Health insurance for immigrants Switzerland 2027

Health insurance, also known as basic insurance, is compulsory for everyone living in Switzerland. For immigrants, proof of insurance must be provided within a certain period of time after registration - so don't put off choosing a suitable insurance for too long. On this page we offer you a comprehensive insight into the health insurance system in Switzerland as well as free, personal advice - tailored to you.

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  • All the important hints on health insurance
  • Calculation of the health insurance savings potential
  • Information on deadlines, dates and laws
  • Personal advice from professional KV specialists
Chart showing how costs develop

Do it as soon as possible: the health insurance

The decision to immigrate to Switzerland involves significant changes. In the stress of trains and paperwork, the conclusion of health insurance must not be forgotten. You have 3 months after the change of residence to join one of the almost 55 health insurance companies in Switzerland. This applies both to you and your family members, including children. It is not relevant whether your family is self-employed or living on a pension or unemployment benefit. As soon as you transfer your residence to Switzerland, you have no other option than to take out insurance in Switzerland - the residence principle applies. Exceptions apply to employees working in an EU or EFTA state or to members of diplomatic or consular missions and international organizations' employees.

The health insurance system in Switzerland is different than in Germany. While the mandatory basic insurance with all providers includes the same benefits, some of these insurances offer various voluntary supplementary insurances with other benefits. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose your modules from the additional services catalog to put together your insurance package. You can take out basic and supplemental insurance with different providers.

Basic insurance vs. supplementary insurance -
What are the differences?

Basic insurance Additional insurance
Obligation if resident in Switzerland Voluntary
Scope of services required by law The offer of services determines the provider himself
Annual determination of premiums, approval by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) Annual determination of premiums, approval by the Financial Market Authority
Duty to admit everyone/health check not permitted Rejection possible / health check and reservations allowed
Approx. 55 providers on the Swiss market Approx. 23 suppliers on the Swiss market
The basis is the Health Insurance Act (KVG) and the Health Insurance Supervision Act (KVAG) The basis is the Federal Act on Insurance Contracts (VVG) and the Insurance Supervision Act (VAG)
Cancellation per end of June or end of December possible, depending on franchise (according to KVG) The provider can determine notice periods themselves
Not for profit Profits allowed without restrictions
Family with children

Make significant savings with basic Swiss insurance

Basic insurance in Switzerland is a complex structure. Learn how you can save a lot of money with simple tricks.

It is up to you to determine your health care needs. Looking back over the last few years, you know roughly what you need and the costs of the services you have used. The annually recommended preventive medical check-ups, for example, can represent a considerable cost factor. But an insurance policy is primarily there to cover the unexpected. And, unfortunately, often comes unexpectedly. It is all the more annoying when you are then confronted with costs that you cannot bear. Be realistic in your considerations, and - even if you prefer a cheap insurance option - keep in mind that your health is at stake. It can lead to considerable financial problems if you want to save too much and take too high risks.

Find the right insurance option for you. With the following tips, you can save on your primary insurance:

Our recommendation

  • We recommend that you choose either the lowest or the highest franchise. The savings from choosing an "intermediate franchise" differ only marginally.
  • If you know that medical treatment is due in the following year (surgery, therapy, etc.), reduce your franchise at the end of the current year. All you need is a registered letter, which must reach your health insurance company by November 30th at the latest. You can increase the franchise again at the end of the following year if you wish.
  • Choose the highest franchise and pay the difference to the 300 franchise premium into an account each month. In case of expected expensive services, you have the necessary money available. Should the money be leftover, you will find another use for it or save it for the following year.

Our savings tips

1. Choose savings model

The basic insurance offers various alternative insurance models:

  • HMO model (Health Maintenance Organization)
    No free choice of doctor/group practice with general practitioners and specialists who will visit you - regardless of your complaints. Savings: up to 25%
  • Family doctor model
    No free choice of doctor / You can choose a general practitioner from a network of family doctors, who is always your first point of contact in case of complaints. If necessary, he can refer you to a specialist. Savings: approx. 15 to 20%
  • Telmed model
    Calling a telephone helpline before the visit to the doctor. Some providers decide whether a visit to the doctor is necessary and determine the doctor. Savings: approx. 15 to 20%

Important:

  • In case of an emergency, you do not have to comply with this regulation and go directly to the hospital.
  • Clarify whether your desired insurance company offers one of these models because not all insurance companies have them in their program.

