Health insurance for people resident in Switzerland

Anyone settling in Switzerland must take out health insurance within three months after taking up residence. After a birth, parents must obtain insurance for the child within the same period.

Insurers set the premiums paid by policyholders. Services are subject to co-payment by policyholders.

The insured person can opt to increase the deductible freely. With a higher optional deductible the insured person obtains a premium discount accordingly. In agreement with the insurance company the insured person can limit the right of choice of service provider which are then chosen by the insurance company in view of a more cost-effective care. This results in a premium reduction. By choosing a bonus model the insured person benefits from a sinking premium in case the person does not claim services during a certain period of time.

Under the Health Insurance Act (KVG), premiums for people on low incomes are to be reduced through federal and cantonal subsidies.

Optional daily allowance insurance covers the risk of temporary loss of earnings due to partial or complete inability to work as a result of an accident, illness or maternity.

Supplementary insurance is governed by the Insurance Policy Act (VVG), together with the general terms and conditions of insurance. Such insurance is optional, and insurers are not obliged to offer cover.

Insurers issue their insureds with an insurance card. It helps improve the quality of medical care and simplify the settlement of claims, and can also serve as ID for the electronic patient record.