DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Swiss news & articles
New plans to increase the minimum deductible for Swiss health insurance
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

New plans to increase the minimum deductible for Swiss health insurance

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

7 things expats in Switzerland need to know about in December 20227 things expats in Switzerland need to know about in December 2022
Guide to the national referendums in Switzerland for November 2024Guide to the national referendums in Switzerland for November 2024
Switzerland in 2025: Major changes you need to know aboutSwitzerland in 2025: Major changes you need to know about
New Swiss parliament starts first session: 6 key issues to knowNew Swiss parliament starts first session: 6 key issues to know
Minimum health insurance deductible set to rise in SwitzerlandMinimum health insurance deductible set to rise in Switzerland
Switzerland moves to impose 50-franc fines on unnecessary A&E visitsSwitzerland moves to impose 50-franc fines on unnecessary A&E visits
Switzerland considers hiking health insurance premiums for the elderlySwitzerland considers hiking health insurance premiums for the elderly
Switzerland set to increase minimum deductible for health insuranceSwitzerland set to increase minimum deductible for health insurance
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Sep 9, 2024
Jan de Boer

Editor at IamExpat Media

Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016. While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more

With residents of Switzerland bracing for yet another expected rise in the cost of health insurance, the Federal Council has pushed for the minimum deductible on insurance plans to be raised. Here’s what the proposed increase would mean.

Minimum health insurance deductibles set to rise in Switzerland 

In a statement, the Federal Council put its weight behind increasing the minimum deductible for health insurance in Switzerland. The idea was originally proposed by elements of the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) in parliament, but now has the backing of the executive.

Alongside monthly premiums, those with mandatory health insurance plans in Switzerland have the ability to choose an annual deductible of between 300 and 2.500 francs. This means that if you visit the doctor or a hospital because of an illness, you first pay your deductible before your insurance kicks in.

For example, if you need surgery costing 10.000 Swiss francs and you have a deductible of 2.500 Swiss francs, you are expected to pay 2.500 Swiss francs on top of your monthly health insurance premium. The insurance provider then pays for the remaining 7.500 Swiss francs. Generally speaking, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium. 

Higher deductibles lead to lower overall premiums, SVP argues

While the SVP’s plans did not cite a specific figure, National Councillor Diana Gutjahr, one of the bill's main backers, suggested the minimum deductible be raised from 300 to 400 francs a year. According to data from the Federal Office for Public Health, this would affect 44 percent of the Swiss population (3 million people), who would face a higher immediate bill should they seek medical attention.

Speaking to SRF back in July, Gutjahr argued that the minimum deductible has not changed in 20 years, despite premium costs tripling during the same period. She claimed the plan would reduce premiums in the long term, as fewer people would seek medical attention. 

This alludes to the comments of two anonymous doctors back in June 2024, who argued that “pointless check-ups” are the main reason why the cost of healthcare in Switzerland is soaring. “If everyone makes their contribution and does not immediately take advantage of the service, which also has financial consequences, then the costs in the healthcare system can be reduced,” Gutjahr argued.

Swiss insurance changes likely to hit the most vulnerable, SP counters

In response, Social Democratic National Councillor Barbara Gysi noted that an increase in deductibles would “hit those people most who are vulnerable, who are chronically ill, who are older and who cannot choose a high deductible. And they will have to pay even more. That really cannot be right." 

Contrary to what was argued by the anonymous doctors, she said that "it is a fact that around a fifth of all people today do not seek medical treatment or do so too late because they are afraid of the additional costs they will have to bear."

Currently, the plan to increase deductibles is supported by a wide swathe of parliamentary parties. With the backing of the Federal Council, the policy will likely be approved in the coming weeks and months.

By Jan de Boer