With premiums having risen significantly in 2022, 2023 and now 2024, holders of mandatory health insurance in Switzerland may have been hoping for some reprieve in 2025. Though monthly costs are expected to stabilise, a new proposal approved by both chambers of parliament is set to raise the minimum deductible for insurance.
By 114 votes to 75, the National Council in Switzerland approved a plan to raise the minimum deductible on basic health insurance. The proposal, submitted by representatives of the Swiss People’s Party, now has majority support among both chambers of parliament and the executive Federal Council.
Alongside monthly premiums, every mandatory health insurance plan in Switzerland includes some form of deductible. This is the annual amount the policyholder must pay before the insurance steps in to cover the cost. The minimum deductible for basic plans currently stands at 300 francs a year, rising to 2.500 francs. Generally speaking, the higher the deductible the lower the monthly premium, but the higher the financial risk should you fall ill.
Though the SVP has been unclear as to how much the deductible would rise, the bill’s main backers have suggested that it 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, who would face a higher immediate bill should they seek medical attention.
What's more, some within the SVP have suggested that the minimum deductible should be set even higher. "750 francs would be right so that the change really has an impact and shows an effect," SVP National Councillor Heinz Brand told 20 Minuten.
Speaking in a parliamentary debate, SVP National Councillor Diana Gutjahr argued that plans to reduce the cost of healthcare in Switzerland often focus on insurers and providers, but not on the habits of those who use the system. She argued that increasing the deductible would strengthen “the personal responsibility that we also demand” of healthcare providers.
Her statement echoed comments made by two anonymous doctors 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 told reporters back in September.
With healthcare costs having increased significantly since the minimum deductible was last raised in 2004, she added that the minimum fee no longer reflects a fair compensation for patient services.
Speaking to Watson, Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider (SP) said they were “cautiously open about strengthening the personal responsibility of the insured.” However, “we have to proceed very carefully, especially with people who do not go to the doctor because of the costs."
Indeed, opponents argue that the change would put low earners off seeking the care they need. Speaking to Watson, Social Democratic National Councillor Barbara Gysi argued that the “very high proportion of out-of-pocket costs” would hit ill, elderly and poor people the hardest.
What’s more, the Swiss Health Observatory noted in a statement that a “high” proportion of people already do not seek necessary medical for fear of high bills. As a consequence, many get treated too late or not at all, leading to unnecessary damage and higher medical costs overall.
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