Switzerland requires every resident to have basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal). Premiums vary dramatically by canton, insurer, model, and deductible. A smart comparison can save you thousands of francs every year — without changing your coverage.
Compare premiums for freeLearn how Swiss health insurance works, what is mandatory, and what your options are as a resident or expat.
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The deductible is the annual amount you pay out of pocket before your insurer covers the rest. Choosing the right franchise level is one of the most effective ways to reduce your total health costs.
| Franchise (CHF) | Typical Monthly Premium | Annual Premium Cost | Max. Out-of-Pocket (incl. co-pay) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | CHF 420 – 520 | CHF 5,040 – 6,240 | CHF 1,000 | Regular doctor visits, families, chronic conditions |
| 500 | CHF 395 – 490 | CHF 4,740 – 5,880 | CHF 1,200 | Moderate healthcare users, balanced risk |
| 1,000 | CHF 360 – 445 | CHF 4,320 – 5,340 | CHF 1,700 | Occasional visits, younger adults |
| 1,500 | CHF 330 – 415 | CHF 3,960 – 4,980 | CHF 2,200 | Healthy adults, low usage expected |
| 2,000 | CHF 305 – 380 | CHF 3,660 – 4,560 | CHF 2,700 | Very healthy, rarely see a doctor |
| 2,500 | CHF 280 – 350 | CHF 3,360 – 4,200 | CHF 3,200 | Maximum savings, confident in good health |
Basic insurance (Grundversicherung) offers identical mandatory benefits regardless of insurer. The only real differences are price, service quality, and the insurance model you choose.
By law, every Swiss basic insurance plan covers the same medical services: GP visits, hospital stays, prescribed medications, maternity care, and more. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG) approves all premiums. Yet the price difference between the cheapest and most expensive insurer in the same canton can exceed CHF 200 per month. That is over CHF 2,400 per year — for the exact same coverage. Switching to a cheaper plan with identical benefits is the easiest financial optimization available to Swiss residents.
Beyond the standard free-choice model, Swiss insurers offer cost-saving alternatives. The HMO model requires you to visit a group practice first. The Telmed (telephone) model asks you to call a medical hotline before seeing a doctor. The GP (Hausarzt) model means you always start with your family doctor. These restricted models typically save 10–20% on premiums. If you already have a regular GP or prefer telemedicine, you may be paying too much for a standard model you do not need.
Switzerland has 26 cantons, and health insurance premiums can differ by more than 50% between them. A family of four in Basel-Stadt might pay CHF 1,800 per month, while the same family in Appenzell Innerrhoden pays CHF 1,100. The reason: premium calculations are based on local healthcare costs, hospital density, and the insured population's age structure. If you live near a canton border, you may even benefit from a nearby region's lower premium zone.
A proper comparison takes less than five minutes. You enter your canton, date of birth, and preferred deductible — and instantly see every available plan with its monthly premium. No registration required. No obligation. No hidden fees. The comparison is powered by official FOPH data and is completely independent from any insurer. You can compare, decide at your own pace, and switch directly if you find a better offer.
A quick overview of the system that every resident needs to understand.
Every person living in Switzerland must have basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) under the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal). This applies to Swiss nationals, permanent residents, and anyone holding a B, C, L, or G permit. You have three months after arriving in Switzerland to register. If you miss the deadline, you will be assigned an insurer by your canton — often at a higher premium. Children must be insured from birth. There is no employer-provided health insurance in Switzerland; this is always an individual responsibility.
The mandatory plan covers doctor consultations, hospital treatment in the general ward, prescribed medications on the official FOPH list, laboratory tests, physiotherapy, maternity care (including prenatal and postnatal checks), and emergency treatment abroad (up to twice the Swiss cost). Mental health services, vaccinations recommended by the FOPH, and certain preventive screenings are also included. What is not covered: dental care (except accident-related), glasses and contact lenses beyond age 18, and most complementary medicine without supplementary insurance.