2. Check every year whether to switch your basic insurance

You can change your basic insurance every year. The new premiums are announced at the end of September. For 2027 they rise by 5.0 percent on average; our article Health insurance premiums 2027 (in German) shows the figures by canton. If you give one month's notice, you can terminate your basic insurance at the end of December. If you have chosen the ordinary franchise of 300 francs (see point 3), you can also terminate at the end of June; your notice must then reach the health insurer by the end of March. You can change health insurers without hesitation, because every basic insurer must accept you. Make the premium comparison every year and switch to the cheapest basic insurance in Switzerland. This requires some effort but can be worth it.

3. Choose a higher franchise

Participate in the medical costs up to a certain amount and save a lot on the premium. The higher the franchise, the lower the premium. The health insurance companies offer the following franchises:

Children (up to 18 years)

  • CHF 0 / 100 / 200 / 300 / 400 / 500 / 600

Adults (from 19 years)

  • CHF 300 / 500 / 1'000 / 1'500 / 2'000 / 2’500

Important:

Before you decide on a higher deductible rate, you should be aware of the financial risks, e.g., in case of a severe illness.

4. Take out health insurance without accident coverage

Suppose a single employer employs you for at least 8 hours per week. In that case, you are automatically insured against accidents and can safely exclude accident coverage from your health insurance. This can lead to a discount of up to 10%.

5. Pay premium annually

Depending on your health insurance, you have the option of paying the premium annually instead of monthly and thus benefit from a discount.

Free of charge and without obligation: expert advice on health insurance

Online consultation request

Please provide your full phone number incl. country code, area code and telephone number Please note that without a correct phone number your inquiry cannot be processed.

  • Please enter your contact details as well as additional information in the contact form and send the form. You will immediately receive a confirmation by email.
  • Our health insurance experts will contact you within a few hours to determine your personal needs based on a few short questions.
  • During the conversation, you will receive an initial overview of the costs of the various health insurance companies. You can also clarify important questions in this context. The consultation is free of charge and absolutely non-binding!

Frequently asked questions about basic insurance

Should you have any questions regarding basic insurance, you will find answers to the most important questions here.

Never for basic insurance: under the Health Insurance Supervision Act (KVAG, Art. 5), every insurer must accept everyone subject to compulsory insurance in its area, without health questions or reservations; in 2027 that applies to all 32 insurers. For supplementary insurance it can: the insurer asks about pre-existing conditions and may refuse you or exclude certain conditions. So apply for supplementary insurance early and answer the health questions in full.

Abroad, the mandatory basic insurance pays a maximum of twice the amount that the same treatment would have cost in Switzerland. Within Europe, this coverage is usually sufficient. In certain overseas territories, especially in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, additional insurance cover must be provided.

You can cancel the basic insurance each year until the end of November. The letter must be sent by registered mail and must reach the insurer by November 30th at the latest. With a franchise of 300 francs, you also have the additional option of submitting your cancellation by the end of March and thus canceling your contract at the end of June.

As soon as your annual healthcare costs exceed CHF 2,000, the CHF 300 is worth it. If the prices are lower, the franchise of CHF 2,500 is the better choice. Please note, however, that you may be faced with unexpected health costs.

Some insurers focus on low premiums, which leads to savings in other places. For this reason, more expensive cash registers can, in some cases, offer a more comprehensive range of supplementary insurance, have more branches, are easier to reach, or are simply more expeditious in repaying customers. Not only the amount of the premium should be in the foreground when choosing health insurance.

No matter which model you choose - the benefits remain the same. Only the contact point changes:

  • The standard model allows you to see any doctor (except hospitals).
  • With the family doctor model, you do not have a free choice of doctor. Still, you must contact the general practitioner selected at the start of the insurance.
  • With the Telmed model, you first have to contact an advice center by telephone. Doctors or nursing staff then decide whether they consider a visit to the doctor necessary based on your descriptions. However, choosing whether to see a doctor is then up to you with most health insurance companies. With the cheapest Telmed models, the choice of doctor may be limited.

