Understanding healthcare and health insurance in Switzerland

Moving to Switzerland is an exciting step that offers many new opportunities and experiences. For anyone wishing to emigrate to Switzerland, it is crucial to familiarise themselves with the Swiss healthcare system and the various health insurance options in advance. This comprehensive guide is aimed at anyone daring the adventure of emigrating to Switzerland, as well as professionals, families and retirees who plan to make it their new home.

The Swiss healthcare system is considered one of the best and most efficient in the world. It is based on the Health Insurance Act (KVG) and ensures that all residents have access to high‑quality medical care – regardless of income, age or state of health. Insurers must accept every person without reservations or waiting periods.

The system is financed through premiumsthat each insured person pays monthly to their health insurance provider. Unlike in Germany, premiums are not income‑dependentbut vary according to place of residence, age, chosen insurance model and health insurer. The costs of basic insurance are also financed through state premium reductions for persons with low incomes and through cost‑sharing by the insured (deductible and coinsurance).

Every person with residence in Switzerland – including German emigrants – is required to take out basic insurance.The following applies:

 

– Registration deadline for new arrivals: You have three months after taking up residence to take out health insurance. If you join on time, insurance cover begins retroactively from the day of entry.

 

– Penalty premium if late: If you register later, cover only begins from the date of joining – plus a premium surcharge.

 

– Individual insurance: Each family member – including children – is insured individually. Free family co‑insurance as in Germany does not exist.

The mandatory basic insurance provides for annual cost‑sharing:

 

– Deductible (Franchise): You can choose a deductible between 300 CHF(minimum) and 2 500 CHF (maximum). Up to this amount, you pay your treatment costs yourself. A low deductible means higher monthly premiums, a high deductible means lower premiums. For children, the deductible is between 0 and 600 CHF..

 

– Coinsurance (Selbstbehalt): Once the deductible has been used up, you pay 10% of the remaining costs yourself – up to a maximum of 700 CHF per year (maximum 350 CHF for children).

 

– Hospital contribution: From the age of 18, you pay 15 CHF per day for a hospital stay (except for maternity).

 

Practical example: With a deductible of 1,000 CHF, you pay the first 1,000 CHF of treatment costs yourself in 2026. Thereafter, you pay 10% of the remaining costs, but no more than 700 CHF. So if you have total treatment costs of 3,000 CHF, you pay 1,000 CHF deductible + 200 CHF coinsurance, i.e., a total of 1,200 CHF plus the monthly premium.

Basic insurance provides the same benefits with all health insurers, but premiums differ depending on canton of residence, age, chosen model and health insurer. You can change your health insurer every year by the end of November. If you want to switch from free choice of doctor to a restricted model, you can even do so during the year. The following models are available:

 

– Free choice of doctor (standard model): You can consult any doctor or specialist in your canton of residence without restrictions. This is the most flexible but also the most expensive model.

 

– Family doctor model: You commit to first seeing your family doctor. He or she will refer you to specialists if necessary. Savings compared to free choice of doctor: 15–20 %.

 

– HMO model (health centre): You first visit a specific HMO group practice. Savings: 20–25 %.

 

– Telmed model: Before each doctor's visit, you call a medical hotline. Depending on the insurance, a treatment recommendation may be required or the visit only needs to be announced. Savings: 15–20 %.

 

Changing health insurance at the end of the year is easily possible. The new insurer must accept you, regardless of your state of health. Use the official federal premium calculator at priminfo.chto compare the premiums of different insurers and models at your place of residence..

Basic insurance covers medically necessary treatment. If you wish to have additional benefits – such as for alternative medicine, better hospital accommodation (private or semi‑private ward) or treatment abroad – you can take out private supplementary insurance. However,this is not mandatory by law. Please note: Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurance may require a health check or impose risk surcharges.

Visiting a doctor in a new country can be a challenge. Here are some practical tips for everyday life:

 

– Making appointments: Unlike in Germany, many doctor visits (including to specialists) require a prior appointment. Only emergencies are treated without an appointment.

 

– Health insurance card: Bring your health insurance card to every doctor's visit.

 

– Prescription fees: A prescription fee is usually charged for prescription medication.

 

– Emergencies: In acute emergencies, dial 144 (nationwide uniform emergency number in Switzerland). Emergency medical services are covered by basic insurance. Pharmacies have an emergency service that is available outside opening hours.

 

– Second opinions: Unlike in Germany, second opinions are not automatically covered by basic insurance. Check with your health insurance provider beforehand.

Moving to Switzerland requires careful planning and a good understanding of the healthcare system. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to Switzerland as smooth as possible.