1. The 3-Month Window
Every new resident in Switzerland has exactly three months to register for mandatory health insurance (KVG). While you are covered retroactively from your first day of residence, failing to register within the timeframe can lead to penalty surcharges and a limited choice of providers.
2. Choosing the Right Franchise
The "Franchise" is your annual deductible. In Switzerland, these range from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 for adults. A common mistake for healthy expats is choosing a middle-ground franchise. Usually, only the minimum or the maximum make financial sense depending on your expected medical usage.
3. The Managed Care Models
You can reduce your premiums by choosing a specific primary care model:
- ● HMO: You must always visit a specific health center first.
- ● Family Doctor: You designate a specific GP as your first point of contact.
- ● Telmed: You call a medical hotline before visiting a doctor.