Health insurance premiums are one of the largest monthly expenses for many households in Switzerland. In 2026, premiums have risen again – and at the same time there are many legal ways to save considerably. The trick lies in understanding the system: basic cover, deductible (franchise), excess (Selbstbehalt) and insurance model.
In this article we explain the Swiss health insurance system from scratch – with concrete figures, a comparison of insurance models and a clear list of money-saving tips for 2026.
- Compulsory insurance: who must be insured?
- The basic cover (KVG) in detail
- Deductible and excess: how does it work?
- Insurance models: Standard, HMO, GP, Telemed
- Premiums 2026: what does health insurance cost?
- 7 legal money-saving tips for 2026
- Supplementary insurance: when does it make sense?
- Frequently asked questions
Compulsory insurance: who must be insured?
Switzerland has a universal obligation to take out health insurance under the Health Insurance Act (KVG). Anyone who takes up residence in Switzerland must register with a recognised Krankenkasse (health insurer) for basic cover within 3 months.
The 3-month deadline begins on your first day of residence in Switzerland. If you register in time, cover is backdated to your arrival date – meaning you are protected from day one, even if the policy is taken out later.
Who is exempt? Cross-border commuters (who work in Switzerland but live abroad) can, under certain conditions, apply for an exemption from Swiss compulsory insurance – provided they have equivalent cover in their country of residence. This applies to citizens of EU/EFTA countries.
Choosing a health insurer
There are around 50 licensed health insurers in Switzerland (as at 2026). For basic cover (obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung, OKP), the benefits are legally identical across all insurers – you are free to choose and shop for the best price. Differences exist only in:
- The premium (varies considerably)
- Customer service (languages, digital app, availability)
- The insurance models offered (Standard, HMO, GP, etc.)
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The basic cover (KVG) in detail
The obligatorische Krankenpflegeversicherung (OKP), commonly called basic cover or Grundversicherung, is governed by the KVG (Health Insurance Act). It covers a broad range of medical services.
What does basic cover include?
- Outpatient treatment by doctors, in hospitals or by therapists (KVG-approved)
- Inpatient hospital treatment in the general ward throughout Switzerland
- Medicines on the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) speciality list (SL)
- Emergency treatment – including abroad (worldwide up to CHF 1,500 net per year)
- Pregnancy and childbirth – without deductible or excess
- Psychotherapy – since July 2022 also directly billable without medical delegation
- Dental treatment – only for illness-related causes or accidents
- Physiotherapy – with a doctor's referral
What does basic cover NOT include?
- Routine dental costs (fillings, implants, etc.) – supplementary insurance is required for these
- Glasses and contact lenses (except for children under 18)
- Cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures
- Semi-private or private hospital rooms
- Planned treatment abroad above CHF 1,500/year (emergency only)
Deductible and excess: how does it work?
The Swiss health insurance system has two levels of cost participation: the deductible (franchise) and the excess (Selbstbehalt). Understanding these two terms is crucial for choosing the right deductible and saving money.
Deductible (franchise) – the annual amount you pay yourself
The franchise is the amount you pay each year towards your own medical costs before the insurer starts covering expenses. You can choose from the following deductible levels:
| Deductible | Adults (18+) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 (minimum deductible) | Max. premium discount: – | For frequent doctor visits |
| CHF 500 | Small discount | Medium risk |
| CHF 1,000 | Moderate discount | – |
| CHF 1,500 | Larger discount | – |
| CHF 2,000 | Significant discount | If you rarely visit the doctor |
| CHF 2,500 (maximum deductible) | Max. premium discount | For healthy people with barely any costs |
Deductible CHF 2,500, annual medical costs CHF 800: you pay CHF 800 yourself. The insurer pays nothing. However, you save CHF 80–150/month in premiums. Conclusion: if you stay below the deductible, a high deductible nearly always saves you money. If you exceed it, you share the additional costs with the insurer.
Excess (Selbstbehalt) – 10% after the deductible
Once you have exceeded the deductible, you still pay a 10% excess on further costs – up to a maximum of CHF 700/year (adults) or CHF 350/year (children). After that the insurer covers 100% of costs.
Maximum out-of-pocket costs 2026
This is the absolute maximum you have to pay yourself with the highest deductible and very high medical costs. After that the insurer covers 100% of all further costs.
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Insurance models: Standard, HMO, GP, Telemed
In addition to the choice of deductible, the insurance model also has a significant impact on your premium. The cheapest model can be up to 25% less expensive than the standard model – with identical statutory benefits.
| Model | How it works | Premium discount | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Free choice of doctor, no gatekeeper | 0% (base price) | Maximum flexibility |
| GP model | First point of contact = designated GP | –8 to –15% | Those with a regular GP |
| HMO | Treatment at an HMO group practice | –10 to –20% | Urban areas |
| Telemed | First consultation always by phone/video | –10 to –25% | Digital-savvy, mobile individuals |
| Pharmacy model | First point of contact = pharmacy | –8 to –12% | For minor complaints |
The Telemed model is in practice ideal for many younger and mobile people: when you have a health concern, you first call a hotline (available 24/7), which triages you. In most cases the problem is resolved over the phone or you are referred directly to the right specialist. Premium saving: up to 25% with the full statutory range of benefits.
