If you’re planning to live in Switzerland, one of the first and most important responsibilities you’ll face is securing mandatory health insurance. This isn’t optional — Swiss law requires every resident to be insured through an approved private provider. The system is efficient and high-quality, but it’s also complex and often confusing for newcomers.
In this guide, we break down how mandatory health insurance works in Switzerland, who needs it, what it covers, and how to choose the right plan for your needs and budget.
Who Must Get Health Insurance?
Everyone who lives in Switzerland for more than three months must get basic health insurance (Grundversicherung / assurance de base). This applies to:
- Swiss citizens
- Expats with residence permits (B, L, C, etc.)
- Students, workers, and family members
- Refugees and asylum seekers
You must sign up within 90 days of arriving or receiving your residence permit. The requirement applies individually — even children and babies need their own policy.
Who Provides It?
Although the system is mandatory, insurance is provided by private companies, not the government. The government regulates:
- What must be included in basic plans
- How premiums are calculated
- The list of approved insurers
Some of the most common providers include Helsana, CSS, Sanitas, Groupe Mutuel, and Assura. All must offer the same core coverage, but their prices, service, and plan structures vary.
What’s Covered by Mandatory Basic Insurance?
Every provider must offer the same coverage for basic needs, including:
- Doctor consultations (general practitioners and specialists with referral)
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital care in the general ward of a public hospital in your canton
- Maternity care (including checkups, birth, and aftercare)
- Basic mental health care (psychotherapy if prescribed by a doctor)
- Medically necessary rehabilitation
- Essential medications (listed by Swissmedic)
- Laboratory tests ordered by your doctor
- Some alternative treatments if provided by certified doctors
This coverage is standardized. No matter the insurer, these services are included in every basic plan.
What’s Not Covered?
Many health-related services are not included in the basic package:
- Dental treatments (except trauma cases)
- Glasses, contact lenses, and routine vision exams
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Non-prescription medications
- Alternative therapies not prescribed by a doctor
- Emergency care abroad (unless it’s urgent)
To access these, you’ll need supplementary insurance, which is optional and varies by company.
How Much Does It Cost?
Monthly premiums vary based on:
- Your age
- Your canton of residence
- Your deductible (franchise)
- The type of managed care model you choose
Here’s a rough average of monthly premiums (adult aged 26–45, CHF 2,500 deductible):
- Zurich: CHF 300–450
- Geneva: CHF 320–470
- Basel: CHF 280–420
Children and young adults pay less. You can reduce your monthly premium by choosing a higher deductible or a managed care plan (like HMO or telemedicine models).
What Is a Deductible (Franchise)?
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket each year before your insurance starts contributing. You can choose:
- CHF 300 (lowest deductible, highest premium)
- CHF 500 / CHF 1,000 / CHF 1,500 / CHF 2,000
- CHF 2,500 (highest deductible, lowest premium)
Once you’ve paid your deductible, insurance covers 90% of additional costs, and you pay the remaining 10% (called a co-payment), up to CHF 700 per year for adults.
So with a CHF 2,500 deductible, your total annual maximum out-of-pocket cost would be CHF 3,200.
Types of Basic Plans
To manage costs, insurers offer different plan models:
Standard Plan
You choose any doctor and go directly to specialists. This plan has no restrictions but is usually the most expensive.
Family Doctor Model
You agree to always consult your designated general practitioner first. Cheaper premiums in exchange for less flexibility.
HMO Model
You use a specific network of doctors and clinics. Very cost-effective, but you must stay within the network.
Telmed Model
You must first call a medical hotline before visiting a doctor. Good for healthy people looking to save money.
Choosing a managed care plan can reduce your premium by up to 25%.
How to Enroll in a Plan
You can compare and enroll using these steps:
- Visit a comparison website like comparis.ch or priminfo.ch
- Filter plans based on canton, deductible, and model
- Review prices and customer reviews
- Choose a provider and complete the application
- Submit your residence permit and proof of address
- Set up monthly payment (e-banking, direct debit, or invoice)
Most insurers will confirm your policy within a few days.
What If You Miss the 90-Day Deadline?
If you don’t sign up within 90 days:
- Your canton may automatically assign you a plan — usually more expensive
- You may be required to pay retroactive premiums from your first day in Switzerland
- You could face administrative fines or delays in receiving healthcare coverage
Avoid this by applying as soon as you receive your residence confirmation.
Can You Switch Plans?
Yes — but only once per year for basic insurance. You must cancel your existing plan by November 30 to switch providers for January 1. Some rules:
- You can switch freely if you’re in the standard plan
- If you’re in a managed care plan, you may have additional contract terms
- Supplementary insurance has different cancellation policies
It’s a good idea to review your coverage and pricing each fall to make sure you’re getting the best value.
Supplementary Insurance: Optional Add-Ons
Most people also purchase supplementary (Zusatzversicherung) plans to enhance their coverage. These might include:
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, homeopathy)
- International health coverage
Prices vary widely, and acceptance isn’t guaranteed — insurers can refuse coverage based on age or pre-existing conditions.
Final Thoughts
Mandatory health insurance in Switzerland may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s designed to ensure that everyone gets access to high-quality care. The system gives you freedom of choice, but also requires personal responsibility — especially in meeting deadlines, choosing plans, and managing your deductible.
The most important step is to act quickly after your arrival. Compare providers, understand your coverage, and choose the deductible and model that best fits your health situation and budget.