Health Insurance in Switzerland for Expats: The 2026 Guide
Mandatory from day one: the 3-month deadline
Basic health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Switzerland – retroactive to your arrival date. After registration you have three months to choose an insurer. Miss the deadline and the municipality assigns you one – usually not the cheapest. So act early.
Basic insurance: models and deductibles
The benefits of basic insurance are identical by law – but premiums differ significantly depending on canton, insurer and model. A higher deductible (franchise) noticeably reduces your monthly premium.
- Standard model: free choice of doctor, highest premium
- Family doctor, HMO and Telmed models: up to 20% cheaper
- Deductible selectable from CHF 300 to CHF 2500
- Accident cover: usually via the employer for employees
Supplementary insurance: act early
Unlike basic insurance, insurers may ask health questions and reject applications for supplementary coverage. If you want private hospital care, dental add-ons or alternative medicine, arrange it right after arrival – before your first doctor's visit in Switzerland.
Saving premiums: comparing pays off
Premium differences between cantons and insurers often amount to several thousand francs per year and family. Compare on priminfo.ch or comparis.ch – or have the comparison done for you while your move is being organised anyway.
How we support your registration
As part of our relocation services we handle the complete insurance setup for you: premium comparison, applications for basic and supplementary coverage, accident insurance and coordination with your residents' registration office – in German and English.