How to choose the right Swiss health insurance as a newcomer

As an expat arriving in Switzerland, one of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your health insurance. Unlike in many countries, Switzerland has a mandatory but privatised health insurance system. This means everyone living here is legally required to purchase at least basic cover, but the responsibility to choose a provider is entirely yours.

Here’s a quick guide to help you understand how the system works and how to make the right choice based on your needs as a newcomer.

Basic health insurance is mandatory

Every resident in Switzerland must take out the basic health insurance (known as LaMal or OKP) within three months of registering in the country. This insurance covers essential medical care like doctor visits, hospital stays (in a shared room), maternity and emergency services.

Although the benefits of basic coverage are defined by law and are the same across all insurers, premiums vary depending on your canton, age, franchise (deductible) and provider. You are free to choose your insurer, but if you miss the deadline, you may be automatically assigned one retroactively, and could even face a fine.

How to choose the right provider

There are over 40 insurance companies offering basic insurance in Switzerland. To find the best match, make use of comparison platforms such as Comparis or Priminfo.

Don't just look for the lowest price; make sure you are comparing like-for-like plans, and that they offer the services you require. Good things to look out for include their premiums, how easily you can contact customer service, what online tools they offer and which languages they support. 

Take a moment to think about your franchise strategy: Lower premiums mean a higher deductible. As a general rule, younger, healthier individuals may benefit from a high deductible (2.500 Swiss francs), while families or people with regular medical needs often choose lower deductibles.

Do you need supplementary insurance?

While the basic plan is mandatory, supplementary (private) insurance is optional and can be very useful depending on your needs.

Popular add-ons include:

• Hospital upgrade (semi-private/private room) 
• Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture) 
• Dental care 
• Vision aids (glasses, contact lenses) 
• Worldwide coverage and/or medical transport (especially for international travel)

Bear in mind, supplemental plans require medical questionnaires and can be denied based on your health history, so it’s best to apply early when you’re still healthy.

Common mistakes to avoid

It can feel like a big task to have to arrange so soon after your arrival in Switzerland, but take a breath, consider your options and don't rush into anything. These are the three main mistakes that expats often make when choosing their first Swiss health insurance plan:

Taking too long

If you miss the three-month window in which you need to get insurance, you can face financial penalties. On top of that, your insurance costs will be due retroactively for the time you should have been insured, even though you weren't using the insurance during that time. 

However, this usually happens when people haven't known about the deadline. Three months is a long time, so there's no need to rush out and sign up for the first policy you see. Setting a calendar reminder a couple of weeks before you really need to have it sorted can help take the pressure off and avoid you making either rash decisions or facing late penalties.

Choosing a plan based on price only 

Health insurance is a complicated product, and can be tailored to fit your particular circumstances. There's no point in signing up for the cheapest option if it doesn't cover your actual healthcare needs, or if claiming takes hours instead of minutes with a quick online form.

Think about what you and your family are most likely to need healthcare for, and what else you think is important in an insurer. It might be that they can handle your claim in English, or that they have a manned phone line for you to call with any questions.

Delaying applying for supplementary insurance

Supplemental plans are based on your medical condition and history, and sadly, getting older always brings more ailments and never fewer. The longer you wait to apply for your supplemental plans, the more they will cost you.