Health insurance in Switzerland simply explained

Basic health insurance (officially known as: compulsory health insurance (CHI)) is compulsory in Switzerland, unlike in Germany and some other EU countries. The benefits are defined by law and are therefore identical across all health insurers. Every person living in Switzerland is required to take out basic health insurance, regardless of whether they are employed or not.

You have 3 months to arrange your basic health insurance, starting from the date of your registration in Switzerland. If you arrange the insurance within 3 months of your arrival in the country, cover is guaranteed to start from this arrival date. If you register late, an additional premium surcharge may apply.

The deductible is the initial amount that you must pay towards healthcare costs each calendar year as an insured person. Health insurance covers some, but not all, of the costs above this amount. You must continue to pay 10% of your subsequent healthcare costs up to a maximum of CHF 700.00 per year (the excess).

You can reduce your premiums by opting for an alternative basic health insurance model, by paying six or twelve months of premiums in advance, by excluding accident cover (if you are already covered through your employer) or, if you are on a low income, by applying for a cantonal premium reduction where applicable.

Supplementary health insurance is voluntary and is designed to complement basic health insurance. Depending on the cover selected, you receive additional benefits, such as contributions towards glasses, fitness memberships or alternative medicine.

If you’d like greater flexibility, comfort and peace of mind during a hospital stay, then supplementary hospital insurance is definitely worth considering. You benefit from a free choice of hospital and doctor, for example, as well as from a single or twin room.

This insurance covers benefits such as alternative medicine, fitness memberships, gynaecological examinations and check-ups.

Supplementary dental insurance covers costs for braces, dental hygiene appointments and dental treatments, including dental bridges, crowns, implants and treatment for dental caries.