Health insurance in Switzerland: the complete guide

2026 premiums: how much they rise

For 2026 the average monthly premium rises nationwide by 4.4 percent (around CHF 16.60) to CHF 393.30. The increase varies by canton — the range is 3.0 to 7.1 percent.

Average premiums by age group:

The cantonal range is 3.0 to 7.1 percent. Your actual premium depends on canton, premium region, age group, deductible and model — the binding comparison is provided by priminfo.ch.

Deductible (franchise): levels and what pays off

The deductible is the amount you pay yourself each year before the insurer pays. A higher deductible lowers the premium but increases your own risk. Adults choose between several levels; children have lower levels.

Whether a low or a high deductible pays off depends on your expected health costs — not on a general rule. The overview below shows the principle with example values; which choice is right for you depends on your situation.

1. Rather a low deductible

   sensible if regular or high health costs are expected — the higher premium is offset by the lower out-of-pocket share.

2. Rather a high deductible

   sensible if hardly any health costs are expected — the lower premium outweighs the larger own risk.

Illustrative principle, not a calculator and not a recommendation. The planned increase of the minimum deductible from CHF 300 to 400 is only in consultation (Federal Council, 13 March 2026) and NOT in force — CHF 300 applies for 2026. The rebates for optional deductibles are capped by law: at most 70 percent of the additional cost risk assumed (KVV Art. 95).

Retention and cost sharing

Beyond the deductible you bear a retention: 10 percent of the costs above the deductible, capped at an annual maximum. A hospital stay adds a contribution to the accommodation costs.

This is how cost sharing works in principle:

1. 1. Deductible

   Up to your chosen deductible, you bear the costs yourself.

2. 2. Retention

   Above that, 10% of the costs — up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year (children/young people up to 18: CHF 350).

3. 3. Insurer

   Once the maximum is reached, the insurer covers the further costs.

A hospital stay adds a contribution of CHF 15 per day (with exceptions for certain groups).

Insurance models: standard, family doctor, HMO, Telmed

Besides the standard model there are alternative models offering a lower premium because you fix your route to treatment. The models differ in whom you contact first.

The features at a glance — informational, without judgement:

Which model suits you depends on your needs. The saving compared with the standard model differs by insurer and region.

Premium reduction (IPV)

Those who can only bear the premiums with difficulty may, depending on income and assets, be entitled to an individual premium reduction (IPV). The IPV is governed at cantonal level: entitlement, amount and how to apply differ from canton to canton.

Because there are no nationwide standard amounts, check your entitlement with the responsible office in your canton of residence. Changing model or deductible lowers the premium regardless.

In depth: premium reduction — entitlement, cantonal procedures and deadlines →

Switching health insurer: deadlines and process

Basic insurance can be switched each year. Two November deadlines matter: notify your insurer of a deductible or model change by around mid-November; the cancellation of basic insurance must reach the insurer by 30 November at the latest.

Because of the acceptance obligation, the new insurer cannot reject you for basic insurance.

1. by around 15 November

   Notify a deductible or model change to your current insurer.

2. by 30 November

   Cancellation of basic insurance — must have reached the insurer (registered mail recommended).

3. from 1 January

   The new insurance takes effect; there is no gap as long as you switch on time.

In depth: cancelling your health insurer — deadlines and template letter →

Basic and supplementary insurance: the difference

Basic insurance (KVG) and supplementary insurance (VVG) are two different things. Basic insurance is compulsory, the same everywhere and carries an acceptance obligation. Supplementary insurance is voluntary, governed by private law and differs in benefits and price by provider.

Structurally, the key difference is: there is no acceptance obligation for supplementary insurance — the insurer may require a health questionnaire, apply reservations or reject an application. This page only explains this structural difference and deliberately makes no statement about whether supplementary insurance is needed.

How supplementary insurance works in detail — admission, reservations, cancellation protection — is explained in its own guide →

Whether and which supplementary cover suits your situation is a personal question. We are happy to take time for it in conversation — with no obligation.

Children, family and moving to Switzerland

Children and newcomers must also hold basic insurance. A three-month deadline applies: from birth or from taking up residence in Switzerland. If registration is made on time, cover applies retroactively from birth or arrival — and the premiums are owed retroactively too.

Children pay no deductible (selectable between 0 and 600) and a reduced retention (annual maximum CHF 350).

Practical tip: consider any supplementary insurance for a child early — basic insurance is guaranteed anyway, whereas supplementary insurance involves a health check.

High premiums or payment difficulties: which levers exist

If the premium becomes too high, there are several levers — to check in this order:

1. 1. Model

   An alternative model (family doctor, HMO, Telmed) lowers the premium compared with the standard model.

2. 2. Deductible

   A higher deductible lowers the premium — sensible with low expected health costs.

3. 3. Switch insurer

   Switching basic insurance (cancel by 30 November) can lower the premium significantly.

4. 4. Premium reduction

   Depending on income and canton, you may be entitled to an individual premium reduction.

In case of persistent non-payment, some cantons keep a list of insured persons in arrears, for whom only emergencies are covered until the debt is settled (KVG Art. 64a). This affects only a few cantons — if in doubt, ask your municipality of residence.