Standard model of health insurance in Switzerland
The standard model of basic health insurance includes free choice of doctor. Comparis explains the model and how it differs from others.
15.08.2025
iStock/nensuria
1. How does the standard health insurance model work?
The standard health insurance model is the default model of health insurance. All health insurers offer it. With the standard model, you have free choice of doctor – with the exception of hospital treatment. However, you pay higher premiums for this than for alternative health insurance models.
This means that you can usually visit your preferred doctor for treatment directly. This also applies to specialists. You don’t have to inform your health insurer first.
2. How is the standard model different to alternative health insurance models?
With alternative health insurance models, the choice of doctor is limited. In the event of health problems, you must always first consult the agreed point of contact. This could be your general practitioner/family doctor or a telemedicine helpline.
This point of contact then coordinates any further treatment required. However, there are a few exceptions, such as emergencies. Health insurers grant a premium discount in models with a limited choice of doctor.
Compare health insurance premiums by first point of contact
In the Comparis health insurance comparison tool, you can compare health insurance premiums by the first point of contact:
The family doctor and HMO models have the doctor as the first point of contact. You can also see how good the availability of doctors is in your area.
The standard model offers a free choice of doctor.
You can show or hide all other models using the “Other” filter. You can also choose different first points of contact:
Emergency pharmacy
Telephone
Video call and chat
App
This way, you can find the right health insurance model for you.
3. Do the benefits vary according to model?
The benefits of compulsory basic insurance are defined in law. They are therefore the same for all models. However, if you violate the conditions of an alternative model, the health insurer may reduce your benefits.
4. When can I change my standard health insurance?
As a rule, you can switch health insurance annually with effect from 1 January. The notice period ends on the last working day of November. Your health insurer must receive your cancellation letter by then.
Do you have the standard model and the lowest deductible of 300 francs? If so, you can also change your health insurance with effect from 1 July. In that case, your health insurer must receive your cancellation letter by the last working day of March.
Good to know: since 2025, you have the option to switch to an alternative model provided by the same health insurer during the year. This is possible regardless of the deductible. However, you must be insured in the standard model before switching.
Standard model in the Comparis health insurance comparison tool
The Comparis health insurance comparison tool shows you at a glance which model a premium belongs to. This allows you to see straight away which point of contact applies to you when you take out the insurance – or whether you have a free choice of doctor.
If I switch during the year, do I have to pay the out-of-pocket expenses twice?
You only have to pay the deductible and coinsurance once per calendar year. Ask your previous health insurer for a confirmation of the contributions you have already paid. This helps you avoid unnecessary costs.
This article was first published on 18.08.2022