Premiums 2026: what does health insurance cost?
Premiums are approved annually by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG) and vary considerably by canton, age group and chosen model. Average premiums in 2026 are:
Average premiums 2026 (Standard model, deductible CHF 300)
Cheapest cantons: Appenzell Innerrhoden (~CHF 330/month), Nidwalden (~CHF 345/month). Most expensive cantons: Geneva (~CHF 590/month), Basel-City (~CHF 570/month), Vaud (~CHF 560/month). The national average is around CHF 435/month.
Premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung)
Anyone on a low income receives a premium subsidy (IPV) from their canton. The amount varies greatly by canton. Eligible are households whose premium burden exceeds a certain percentage of their taxable income. Be sure to enquire with your canton or at bag.admin.ch – many people are missing out on this support!
7 legal money-saving tips for 2026
1. Choose a higher deductible (if you are healthy)
The quickest way to lower your premiums: if you rarely visit the doctor and have no chronic conditions, choose the maximum deductible (CHF 2,500). In many cases the premium saving exceeds the higher out-of-pocket costs. Rule of thumb: if your medical costs are below CHF 1,500/year, the high deductible is almost always worthwhile.
2. Choose a cheaper insurance model
Switch from the Standard model to Telemed or the GP model. This saves 10–25% with the same statutory range of benefits. You can change model annually (at year end).
3. Compare premiums every year
Premiums vary considerably between insurers. Tools such as Priminfo (bag.admin.ch) or private comparison portals show the cheapest insurer for your situation. You can switch insurer annually by giving notice by 30 November (for termination on 31 December). If premiums rise by more than 10%, you can also terminate at the end of the following month.
4. Apply for premium subsidies
Up to 2/3 of all households in certain cantons are entitled to premium subsidies. Many people are unaware of this or simply do not apply. Just register with your canton – it costs nothing and can bring back CHF 100–500/month.
5. Check children's insurance separately
For children (aged 0–18) there are often heavily discounted premiums, and it may be worth insuring them with a different insurer from the parents. The deductible for children is CHF 0 (minimum) to CHF 600 (maximum). Children have no excess under basic cover.
6. Make use of the annual deductible rather than spreading costs
If you know you will have high medical costs this year (planned operation, course of physiotherapy, etc.), schedule all planned treatments in January – this way you exceed the deductible fully in one go and benefit from 100% cost coverage for the rest of the year.
7. Opt for generics
Since 2020, doctors are required to specify cheaper generic alternatives when prescribing, if these exist. Anyone who does not want to pay for the branded medicine need not pay the difference. Those who prefer the original pay 20% more themselves. Generics are therapeutically identical – simply ask at the pharmacy.
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Supplementary insurance: when does it make sense?
Supplementary insurance complements basic cover and covers services not included under the KVG. It is voluntary and taken out under private law (VVG) – meaning the insurer can decline to accept you or attach exclusions.
| Supplementary insurance | What it covers | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-private hospital | Two-bed room, free choice of hospital in Switzerland | Those wanting more comfort |
| Private hospital | Single room, consultant surgeon | Those highly focused on comfort |
| Dental supplement | Fillings, implants, orthodontics | Families, children |
| Complementary medicine | Homeopathy, TCM, naturopathy | Complementary medicine users |
| International supplement | Extended emergency cover abroad | Frequent travellers |
| Glasses/eyes | Contribution towards glasses/contact lenses | Those who need vision correction |
Take out supplementary insurance as young and healthy as possible – while you have no pre-existing conditions. Once accepted, the insurer cannot cancel the contract (though you can). Anyone who wants to take out dental supplement insurance at 50 will either face exclusions or be turned down.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch health insurer every year?
Yes. Basic cover can be switched annually on 31 December (notice must be given by 30 November at the latest). If premiums rise by more than 10%, you also have the right to terminate at the end of the following month.
What happens if I do not pay my premium?
After a reminder, debt enforcement proceedings are initiated and eventually insurance benefits are suspended (except in emergencies). The outstanding premiums remain owed. In some cantons the canton initially covers the costs and later claims them back (certificate of loss). This affects creditworthiness.
Is Swiss health insurance valid abroad?
In an emergency, worldwide up to CHF 1,500 net/year. Basic cover does not pay for planned treatment abroad. Anyone who travels frequently or lives abroad should take out international supplementary insurance or travel insurance.
What is the difference between Krankenkasse and Krankenversicherung?
In Switzerland the terms are used largely interchangeably. Technically: "Krankenkasse" refers to the insurer (the company), whilst "Krankenversicherung" describes the insurance relationship (the contract).
Further reading
Sources
- FOPH – Health Insurance (KVG): bag.admin.ch – Health Insurance
- Priminfo – Premium comparison: priminfo.admin.ch
- KVG – Federal Act: Fedlex – KVG
- FOPH – Premium subsidies: bag.admin.ch – IPV
- Federal Office of Public Health – Generics: bag.admin.ch – Generics