Choosing the right model is the second most effective way to lower your premium after selecting your deductible.
You can visit any doctor, specialist, or hospital in Switzerland without prior approval. This is the most flexible option but also the most expensive. If you want maximum freedom and do not mind paying a higher premium, the standard model is the right choice. It is the default model assigned if you do not actively choose an alternative.
You must first visit a designated group medical practice (HMO centre) for all non-emergency care. The HMO physicians coordinate referrals to specialists if needed. Premiums are typically 15–20% lower than the standard model. This works well if an HMO centre is conveniently located near you and you do not mind having your care coordinated through a single practice.
The Telmed model requires a phone or video consultation with a medical hotline before seeing a doctor in person. The GP model means you choose a family doctor who serves as your first point of contact. Both models save 10–15% on premiums. If you already have a trusted family doctor or are comfortable with telemedicine triage, these models deliver the same care at a lower cost.
What you need to know if you are relocating to Switzerland for work, study, or family.
When you arrive in Switzerland, you have exactly three months to choose a health insurer and confirm your policy. This applies from the date you register with your local municipality (Gemeinde/commune). If you do not act within this window, your canton will assign you to an insurer. The assigned plan is often the most expensive option with a CHF 300 deductible, and you will not get to choose the model. Retroactive coverage begins from your registration date, and you may face a premium surcharge for late enrollment. Starting your comparison early — even before you arrive — is strongly recommended.
If you already have Swiss health insurance but are paying too much, you can switch to a cheaper insurer. The deadline is November 30 each year for a change effective January 1. You must send a registered cancellation letter (Einschreiben) to your current insurer by that date. Your new insurer cannot reject you for basic insurance — acceptance is guaranteed by law, regardless of your age or pre-existing conditions. There is no coverage gap during the transition. For more details, see our complete switching guide.
Unlike many countries, Switzerland does not have family plans for basic insurance. Each child needs their own policy. The good news: children's premiums are much lower (roughly CHF 100–130/month), and children under 18 have deductible options of CHF 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600. Many families save significantly by choosing a different (cheaper) insurer for their children than for the adults. There is no loyalty benefit for keeping the entire family with one insurer under basic insurance.
If your household income is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for a cantonal premium subsidy. The threshold and the amount vary by canton. In Zurich, a single person earning under approximately CHF 54,000 gross annually may receive partial support. In some cantons, the subsidy is automatically applied; in others, you must submit a formal application. The subsidy covers part or all of your premium — but you still need to be registered with an insurer. Learn more about eligibility on our premium subsidy page.
Adult premiums for standard model, CHF 300 franchise. Actual premiums depend on insurer and model.
| Canton | Average Premium (CHF/month) | Cheapest Available | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 465 | CHF 380 | CHF 1,020/year |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 440 | CHF 365 | CHF 900/year |
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | CHF 510 | CHF 415 | CHF 1,140/year |
| Geneva (GE) | CHF 530 | CHF 440 | CHF 1,080/year |
| Vaud (VD) | CHF 490 | CHF 405 | CHF 1,020/year |
| Lucerne (LU) | CHF 400 | CHF 330 | CHF 840/year |
| St. Gallen (SG) | CHF 385 | CHF 315 | CHF 840/year |
| Aargau (AG) | CHF 420 | CHF 345 | CHF 900/year |
| Ticino (TI) | CHF 470 | CHF 390 | CHF 960/year |
| Appenzell I.Rh. (AI) | CHF 310 | CHF 265 | CHF 540/year |
Premiums are indicative averages for 2026. Use the free comparison tool for exact, personalized quotes.
The most common questions about Swiss health insurance, answered clearly.
In-depth resources to help you navigate every aspect of Swiss health insurance.
Understand the mandatory system, insurance models, and what LAMal covers. Essential reading for newcomers.
Why premiums vary by canton, how to read a comparison, and what to prioritize when choosing.
The November 30 deadline, cancellation letter template, and step-by-step switching process.
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