The Telmed model can be worthwhile for healthy insured persons. However, the standard and family doctor models are incredibly popular.

Yes, but only up to a maximum: in 2026, single people who pay into a pension fund or pillar 3a can deduct at most CHF 2,900 for insurance premiums in the canton of Zurich, CHF 2,450 in the canton of Bern and CHF 1,800 for direct federal tax. Basic insurance alone usually costs more. If you are taxed at source with a B permit, this deduction is already included as a flat rate in the tariff; you only get more with a subsequent ordinary assessment.

Only basic insurance is compulsory, for each child separately: register your child with a health insurer within three months of birth or of moving here, and cover applies retroactively; the insurer must accept the child without reservations. In 2027 it costs CHF 128.10 a month on average for children. Accidents are covered by basic insurance for children, because only employees have accident insurance through an employer. Optional but common is personal liability insurance for the whole family.

Possibly, but usually only on application, because there is no Swiss tax assessment yet. In the canton of Zurich the 2027 limit for adults without children is a relevant income of CHF 50,570 to 59,420, depending on the premium region; after moving from abroad, entitlement starts the following month. In the canton of Bern the 2026 limit for single people is CHF 35,000, and people taxed at source have to apply. The canton where you live is always responsible.

Basic Insurance Switzerland

The Swiss health insurance system stands for a system in which every citizen is subject to compulsory insurance. Apart from a few exceptions, basic health insurance is mandatory for every resident in Switzerland and is regulated by the Health Insurance Act. It lists in detail all the services that every insurer must offer every citizen. The benefits are identical for all insurers. In principle, services must be subject to practicality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

 

Benefits of the necessary insurance

The Health Insurance Act regulates the service catalog of the providers.
It provides for the assumption of the following services:

Medical expenses

The basic insurance covers the costs of medical treatment. Suppose a specific treatment should not be paid for by the insurance company. In that case, the attending physician must inform the patient about it.

Pharmaceuticals

All medications that can be found on the so-called specialty list are covered by the basic insurance provided by a doctor. If a prescribed medicine is not on the list, the attending physician must inform the patient.

Glasses and contact lenses

Up to the age of 18, health insurance will contribute CHF 180 per year to the costs. The prerequisite for this is a corresponding prescription issued by the doctor. The basic insurance does not provide financial support for adults. There are exceptions for patients who get problems with their eyes due to diseases.

Vaccinations

The basic insurance covers the costs of vaccinations that correspond to the Swiss vaccination plan. Travel vaccinations are not covered. The flu vaccination is also excluded if the patient does not belong to the risk group.

Hospitalization

Suppose the hospital is on the hospital list of the canton of residence. In that case, the general ward's benefits are covered by the insurer. This also applies to special and emergency treatments. However, the patient must contribute to the costs. The deductible rate and excess will be exhausted if necessary. Also, there is a daily fee of 15 francs.

Care

In the event of an operation or illness, the nursing costs are partially covered by health insurance. However, in most cases, the insured person has to pay a significant part of the expenses himself.

Gynecology

The basic insurance only covers the costs of a check-up with the gynecologist every 3 years. In the case of conspicuous findings, examinations at shorter intervals are possible, covered by health insurance.

Psychotherapy

The basic insurance covers a maximum of 40 therapy sessions with a competent doctor.

Transport & Rescue

In a medical emergency (heart attack, mountain accident, or similar), the necessary insurance covers up to CHF 5,000 in transport costs. For transports that are not associated with danger to life, the insurance company will cover 50% of the charges, but no more than CHF 500.

Complementary Medicine

Insofar as the attending physician can demonstrate a significant title or appropriate further training, the insurer covers the costs of acupuncture, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, and anthroposophic medicine.

Ambulant care/ Spitex

With a corresponding medical prescription and the respective health insurance company's approval, a patient is entitled to 60 Spitex hours.

