Basic health insurance: comparison and information
It is compulsory to take out basic health insurance from health insurers in Switzerland. It covers the costs incurred in the event of illness. You are free to choose your health insurance and your model.
Find low-cost basic insurance cover in Switzerland
All basic insurance policies offer the same cover, irrespective of the health insurer, but the premiums will differ. It pays to look around.
Current basic insurance premiums from all health insurers
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What does basic insurance in Switzerland cover?
The benefits offered by basic insurance are defined in laws and regulations:
Health Insurance Act (HIA)
For this reason, the benefits are always the same – irrespective of the health insurer. However, the premiums vary depending on the health insurer and canton.
Basic insurance in Switzerland: costs for policyholders
In addition to the monthly premiums, you also have to contribute to other costs. The graphic shows you what costs you may have to pay.
Article on basic insurance costs
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Basic insurance: differences between health insurance models
Health insurers offer a variety of basic insurance models that have lower premiums. Compare the various health insurance models. This will help you to find out which model is right for you.
Good to know: the models are only different in terms of the point of contact. The medical services provided are prescribed by law and are always the same.
The standard model is the default basic insurance model. It is offered by all health insurance companies and is the only model that offers a free choice of doctor. This means that you can go directly to a specialist. You do not have to inform your health insurer in advance.
However, depending on the health insurer, there are restrictions on the choice of doctor. With some insurers, you will need a medical prescription for certain services. Others restrict you to doctors in your canton of residence.
With the family doctor model, your first port of call is usually your family doctor. If necessary, you will then be referred to a specialist. Premiums for the family doctor model are lower than those for the standard model.
With the HMO model, your first point of contact is your chosen group practice. If necessary, you will then be referred to a specialist. The HMO model costs less than the standard model.
With the Telmed model, you first discuss any health problems you may have by phone. The health insurer specifies the helpline that the policyholder must contact. As a general rule, you will not see a doctor until after this call. Choosing a Telmed model means lower premiums.
Some health insurers also offer basic insurance models in which you have to contact a third party first. This might be a pharmacy, for example. With some health insurers, you may have multiple points. There are also models that specify which service providers you may go to after this first contact.
Basic insurance made simple: what do I need to know?
Basic health insurance is compulsory for anyone living in Switzerland. If you don't have basic insurance yet, you can calculate health insurance premiums online and get non-binding quotes.
In principle, you always have to pay for basic insurance. If you do not pay your bills, the health insurer can take debt collection measures. If you have any outstanding bills, you cannot change health insurance.
In certain cases, you can be exempted from compulsory insurance. Depending on the country of origin, this applies, for example, to foreign students who are not in gainful employment.
Do I need accident cover as part of my health insurance?
Accident insurance is compulsory in Switzerland. However, you may be covered by your employer. To be covered, you must be employed for more than eight hours per week by a single employer.
If not, you must insure yourself separately against accidents. This includes:
Unemployed persons
Children
Students
You must take out your health insurer.Important: If you take out accident insurance through your health insurer, you will have to pay the out-of-pocket expenses of basic insurance.
I am new to Switzerland. What do I need to know about health insurance?
Have you moved to Switzerland? If so, basic health insurance is compulsory. You must take out health insurance within three months of moving to Switzerland. The insurance will then apply retroactively from the date of entry.
If you miss this deadline, you may have to pay a premium surcharge (Art. 5 para. 2 HIA). You are also only insured from the date of entry. The canton in which you live can also assign you an insurance policy (Art. 6 HIA).
The following groups of people are exempt from compulsory insurance:
Students without a permanent place of residence in Switzerland.
Pensioners who receive a pension from an EU/EFTA country or the United Kingdom.
Gainfully employed persons working in an EU/EFTA country or the United Kingdom.
In some circumstances, employees of international organizations and members of diplomatic and consular missions.
Health insurance is also compulsory for undocumented persons. This refers to people who have given up their residence abroad, but have not taken up a new residence in Switzerland. Insurance is also compulsory for rejected asylum seekers.
Further information on basic health insurance
Cancel and switch health insurance: deadlines and process
Free choice of doctor in Switzerland: when can I choose my doctor?
Managed care models in Switzerland: what is managed care?
Changing GP with the family doctor model
Health insurance and the HMO model: what is HMO?
Health insurance models in Switzerland compared
Standard health insurance models in Switzerland
Telmed model explained and important phone numbers
Our health insurance guide
Further information about health insurance is available here.
