Health Insurance in Switzerland — Grundversicherung Explained

Everyone living in Switzerland must have basic health insurance (Grundversicherung/KVG). You have 3 months after arrival to choose a provider. All providers must offer the same basic coverage — the difference is only in premiums and service quality.

Basic insurance covers: doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, maternity, emergency care. It does NOT cover dental (except accidents and children).

Use comparison sites: • priminfo.admin.ch (official government comparison) • comparis.ch • bonus.ch

Key factors: 1. Premium (monthly cost) — varies by canton, age, franchise level 2. Franchise (deductible): CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 per year. Higher franchise = lower premium 3. Model: Standard (free doctor choice), HMO (must go through group practice), Telmed (phone first)

Tip: Young, healthy people save most with CHF 2,500 franchise + Telmed model.

You can switch your basic insurance provider every year.

1. New premiums announced in October 2. Deadline to switch: November 30 (for January 1 start) 3. Send cancellation letter to your current insurer by November 30 4. Sign up with new insurer

Your old insurer CANNOT refuse your cancellation if sent on time. Your new insurer MUST accept you — no health checks for basic insurance.

• Compare every October — premiums change annually • Choose the highest franchise (CHF 2,500) if you rarely visit doctors • Use HMO or Telmed model for 10-20% savings • Check if your canton offers premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung) — income-based • Accident insurance (UVG): if employed 8+ hours/week, your employer covers it — uncheck it from your Krankenkasse • Children: always choose CHF 0 franchise for children