Models of basic insurance

In addition to the standard model, which gives you a free choice of doctor, other models in Switzerland have restrictions but offer significant savings potential.

HMO model

This model is an organization of physicians who share a group practice (HMO = Health Maintenance Organization). In the HMO center, you will find general practitioners, specialists, and therapists. When you sign a contract, you choose a doctor who is always your first contact point - regardless of your symptoms. He can then refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Family doctor model

As an insured person, you can choose a doctor from a network of family doctors who is always the first point of contact for you in the event of complaints. You renounce the free choice of doctor. Consult this doctor for all medical matters. He then decides whether to carry out the treatment himself or refer you to another specialist.

Telmed model

With this model, you must always contact a telephone counseling center before your first visit to the doctor. Medical professionals can provide information, make recommendations, or refer you to a doctor, hospital, or therapist. Necessary: Emergencies are excluded from these regulations. In emergencies, you can go directly to the hospital.

Summary:

If you choose an alternative model, you can save between 15 and 25% in premiums. Depending on what is important to you or what you can do without, an alternative model may be attractive for you.

Additional costs:
Franchise, deductible, and hospital contribution

It is not easy to keep the overview - the primary insurance not only brings with it a monthly premium; every insured person must also contribute directly to the treatment costs. This is what the franchise and the deductible are for.

Franchise

With the franchise, a patient contributes a fixed amount to the costs of their treatments or prescribed medication. For adults, the minimum franchise is CHF 300; for children, the contribution to costs can be CHF 0 if desired. The following franchise levels exist in Switzerland but are not offered by all insurance companies:

Adults 300 CHF
  500 CHF
  1'000 CHF
  1'500 CHF
  2'000 CHF
  2'500 CHF
Children and teenagers 0 CHF
  100 CHF
  200 CHF
  300 CHF
  400 CHF
  500 CHF
  600 CHF
Foot in a plaster cast

Retention

As soon as the selected deductible for the current year is exhausted, the deductible is applied. The patient must pay 10% of the treatment or drug costs themselves. An upper limit ensures that these costs are not immeasurable: Adults must contribute a maximum of 700 francs and children to 350 francs to the expenses. The deductible is always 10% and is not dependent on the deductible rate.

Hospital building

Hospital fee

During an inpatient hospital stay, insured persons are required by health insurance law to pay a hospital contribution of CHF 15 per day. In this way, the patient contributes to the costs of food and accommodation. Children and adults under 26 who are still in education are exempt from this obligation. So also pregnant women of the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after the birth.

Frequently asked questions about cost coverage and benefits of the necessary insurance

Health insurance covers all medical treatment in Switzerland. Besides, services provided by other therapists on behalf of a doctor can be reimbursed. This includes physiotherapy, nursing home services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychotherapy. Treatment methods whose appropriateness and effectiveness are questionable, also concerning the costs incurred, are not paid for by compulsory health insurance or only under specific conditions. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or health insurance company.

Costs for medicines are covered if they are prescribed by a doctor and are listed in the "specialty list." This includes all drugs subject to compulsory health insurance from currently around 2,500 preparations. Furthermore, extemporaneous preparations produced in the pharmacy are reimbursed. Pharmacies can dispense generics containing the same active ingredient if the treating doctor does not explicitly prescribe the original drug.

7 Routine examinations during pregnancy are covered by health insurance. Also, two ultrasound examinations are paid for and, in the case of high-risk pregnancies, all further studies. Covered are tests for trisomy, the birth itself and follow-up measures from the 6th to 10th week, 3 breastfeeding consultations, and 10 home visits by midwives after the birth. Birth preparation courses are supported by CHF 150.

You can be treated in a listed hospital. These are hospitals that appear on the list of hospitals in your canton of domicile or residence. You can obtain the list of hospitals from the cantonal health department or your health insurance company. Suppose you voluntarily seek treatment in a hospital that is not on the list of hospitals in your canton. In that case, the costs of your stay and treatment are covered by your health insurance up to the amount that would have been incurred in the listed hospital in your canton of residence. Exceptions are made for emergencies or unique treatments - here, and the costs are entirely covered. Treatments in private or semi-private departments are not paid.

