Mandatory Health Insurance
Mandatory Health Insurance: A Requirement for Every Resident of Switzerland
In Switzerland, obtaining health insurance is legally required. This applies to all individuals residing or working in Switzerland. You have the freedom to choose your health insurance company, where the so-called mandatory health insurance or basic insurance ensures that everyone living in Switzerland is fundamentally covered in case of illness, accident, as well as during pregnancy and maternity.
What Conditions Apply in Mandatory Health Insurance?
Since 1996, the Health Insurance Law (KVG) mandates that every person residing or working in Switzerland must have basic insurance, which covers essential medical services.
Insured individuals typically pay upfront for treatments and medications and subsequently receive reimbursement from their health insurance. Hospitals often settle accounts directly with the health insurance companies.
An individual insurance contract is necessary for each family member, as they are not automatically covered.
How Much Are Health Insurance Premiums?
Premiums for basic insurance are paid monthly and vary according to income, residential region, and age group, according to the premium regions and age categories set by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Currently, there are 43 such regions in Switzerland.
Deductibles in Basic Insurance
In addition to the premium, there is a deductible, consisting of the annual deductible and a co-payment.
The deductible is an amount up to which insured individuals cover their medical expenses themselves. For adults, the standard deductible is 300 Swiss Francs, while children have no deductible. However, this can be increased to up to 2,500 Francs for adults or 600 Francs for children to save on premiums.
Once your treatment costs exceed the set annual deductible, your health insurance covers the additional costs. However, a co-payment of ten percent of the costs applies. For adults, this co-payment is limited to a maximum of 700 Swiss Francs per year, while for children, a maximum amount of 350 Francs applies.
Compare Health Insurances and Sign Up for an Affordable Basic Insurance
Although insurance is mandatory, citizens are free to choose their health insurance from a variety of approved providers. All health insurance companies offer the same legally required services, albeit at different premiums. Choosing an alternative insurance model can yield additional savings. Our independent health insurance comparison helps you find the insurance company with the lowest premiums.