Health Insurance
In Switzerland
English-speaking advice on compulsory basic insurance and private supplementary health insurance for expats, individuals and families.
- Based in Zug and GenevaLocal expertise
- English-speaking advisersClear, impartial advice
- Supporting clientsacross Switzerland
and care models.
and other extras.
the first steps.
Swiss Prime is your insurance adviser and broker. Your chosen insurer issues the policy and determines its terms.
Swiss health insurance, explained
Basic cover first.
Extra protection where it matters.
Health insurance in Switzerland has two distinct parts: compulsory basic insurance under KVG/LAMal, and optional supplementary insurance under VVG/LCA. Basic insurance provides the statutory benefits; supplementary policies can add specific benefits and more choice.
If you searched for private health insurance in Switzerland, you may be looking for supplementary cover, private hospital accommodation or international protection. Start by checking which need applies to you, rather than choosing a policy by its name.
Basic insurance is compulsory
Most residents must arrange it within three months of taking up residence. Specific exemptions may apply.
Extras are optional
Supplementary cover depends on the product and the insurer’s acceptance criteria.
Compare the full picture
Look at premiums, your share of costs, access to care and policy limits together.
Watch our video
Health insurance, in focus.
Watch our short video to understand how Swiss health insurance works, the main options available and what to consider for your situation.
Choose your protection
Basic or private supplementary insurance?
These policies serve different purposes. We help you compare the cover you need and understand the conditions before you apply.
KVG / LAMal
Compulsory basic health insurance
The foundation of your Swiss health insurance. Statutory benefits are defined by law; premiums and service models differ between insurers.
- For eligible applicants, acceptance does not depend on health.
- Compare your deductible and the way you access a doctor.
- Check whether accident cover needs to be included.
- Choose a premium you can afford alongside potential out-of-pocket costs.
A lower premium does not automatically mean a better fit for your treatment preferences.
VVG / LCA
Private supplementary health insurance
Optional protection for selected benefits beyond basic cover. Products may include private or semi-private hospital accommodation, dental benefits or other defined extras.
- Compare hospital and doctor choice against the actual policy.
- Check benefit caps, exclusions and waiting periods.
- Health questions and insurer approval may apply.
- Keep existing cover until replacement acceptance and terms are confirmed.
Supplementary benefits vary by product. No single policy covers every extra.
| What to compare | Basic insurance | Supplementary insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Statutory health insurance benefits. | Selected additional benefits. |
| Requirement | Compulsory for most residents. | Optional. |
| Acceptance | Eligible applicants are accepted regardless of health. | An application may be accepted, restricted or declined. |
| Hospital options | Statutory inpatient cover, subject to applicable rules. | Private or semi-private options, depending on the contract. |
| Dental & extras | Routine dental care is generally excluded; defined exceptions exist. | Defined dental or other benefits may be available, with limits. |
| Policy review | Compare premiums, deductible and care model. | Compare benefits, exclusions, eligibility and notice periods. |
Plan your cover
The details, at your pace
Explore costs, care models and the steps for moving to Switzerland. Choose a topic below.
Make an informed comparison
What does health insurance cost?
There is no single Swiss health insurance price. Your residence, age group, insurer, deductible, model and accident cover affect the basic premium. Supplementary cover has its own pricing and terms.
Ask for a personalised comparison rather than relying on a headline “from” price. You can also check basic premiums with the federal Priminfo premium comparison.
Your regular payment
Compare the annual total and the policy terms, alongside any supplementary premiums.
Adult basic deductible
The standard deductible is CHF 300 a year; higher options can reduce premiums while increasing your financial exposure.
Cost sharing after the deductible
The standard retention fee is capped at CHF 700 a year for adults. Special medicine rules can differ.
Premiums are separate from cost sharing. A hospital contribution may also apply, and exceptions exist for certain services and people. See the FOPH explanation of premiums and co-payment.
How you access care
Choose a model that fits your everyday life
The first point of contact matters. Check the insurer’s specific rules, approved providers and exceptions before selecting a model.
01
Standard
Usually offers direct access to a doctor of your choice within the statutory rules. Consider it if flexibility is a priority.
02
Family doctor / GP
Start with your designated family doctor, who coordinates treatment and referrals under the model’s rules.
03
HMO
Begin with your chosen health centre or approved network. Check that the location and providers suit you.
04
Telmed
Contact the designated telemedicine service first. Follow the insurer’s agreed process for further treatment.
New to Switzerland?
Health insurance for expats and families
Start with your residence and employment situation. In most cases, you need Swiss basic insurance even if you already have an overseas policy. Exemptions require the relevant authority’s assessment.
- Establish your insurance obligation. Check your residence date and any special status.
- Compare basic cover. Choose your insurer, deductible, model and accident cover.
- Consider extras separately. Add supplementary benefits only where they serve your priorities.
- Confirm the policy start date. Each adult and child needs individual cover; arrange it promptly.
When basic insurance is arranged on time, cover and premiums generally run from the start of residence. See FOPH guidance on insurance obligations.
Advice built around your circumstances
A clearer choice, with Swiss Prime
Swiss Prime International is an independent insurance brokerage based in Zug and Geneva. We help residents and international clients understand their options, compare policies and prepare their next steps.
We support clients in Zug, Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne and across Switzerland. Your canton matters for premiums; your priorities matter for the choice of cover.
Swiss health insurance FAQs
Clear answers to common questions about basic and private supplementary cover.
Is health insurance compulsory in Switzerland?
For most residents, yes. Swiss basic health insurance is compulsory, while supplementary insurance is optional. Special cases and exemptions depend on your circumstances and the competent authority.
What does private health insurance mean in Switzerland?
It often means optional supplementary cover, such as private hospital insurance. It can also refer to international insurance. Check which type you need and whether Swiss basic insurance is still required.
Can I have different insurers for basic and supplementary cover?
Yes, basic and supplementary cover can be held with different insurers. Compare the administrative arrangements and each contract’s terms before deciding.
Can I be refused supplementary health insurance?
Yes. Supplementary insurers can assess your health and may impose conditions or decline an application. Confirm acceptance in writing and review exclusions before cancelling an existing policy.
How do I choose a deductible?
Compare premium savings with the amount you could comfortably pay if you need treatment. A higher deductible is a financial trade-off. Discuss your budget and expected use of care when comparing options.
How do I compare or switch an existing policy?
Have your current policy and renewal information ready. Basic and supplementary policies follow different rules, so confirm the applicable notice period, start date and acceptance conditions before you cancel.
Your next step
Let’s find the cover that fits your life.
Request a health insurance consultation.
Tell us whether you are arranging basic insurance, exploring private supplementary cover or reviewing an existing policy. Our team will discuss your priorities and the next steps.
Office hours
Monday–Friday, 08:30–17:30 Swiss local time.
1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland.
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News & advice
Explore our health insurance articles
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