A fixed list that also applies in 2027: up to eight check-ups for pre-school children, and for women a gynaecological examination with a smear test, first twice at yearly intervals and then every three years. From age 50 it pays for a mammogram every two years in a cantonal programme without deductible, and from 50 to 74 for bowel cancer screening with a stool test every two years or a colonoscopy every ten years. Vaccinations under the Swiss vaccination plan are covered as well.

Physiotherapy is paid for if it is prescribed by a doctor and performed by a licensed physiotherapist. Up to 9 sessions can be defined, and the doctor can order a continuation.

Up to 180 CHF per year is paid for contact lenses or glasses if a doctor prescribes them. Higher contributions are paid for severe visual defects or diseases.

Almost all of them: basic insurance does not pay for check-ups, cleaning, fillings, crowns or braces in 2027 either. A check-up costs about CHF 50 to 85, a cleaning CHF 99 to 228 per session, a medium-sized composite filling about CHF 300 and a crown from CHF 1,500. Dental treatment is only covered if a severe, unavoidable disease of the masticatory system or a severe general illness makes it necessary. After an accident, employees are covered by their employer's accident insurance.

In case of an accident, the accident insurance pays if you work at least 8 hours per week. If this is not the case, you must take out additional insurance against your health insurance company's accidents. Then all benefits are paid as in the case of illness.

Half, and only up to a cap: for medically necessary transport to treatment, for example by ambulance, basic insurance pays 50 percent in 2027, at most CHF 500 per calendar year. For rescues in Switzerland it pays 50 percent up to CHF 5,000 a year. You pay the rest yourself or through outpatient supplementary insurance. After an accident, employees are covered by their employer's accident insurance.

Change your basic insurance regularly
and save money

The primary insurance benefits are the same for all insurances, but the amount of the fees differs. Therefore you can switch to a fund that ensures you at a lower price. You can cancel your health insurance. However, you must observe the notice periods. On October 31st of each year, you will receive a letter from your health insurance company informing you of the coming year's premiums. Here providers also point out the right of termination. If you want to choose a cash register with lower premiums, now is the right time to change.

Suppose you want to cancel your health insurance by December 31st of a year. In that case, the cancellation letter must be received by the previous health insurer as a registered letter by November 30th or by the last working day of November. Suppose the termination is to apply from June 30th. In that case, the previous health insurer must receive the written message by March 31st or the last working day in March. However, only insured persons with a deductible rate of 300 francs and standard basic insurance can cancel in the middle of the year. For all others, such as those with HMO tariffs, termination is only possible at the end of the calendar year. Suppose you have agreed on bonus insurance with your health insurance company. In that case, you can only cancel it five years after taking out the policy with three months' notice. If premiums are still outstanding, you will be refused a change of health insurance company.

Additional Insurance Switzerland

The basic insurance covers the costs of necessary treatments and medication. To obtain more extensive coverage, many insured persons decide to take out supplementary insurance. This offers the possibility to receive medical treatment that is not covered by the basic insurance. The services vary depending on what is provided, as do the prices. It is essential to find the insurance that best suits your needs and your wallet.

Why additional insurance?

Depending on your needs and requirements, it makes sense to take out supplementary insurance. Supplementary insurance can usefully supplement the benefits of the necessary insurance.

In the following cases, the conclusion of additional insurance makes sense:

  • They rely on alternative medical treatment methods.
  • They are dependent on medication that is not covered by the basic insurance.
  • They are dependent on psychological or psychiatric hospital treatment.
  • The experience of the doctor treating you is essential to you.
  • You value intimacy and quiet in your hospital room.

Benefits of the additional insurance

The benefit catalog of supplementary insurance plans offers many options for extending coverage from basic insurance. Depending on the provider, supplemental insurances can cover the following services:

Free choice of hospital in Switzerland

You can move outside your canton of residence if you wish, without having to worry that the costs will not be covered by basic insurance.

Free choice of doctor in the hospital

You decide who will treat and operate on you.

