Health insurance: compare models, deductibles and supplements
Health insurance includes mandatory basic cover and voluntary supplementary contracts. Acceptance and policy rules differ. A useful comparison starts with people, locality and premium year. Models, deductibles and additional benefits are then coordinated. A quote request is neither an insurance purchase nor a medical questionnaire.
Separate basic and supplementary contracts
Basic insurance follows statutory requirements. Acceptance of people subject to compulsory cover must not depend on a medical assessment. Supplements follow private conditions and may involve risk assessment, reservations or refusal. First choose which area to compare; changing basic insurance does not automatically require a new supplement.
Every family member is insured individually
A shared request may cover several people but does not replace individual policies. State the exact number and whether adults, children or both are involved. Ages or birth years and differing preferences will matter for the later premium comparison. Foreign residence, moving to Switzerland or special insurance status need separate clarification without compulsory identity records initially.
Review the model through its first contact
Standard and restricted-provider models differ in how care is accessed. From the 2027 premium year, restricted categories are PRAXIS, TEL-DIG, PHARM and FLEX. Check accessible first contacts, referrals, exceptions and the specific product conditions. FLEX offers a choice between prescribed first contacts, rather than unrestricted choice of every doctor.
| Category | First contact |
|---|---|
| PRAXIS | Designated medical practice or centre |
| TEL-DIG | Telephone or digital contact |
| PHARM | Prescribed partner pharmacy |
| FLEX | Choice between several prescribed first contacts |
Choose adult and child deductibles separately
The deductible is the annual contribution before further cost sharing. A higher deductible may reduce premiums but increases what you pay for treatment. Not every insurer offers every option. Compare the overall burden as well as monthly premiums; copayments and other costs are not settled by the deductible alone.
| Group | Deductibles for comparison |
|---|---|
| Adults: ordinary | CHF 300 |
| Adults: options | CHF 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 or 2500 |
| Children: ordinary | CHF 0 |
| Children: options | CHF 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or 600 |
Compare premiums on the same basis
Locality, age group, model, deductible and accident cover affect comparisons. Use the same premium year and people. Check local availability and rules for preferred care providers. For supplements, also compare benefit caps, waiting periods, cost sharing and contract duration. One low premium does not establish appropriate overall cover.
Coordinate accident cover with employment
People fully insured under UVG for occupational and non-occupational accidents can request suspension of accident cover within basic health insurance. Part-time work, changing jobs and work interruptions require checks of actual protection. Health-insurance accident cover does not automatically provide identical UVG cash benefits. Remove cover only after clarifying eligibility and timing.
Prepare the request and switch
Describe headcount, age groups, intended models and known deductibles; differing needs fit into one brief common field. Do not supply diagnoses, medication details or policy numbers. Then check actual deadlines, acceptance and start dates. Basic and supplementary policies may have different dates; end an existing supplement only after firm new acceptance and review of its conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free family cover as in some other countries?
In Swiss basic insurance every family member is insured individually. A shared comparison is possible, but premiums and contracts remain individual.
Must I answer health questions for basic insurance?
No health questionnaire may be required for compulsory basic cover of a person subject to that obligation. Supplements have different acceptance rules.
Does FLEX mean unrestricted doctor choice?
No. FLEX offers several first contacts prescribed by the model. Specific rules and permitted providers still need checking.
Does every insurer offer every deductible?
No. Not every statutory optional deductible must be offered. Ask which options are available for the relevant age group.
Must I switch basic and supplementary policies together?
No. Review each contract separately. Supplements may require risk assessment and have different termination terms.
Can I request quotes with the model or deductible undecided?
Yes. Choose an open comparison and state known needs. Binding premiums later require complete relevant personal information.
