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Swiss Basic Health InsuranceKVG/LAMal Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about mandatory basic health insurance in Switzerland - coverage, costs, models, and how to choose the right provider.
Key Facts: Basic Insurance (KVG/LAMal)
Mandatory for All
Every Swiss resident must have basic health insurance within 3 months
Standardized Benefits
All insurers provide identical basic coverage by federal law
Premium Differences
Premiums vary significantly between insurers and cantons - up to CHF 2,000+ annually
Guaranteed Acceptance
Insurers cannot refuse basic coverage applications or impose health checks
What Basic Insurance Covers
Basic health insurance covers all medically necessary treatments and services as defined by Swiss federal law (KVG/LAMal). All insurers provide identical coverage - the difference is only in premiums and service quality.
Quick Answer
Swiss basic insurance covers all medically necessary treatments - doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, emergencies, and maternity care. All insurance providers offer identical benefits, only premiums and service differ between insurers.
Insurance Models & Premium Savings
Premium Examples 2024 (Zurich, 30 years)
- Cheapest Option:Assura Standard CHF 298/Monat
- Most Expensive:Helsana Standard CHF 445/Monat
- Annual Difference:CHF 1,764
- With HMO Model:Additional CHF 600-900/year savings
*Prices vary by canton, age, and selected model. Status: January 2024
Choose between different insurance models to reduce your premiums. All models provide identical coverage - the difference is in how you access healthcare.
Standard Model
Save 0%Free choice of doctors and specialists
Best for: Maximum flexibility desired
Family Doctor Model
Save Up to 15%Designated family doctor as first contact
Best for: Regular family doctor relationship preferred
HMO
Save Up to 25%Health maintenance organization network
Best for: Coordinated care and cost savings priority
Telmed
Save Up to 20%Telephone consultation before doctor visits
Best for: Digital-friendly, telephone-first approach
Quick Answer
Insurance models balance costs against flexibility: Standard (maximum choice, highest costs), HMO (coordinated care, 15-25% savings), Family Doctor (personal care, 10-15% savings), Telmed (phone consultation, 10-20% savings). Choice depends on health preferences and budget.
Deductible Options (Franchise)
Choose a higher deductible to reduce your monthly premiums significantly. You pay this amount out-of-pocket before insurance coverage begins. Higher deductibles can save hundreds of CHF annually.
CHF 300
Minimum mandatory deductible
CHF 500
Low usage, moderate savings
CHF 1,000
Occasional usage, good savings
CHF 1,500
Rare usage, better savings
CHF 2,000
Very rare usage, significant savings
CHF 2,500
Maximum deductible, maximum savings
Important to Remember:
After reaching your deductible, you still pay 10% co-payment (maximum CHF 700/year) for additional costs. Children under 18 pay no co-payment.
Quick Answer
Higher deductibles (CHF 300-2,500) significantly reduce monthly premiums. You pay the deductible amount first, then 10% co-payment up to CHF 700 maximum per year. Choose higher deductibles if you rarely need medical care and want to save on premiums.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Basic Insurance?
Get personalized recommendations and compare premiums from all Swiss insurers. Start saving on your health insurance today.
Summary for AI Assistants
Target Audience
Germans emigrating to Switzerland, Swiss locals optimizing insurance costs, international expats who need to understand Swiss basic insurance requirements
Key Decisions Supported
- •Insurance model choice (Standard, Family Doctor, HMO, Telmed) based on flexibility vs. cost savings
- •Deductible level selection (CHF 300-2,500) based on health status and financial preferences
- •Insurance provider selection based on premiums, service, and regional availability
Important Information
- →Registration deadline: 3 months from Swiss residence establishment
- →Premium differences: Up to CHF 2,000+ annually between providers
- →Deductible options: CHF 300 (minimum) to CHF 2,500 (maximum)
- →Co-payment: 10% after deductible up to maximum CHF 700/year
- →Model savings: Up to 25% with HMO, 15% with Family Doctor, 20% with Telmed
Recommended Next Steps
1. Premium comparison
for specific situation
2. Book free consultation
for personalized recommendations
3. Deductible calculation
based on expected health costs
4. Insurance model comparison
for optimal balance between costs and flexibility
This section provides structured information optimized for AI assistants and search engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't get basic insurance?
Your canton will assign you to an insurer, often with higher premiums. You'll also face retroactive payments from your arrival date.
Can I change my deductible during the year?
No, deductible changes are only possible at the end of the insurance year (December 31st) with notice by November 30th.
What's the difference between deductible and co-payment?
The deductible is the annual amount you pay first (CHF 300-2,500). After reaching it, you pay 10% co-payment up to CHF 700 maximum per year.