Alternative treatment methods

As a supplement to basic insurance, which covers only a small portion of alternative treatment methods, supplementary insurance in this area is a good option.

Glasses and contact lenses

What the primary insurance does not cover, you can substitute with supplementary insurance.

Rescue and transport costs

The additional insurance participates in costs that arise, for example, in the context of a rescue or transport at home or abroad.

Safe travel

Medical treatment can be expensive in countries like the USA. The coverage from the primary insurance is not sufficient. With appropriate additional insurance, you can travel without worries.

More comfort

Suppose you value intimacy and peace. In that case, you should opt for supplementary insurance that offers the comfort of a single or double room.

Drugs

The list of specialties from the primary insurance only covers a small part of the costs for medication. Additional insurance can extend this list.

Bathing cures

With appropriate supplementary insurance, you can benefit from extended services that contribute to your well-being.

Home help

Home help can be of great use after an operation or treatment that physically restricts you.

Psychotherapy

The supplementary insurance covers costs for psychotherapeutic services performed by non-medical therapists.

The advantages of supplementary hospital insurance

Most Swiss people opt for supplementary hospital insurance. This means that treatment in specialized hospitals outside the canton of residence is also possible at no extra charge. People who live in rural areas or who value treatment in university hospitals opt for supplementary hospital insurance. Often the associated comfort also plays a role.

The supplementary hospital insurance covers inpatient services:

Illustration of a hospital

Semi-private department

The insured person is entitled to a two-bed room. As a rule, the senior physician is responsible for the treatment of semi-privately insured persons.

Private ward

The insured person is entitled to a single room. The insured person can freely choose the doctor in hospital, including the head physician.

Flex model

With the Flex model, you remain flexible. You only decide on a hospital ward when you enter the hospital. For the general neighborhood, this additional insurance covers the full costs. For the semi-private or private community, you must contribute to the additional costs to the extent determined by your health insurance.

Hotel industry model

This model offers the comfort of a single or double room, without enjoying the free choice of doctor.

Frequently asked questions about supplementary insurance

When applying for supplementary insurance, the insurance company is allowed to ask questions, and you must answer them truthfully. Usually, people ask about diseases and related treatments for the last 5 years. The questionnaire looks different with every provider.

It is recommended to answer the health questions truthfully. The health insurance company is entitled to initiate sanctions, also in retrospect. These can lead to the exclusion of an insurance benefit for a specific illness or termination.

In the case of supplementary insurance, the provider determines the periods of notice himself. These vary greatly depending on the provider. Read the fine print before signing a contract. Many providers specify a term of several years.

Yes, you can. Usually, additional insurance policies are concluded for several years and cannot be terminated prematurely. However, if the following year's premiums are increased without this being stipulated in the contract, you can cancel early. Pay attention to the notice periods specified in the contract. These can differ from provider to provider.

Yes, you have the option of taking out supplementary insurance with several providers. However, suppose you have already taken out basic insurance with another provider. In that case, the insurance company may demand a surcharge for the additional administrative work. Please note that the decision to have several insurers is also associated with other expenses for you. For example, you have to make sure that service invoices are sent to the correct cash register.

You should do that so that it is fully insured from day one. Most insurance companies waive a risk assessment for prenatal registration. This means that your child is covered by supplementary insurance, even if he or she is ill or born with a disability.

Above all, supplementary dental insurance: braces cost CHF 8,000 to 12,000 for the whole treatment in Switzerland, and basic insurance does not pay for them in 2027 either. Take it out while your child is healthy, because insurers ask about the state of health. For glasses, basic insurance pays children up to 18 only about CHF 180 a year; outpatient supplementary insurance covers the rest. Semi-private hospital insurance secures a two-bed room and free choice of doctor in hospital.

Do you have any further questions?

Contact our experts for the Swiss now Health insurance
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About lohncomputer

Our free service is aimed at european citizens who are moving to Switzerland or already have moved and have a permanent residency in Switzerland. Commuters are also taken into account by our calculator. You can find further information in our dictionary in the area "Knowledge".

Swiss nationals have to pay their taxes once a year to the responsible fiscal authority. As an immigrant you are obliged to do this every month.

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