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⚠️ Each person is responsible for the financial consequences of the insurance they have. This article should be taken for entertainment purposes only.
How to save money on health insurance in Switzerland?
Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland and represents one of the largest expenses in the household budget.
The good news? There are several legal ways to reduce your health insurance premium without losing essential benefits.
In this guide, you will discover:
- How does Swiss health insurance actually work?
- Which franchise to choose
- How to reduce the amount of your bonuses
- Mistakes that cost policyholders dearly
Here is a short video to understand the Lamal health insurance.
Do all health insurance plans offer the same benefits?
This is the most important point to understand.
According to Swiss law (LAMal), all basic health insurances must reimburse exactly the same medical services.
Changing insurance companies therefore does not change:
✅ Covered treatments
✅ Hospitalizations
✅ Recognized medications
✅ Medical consultations
The main difference lies in:
- The price of the premium
- The chosen insurance model
- The franchise
- The speed of the refund
Three ways to pay less for your health insurance
1. Choose an economical insurance model
The more restrictions you accept, the lower your bonus will be.
For example :
| Model | Freedom | Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Free choice of doctor | Maximum | More expensive |
| Family doctor | Average | Cheaper |
| Pharmacy model | Weak | Often the cheapest |
In some cases, the pharmacy model can save several hundred francs per year.
2. Compare health insurance plans every year
Since the services are identical, paying more generally offers no advantage.
Comparing premiums each autumn is often the easiest way to save money.
3. Choosing the right franchise
The deductible is the amount you pay yourself before the insurance starts to contribute.
The most common franchises are:
- 300 CHF
- 500 CHF
- 1000 CHF
- 1500 CHF
- 2000 CHF
- 2500 CHF
Which franchise should I choose?
The answer depends primarily on your annual medical expenses.
-> Franchise 2500 CHF
Suitable if:
- You are rarely sick
- You don't consult many doctors
- You have an emergency reserve
This is generally the most cost-effective solution for a healthy person.
-> Deductible 300 CHF
Suitable if:
- You consult regularly
- You have recurring treatments
- Your medical expenses often exceed 2,000 CHF per year
This is generally the most suitable solution for a person who needs a lot of medical care.
At what amount does the CHF 300 deductible become worthwhile?
According to the simulations carried out, the equilibrium point is around 1,900 to 2,000 CHF of annual medical expenses.
Less than CHF 1,900 in medical expenses per year
➡️ A 2500 CHF deductible is generally more advantageous.
Over 1,900 CHF in medical expenses per year
➡️ A 300 CHF deductible is generally more advantageous.
| Franchise to choose | Medical expenses in one year |
|---|---|
| 300 CHF | – 1900 CHF |
| 300 or 2500 CHF | 1900 CHF |
| 2500 CHF | + 1900 CHF |
Understanding the quota
Many Swiss people believe that once the deductible is met, the insurance pays for everything.
That's wrong.
After the deductible, you continue to pay 10 % of medical fees.
This participation is called the quota.
The maximum is:
- 700 CHF per year for an adult
- 350 CHF per year for a child
Health insurance subsidies
People with modest incomes can obtain financial assistance from the canton.
The amount varies depending on:
- The canton
- Income
- Fortune
- The family situation
It is important to check your eligibility for subsidies every year.
Can I change my health insurance provider?
Yes.
Most insured people can change their health insurance provider every year.
For the change to be effective on January 1st, the cancellation notice must generally be sent before November 30th.
Pay your insurance annually
Most insurance policies allow for annual payment of health insurance premiums., which can result in a saving of 1 to 2 % on the annual premium.
Choose the most economical model
Each health insurance company in Switzerland offers several models, such as HMO, family doctor and telemedicine, allowing policyholders to choose according to their needs and lifestyle.
Hospital-based care models (HMOs) focus on a coordinated care network, while the family physician model fosters an ongoing relationship with a trusted healthcare professional. Telemedicine, meanwhile, offers a modern approach by enabling remote consultations, thus providing patients with greater flexibility.
The telemedicine option allows you to save up to 20% on the annual premium.
What services are not covered by health insurance?
Basic health insurance (LAMal) in Switzerland does not reimburse not all healthcare costs. Here are the main exclusions and some concrete examples:
| Care not covered | Examples | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Dental | Treating a cavity, scaling | Certain serious illnesses or accidents |
| Glasses and lenses | Eyeglasses, contact lenses | |
| Aesthetic medicine | Botox, cosmetic surgery | |
| Unrecognized medications | Certain food supplements, medicines not listed by the FOPH | |
| Medical transport | Ambulance and medical helicopter only partially covered | |
| Healthcare abroad | Only partially covered |
Therefore, in order to be covered in case of lack of protection by health insurance, supplementary insurance is necessary.
Analyze supplementary insurance
Each year, insurance companies offer supplementary insurance plans to complement health insurance benefits. The insured should review these plans.
It is possible that additional insurance or other supplementary insurance would be beneficial for the client. However, As a general rule, it is better to refuse these insurances to save money.
Conclusion
For a young and healthy person, the most economical combination is often:
- Franchise 2500 CHF
- Unique Telemedicine and Pharmacy Model
- Choose the cheapest insurance offered each year by Priminfo
- Pay annually (if possible)
- Apply for a subsidy from your canton every year
- Go to the doctor as little as possible (but maintain good health)
- Favor generics and home remedies for treatment
- Good nutrition
- Engage in regular physical activity
This strategy often saves between 500 and 2,000 CHF per year.
FAQ: Health insurance in Switzerland
How to pay less for your health insurance in Switzerland?
The main methods are to choose a high deductible, opt for an economical model (family doctor or pharmacy) and compare health insurance companies every year.
Do all health insurance policies offer the same benefits?
Yes. Basic health insurance benefits are defined by Swiss law and are identical across all insurers.
Which is the best franchise in Switzerland?
The CHF 2500 deductible is generally the most advantageous for people who rarely consult a doctor.
When to choose a 300 CHF deductible?
A deductible of CHF 300 often becomes more advantageous when medical expenses exceed approximately CHF 2,000 per year.
What is the health insurance co-payment?
After reaching the deductible, the insured continues to pay 10 % of medical expenses up to a maximum of 700 CHF per year for an adult.
Can you change your health insurance every year?
Yes. Insured persons can generally change their health insurance provider every year, provided they respect the cancellation deadlines.
Are supplementary insurance policies mandatory?
No. Only basic health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland.
Who is entitled to health insurance subsidies?
People with low incomes may be eligible for cantonal assistance to pay their health insurance premiums.
Can cross-border workers have Swiss health insurance?
Yes. Depending on their professional situation and country of residence, cross-border workers may have access to Swiss health insurance.
What is the biggest mistake with health insurance?
Choosing a low deductible when you rarely consult a doctor is often the most expensive mistake in the long run.
How to save with health insurance?
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