Compulsory basic insurance in Switzerland
The Swiss Health Insurance Act (KVG) stipulates that you must take out compulsory health insurance. Immigrants must choose a health insurance company within three months of moving. You are free to choose which health insurance company you want to be insured with. The only requirement is that the health insurance must be active in your canton of residence
The so-called basic insurance covers basic medical care in the event of illness. In the event of illness, accident or maternity, the health insurance covers the costs of necessary treatment and medication. Patients first pay in advance and are then reimbursed for the costs of health insurance benefits.
Same performance, different premiums
The KVG regulates which benefits are covered by the basic insurance. The amount of premiums, on the other hand, is determined by each health insurance fund itself. The level of contributions depends on many different factors and varies, for example, depending on the canton and premium region. Age, income and marital status also influence the premium level.
Every autumn, the health insurance funds set the premiums for the coming year. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) must confirm the premiums and publish the new contributions by 24 September. At the beginning of 2020, health insurance premiums rose once again. On average, every insured person pays 1.2 percent more for the average premium
Is the change of health insurance worth it? Make the health insurance comparison!
Premiums are expected to rise again in the coming year. By the end of October, your health insurance company must inform you of the new premium amount. By then at the latest, it will be worth making a health insurance comparison and looking for a cheaper health insurance. With a health insurance company change to a cheaper provider you can save several hundred or even thousand Swiss francs - with the same service.
If your health insurance company has announced a premium increase, you can cancel until 30 November of the year. The notice will then take effect on 31 December and your new health insurance contract will apply from 1 January. Use our health insurance comparison to find out whether the change is worthwhile for you.
