Switzerland is well known for having one of the highest-quality healthcare systems in the world — but it’s also one of the most expensive and unique. Unlike many European countries with public health systems, healthcare in Switzerland is fully privatized and mandatory, which can be surprising for newcomers.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the system works, what your obligations are, how to choose the right health insurance, and what to expect when accessing medical services in Switzerland.
How the System Works
The Swiss healthcare system is based on a mandatory health insurance model. Every resident must purchase a basic health insurance plan (Grundversicherung / assurance de base) from a private insurance company approved by the government.
The government does not provide free healthcare. Instead, it ensures everyone has access by making basic coverage compulsory and regulating what must be included in every policy.
Health Insurance Is Mandatory
Whether you’re a Swiss citizen, expat, or asylum seeker, you must take out health insurance within 90 days of registering your residence. This is required by law, and failure to comply can result in fines or automatic enrollment by your canton — usually into a more expensive plan.
You will pay your insurance monthly even if you don’t use any services. This is a personal obligation — your employer does not contribute to your health insurance premiums.
What’s Covered by Basic Insurance?
The basic plan covers essential medical services, including:
- General practitioner (GP) visits
- Specialist consultations (with referral)
- Hospital stays (in a shared ward)
- Emergency treatment
- Maternity care
- Basic mental health care
- Prescribed medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy (if prescribed)
While basic coverage is standard across insurers, how you access care and the customer service experience can vary significantly.
What’s Not Covered?
Basic insurance does not include:
- Dental care (except in special cases like accidents)
- Vision care (glasses, lenses)
- Private hospital rooms
- Alternative therapies
- International medical care (unless it’s an emergency)
To cover these, you can purchase supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung), which varies by provider.
Choosing a Health Insurance Provider
There are dozens of approved health insurance companies in Switzerland, such as:
- Helsana
- CSS
- Sanitas
- Assura
- Groupe Mutuel
- Swica
To compare options, use websites like comparis.ch or priminfo.ch. These platforms let you filter by price, deductible, and included services.
Important to know: You can only change your basic health insurance once a year, by November 30th for the next calendar year.
Monthly Premiums
The cost of health insurance depends on:
- Your age
- Your canton (each region has different healthcare pricing)
- Your deductible (Franchise)
- The type of plan you choose (standard, family doctor, telemedicine)
Monthly costs for adults (26–45) usually range from:
- CHF 280–450 in Zurich
- CHF 300–470 in Geneva
- CHF 250–400 in Basel
Children and young adults receive discounted rates.
Understanding the Deductible (Franchise)
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket each year before your insurance starts covering costs. You can choose from:
- CHF 300 (low deductible, higher monthly premium)
- CHF 500 / CHF 1,000 / CHF 1,500 / CHF 2,000
- CHF 2,500 (maximum deductible, lowest premium)
Example: If you choose CHF 2,500 and have CHF 1,200 in medical bills during the year, you pay all of it. If your costs go beyond CHF 2,500, your insurance covers 90% of the rest.
Co-Payments (Selbstbehalt)
After you reach your deductible, you still pay a 10% co-payment on any additional medical costs, up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year for adults (CHF 350 for children).
So, your total annual out-of-pocket limit is:
- Your deductible
-
- CHF 700 (maximum co-payment)
- = CHF 3,200 (if you chose the CHF 2,500 deductible)
How to Sign Up for Insurance
Here’s how to get started:
- Compare plans on comparis.ch or call providers directly
- Choose your deductible and plan type
- Complete an application (online or paper)
- Provide your residence permit and Swiss address
- Wait for confirmation and policy documents
- Set up automatic payments or e-banking to avoid missed payments
You must do this within 90 days of registering with your local commune. If you don’t, your canton may assign you to a random plan.
Types of Managed Care Plans
To reduce premiums, you can choose an alternative plan type:
- Family Doctor Model: You agree to see one designated doctor first
- Telmed Model: You call a telemedicine center before seeing any doctor
- HMO Model: You visit only doctors within a specific network
These plans restrict your choices slightly but can save you up to 20–25% on premiums.
Visiting a Doctor or Hospital
In Switzerland, you usually:
- Visit a general practitioner first
- Get a referral for specialists
- Pay bills up front, then submit them to your insurer for reimbursement
Hospital stays are more structured. If your stay is covered, the hospital and insurer handle the paperwork, but you may be billed for meals, transport, or room upgrades.
Emergency Care
Emergency services are covered under basic insurance, but non-urgent ER visits may not be fully reimbursed unless referred by a doctor. Always call your family doctor or the medical hotline (144 in case of emergencies) when unsure.
Dental and Vision Insurance
Dental care is a major out-of-pocket expense. Most people buy supplementary dental insurance, costing CHF 15–50/month depending on age and coverage.
Vision insurance is also supplemental and often bundled with dental.
Insurance for Children
Children must also be insured within 3 months of birth or arrival in Switzerland. Pediatric care, vaccinations, and emergencies are covered, but dental is not — consider a child dental policy if needed.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland’s healthcare system is world-class, but navigating it as a foreigner requires awareness and planning. Choosing the right insurance plan, understanding deductibles and co-payments, and being prepared for out-of-pocket costs will help you avoid surprises.
The most important rule? Don’t delay. Set up your insurance as soon as you register your residence. Once your plan is in place, you’ll enjoy fast, professional care in one of the most efficient healthcare systems on the planet.