cover, start with benefits you expect to use and review the policy’s limits, waiting periods and acceptance process.
4. If you are unsure, ask for an explanation of the options and costs before changing anything.

Premium subsidies are determined by the cantons and eligibility varies. Contact your canton or consult its official information if affordability is a concern. This article is general information, not a personal coverage recommendation; official rules and policy terms take precedence.

Official references: FOPH — basic health insurance · deductibles and cost-sharing · Priminfo. Reviewed 10 October 2026.

This article is general information, not personal advice. Rules and premiums change, so check the current figures before you decide.

Written by Marc-Antoine Segui

Marc-Antoine founded EVO Partners, an independent insurance broker in Zurich registered with FINMA.

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