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Moving to Switzerland: Your Complete Insurance Guide
Moving to Switzerland as a German? Navigate safely through the Swiss insurance system with our comprehensive guide. From health insurance to long-term optimization – we accompany you through every step of your move.
Trust our expertise: Over 2,000 Germans have already successfully optimized their Swiss insurance with our help and saved an average of CHF 1,200 per year.
Important Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | 3 months after entry (mandatory) |
| Basic Insurance Costs | CHF 300-800/month (depending on canton and age) |
| Deductible Options | CHF 300, 500, 1.000, 1.500, 2.000, 2.500 |
| Biggest Differences to Germany | Mandatory insurance, higher costs, deductible system |
| Average Savings | CHF 1,200/year through optimal tariff selection |
| Important Documents | Residence permit, employment contract, registration certificate |
Quick Answers for Common Questions
When do I need to get health insurance?
At the latest 3 months after entering Switzerland, you must get mandatory health insurance. Retroactive registration is possible, but involves back payments.
What does health insurance cost in Switzerland?
Basic insurance costs between CHF 300-800 per month, depending on canton, age and chosen deductible. Supplementary insurance costs extra.
Can I keep my German health insurance?
No, if you reside in Switzerland, you must get health insurance in Switzerland. The German insurance must be cancelled.
Which deductible should I choose?
For healthy people, the highest deductible (CHF 2,500) is usually cheapest. With regular doctor visits, a lower deductible pays off.
Why This Guide is Important for You as a German
As a German moving to Switzerland, you face a completely different insurance system than what you know from Germany. While in Germany health insurance runs through the employer and is income-dependent, the Swiss system works fundamentally differently. Here you pay a fixed premium regardless of income, and insurance is mandatory for all residents.
The differences are not only structural, but also financially significant. German expats in Switzerland often pay three to four times their German health insurance contributions. At the same time, the Swiss system also offers advantages: free choice of doctor, no waiting times and high-quality medical care.
Most Common Mistakes by German Expats:
- •Late registration with costly back payments
- •Wrong deductible choice that costs hundreds annually
- •Foregoing sensible supplementary insurance
- •Ignorance about premium reductions
- •Missing annual optimization of tariffs
Our guide helps you avoid these mistakes and choose the optimal insurance strategy from the beginning. We consider your special situation as a German expat and the cultural differences between the two systems.
Complete Relocation Solutions for Your Switzerland Move
While we provide optimal advice on all insurance matters, you often need additional support for your move to Switzerland. For a completely successful relocation, we recommend proven partners who specialize in Germans.
For Comprehensive Relocation Services:
ReloFinder.ch connects you with over 500 verified partners in all 26 Swiss cantons. Whether housing search, visa support or school advice – the platform helps you find the right experts for every aspect of your move.
ReloFinder.ch →For Personal Premium Service:
PrimeRelocation.ch has been offering individual relocation service with a 99% recommendation rate for over 17 years. Their team supports you with housing search, school selection, orientation tours and all administrative steps.
PrimeRelocation.ch →Why this combination works perfectly: While ReloFinder.ch or PrimeRelocation.ch take care of housing, school and bureaucracy, we ensure that your insurance is optimally set up. Many of our customers use this combination for a stress-free, comprehensively supported move to Switzerland.
Success Stories of German Expats
Marcus W., Software Engineer from Munich
"After moving to Zurich, I was completely overwhelmed with the Swiss insurance system. Insurance-Guide.ch not only helped me with registration, but also developed a strategy that saves me CHF 1,800 annually. The consultation was in German and considered my special situation as an IT expert."
Schmidt Family from Hamburg
"With two children, our move to Basel was particularly complex. Besides finding housing through ReloFinder.ch, Insurance-Guide.ch advised us on family insurance. Today we have optimal coverage for everyone and still pay less than feared."
Dr. Sarah M., Doctor from Berlin
"As a doctor, I had special requirements for my insurance. The experts at Insurance-Guide.ch were also familiar with professional liability and special supplementary insurance. Together with PrimeRelocation.ch for housing search, my move to Geneva was perfectly organized."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I as a German get health insurance in Switzerland?
Yes, as a resident of Switzerland you are even required to get insurance. Swiss health insurance is open to all residents, regardless of nationality.
How long do I have to get insurance?
You have three months from entry. This deadline must be absolutely met, otherwise back payments and fines threaten.
What happens to my German health insurance?
You must cancel it, as you are subject to insurance obligation in Switzerland when residing there. Note the cancellation periods of your German insurance.
Are Swiss insurances really so expensive?
The premiums are higher than in Germany, but the system also offers advantages: free choice of doctor, no waiting times and first-class medical care. With the right strategy, costs can be optimized.
Do I need supplementary insurance?
That depends on your needs. For single rooms in hospital, dental treatment or alternative medicine you need supplementary insurance. We are happy to advise you individually.
Can I change insurers annually?
Yes, with basic insurance you can change annually until November 30th. Supplementary insurances have longer cancellation periods.
Is there support with costs?
Yes, with appropriate income you can apply for premium reduction. The income limits vary by canton.
Key Takeaways
Germans moving to Switzerland must get mandatory health insurance within three months. Basic insurance costs CHF 300-800 monthly depending on canton and age. The deductible system (CHF 300-2,500 self-pay) differs fundamentally from the German system. Supplementary insurance is voluntary but often sensible. Annual changes of basic insurance are possible until November 30th. Premium reduction is available with appropriate income. Important documents: residence permit, employment contract, registration certificate. German health insurance must be cancelled. Average savings through optimal tariff selection: CHF 1,200 annually.
Ready for Your Switzerland Move?
Get your free consultation and start saving money immediately with optimal coverage.