For foreigners moving to Switzerland, understanding the health insurance landscape is crucial. This guide will show you how to find the best health insurance available in 2024.
The Swiss healthcare system is based on a combination of public and private insurance providers. The government mandates a basic health insurance plan, but you can also choose additional, private supplementary insurance for better coverage.
All residents in Switzerland, including newcomers, are required to have basic health insurance, which covers essential medical services such as:
The cost of basic health insurance varies greatly depending on the canton of residence, age, and the chosen deductible. The cheapest rates are usually found in Zug and Schwyz, where you can expect to pay a monthly premium of at least CHF 75 for children, CHF 175 for youths, and CHF 215 for adults. The highest premiums exist in Basel-Stadt and Geneva, with rates that are almost twice as high. Premiums are adjusted annually, and premium hikes of 5-10% are expected for the next two years.
New in Switzerland? Get health insurance now!If you’re new in Switzerland and fail to register for health insurance within 3 months of arrival, the health insurers are obligated to fine you with a penalty fee, distributed over your future health insurance premiums.
More importantly, you won’t be retroactively insured, so if you have an actual health emergency, you will have to pay your own hospital bill in full. To make sure you’re not stuck with a bill of tens of thousands of francs, conclude your health insurance as soon as possible.
Having basic health insurance in Switzerland isn’t enough – it only covers the absolute bare minimum, leaving you with high costs & unsatisfying care in the event of an emergency.
That’s why most expats opt for supplementary health insurance to enhance their healthcare benefits. These insurance packages are affordable, can be tailored to your specific needs, and remain relatively stable in cost. Supplementary insurance can cover:
Important note: If you have a sudden health emergency abroad and only have basic health insurance, you may need to pay the hospital bill yourself first before being reimbursed by the insurer. Supplementary health insurance can help you avoid these disastrous financial consequences.
There are hundreds of supplementary health insurance options to pick from. Contact us today for a personal consultation in which we find the right health insurance for your specific needs & budget.
When selecting health insurance in Switzerland, foreigners should consider the following factors:
Expat Services Switzerland is here to help. We’ll personally consult you, find the best solution for your individual needs, and handle the paperwork & communication with the insurer for you. Get in touch with our independent insurance experts today.
Find the best health insurance for me!In Switzerland, you must insure your baby within three months of birth to ensure coverage dates back to their date of birth. If you miss this deadline, coverage begins from the policy date, potentially excluding birth-related fees.
Children can be insured with different companies from their parents and may receive price reductions until age 18. After 18, they must secure their own health insurance, usually receiving a reminder before their birthday. This system ensures that children receive necessary healthcare without interruption.
Note that you can already register your baby before the due date. This will save you effort, clear up time for more important things, and allow you to pick the best insurance rates & supplementary offers at your own pace.
Find the optimal health insurance for my child!Here are some practical tips to help expats make informed decisions about their healthcare:
In Switzerland, the deductible (franchise) is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to cover costs. Deductibles can range from CHF 300 to CHF 2’500 per year for adults and CHF 0 to CHF 600 for children up to 18. A higher deductible generally results in lower monthly premiums, which can be beneficial if you are healthy and do not require frequent medical attention.
After your deductible in a year is met, the cost-sharing kicks in. This means you still have to cover 10% of your medical bills after hitting the deductible, but only up to CHF 700 a year. That means the maximum amount you would pay in a year for basic health insurance services is CHF 3’200. Cost-sharing for children is CHF 350.
Swiss health insurance offers various models that can influence your premiums and flexibility in choosing healthcare providers:
Choosing a model that suits your healthcare needs can significantly reduce costs.
Basic insurance offers the exact same coverage, no matter the insurance company – just the price is different between them. The smart move is therefore to pick whoever has the cheapest option that year for basic health insurance, and then find the supplementary health insurance that fits your needs with a different provider. This is called “splitting” your health insurance. Learn more about splitting now.
Health insurance needs can change over time. It’s essential to review your coverage annually to ensure it still meets your needs. Changes in your health, lifestyle, or family situation might require adjustments to your insurance plan. Have your needs changed and you’re interested in reviewing your coverage? Be sure to let us know – we’re happy to help.
Navigating the Swiss health insurance system as a foreigner can be complex, but choosing the right provider and plan can ensure you have access to top-tier healthcare while managing costs effectively. Understanding your coverage needs, budget, and taking advantage of cost-saving strategies are key steps to securing the best health insurance for your stay in Switzerland.
Find the best health insurance for me!
Navigating the Swiss health insurance system can be challenging for expats, but finding the right plan to meet all your needs is crucial. Within three months of arriving in Switzerland, expats are required to secure compulsory basic health insurance. Failure to do so can result in back payments and fines.
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Switzerland has a high-quality healthcare system, but finding the right health insurance as a foreigner is tough. If you’re new to the country, you legally must be insured within 3 months of your arrival. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top health insurance providers for foreigners in Switzerland, each with unique benefits. Here’s our top 8 recommendations for 2024, formed by our independent insurance experts.
