Health Insurance Premiums in Switzerland: Save Smart and Legally

Health insurance premiums in Switzerland rise almost every year – for many households, this has become a burden. However, there are ways you can significantly reduce your costs without compromising necessary medical services. In this article, we show you 7 proven strategies to save on health insurance in Switzerland – for singles, families, and self-employed individuals.

1. Compare Insurers – Every Year!

The simplest and most effective tip: Compare the premiums of your basic insurance every year.

🔍 Why? All health insurers offer identical services in basic insurance – only the price varies greatly depending on region, age, and deductible.

💡 Tip: Use an independent premium calculator (e.g., from Comparis, Priminfo, or Bonus.ch)

📅 Important: The cancellation of your basic insurance must be received by your current provider by November 30!

2. Choose Your Deductible Wisely

The deductible is the amount you pay each year before the health insurance kicks in.

Who benefits from what?

• Deductible CHF 2,500: For healthy individuals with few doctor visits → lower monthly premium
• Deductible CHF 300: For people with high health costs → higher contribution, but lower overall costs with many treatments

Calculation example: With a high deductible, you can save up to CHF 1,000 per year depending on your canton and age.

3. Models with Restricted Access (HMO, Telmed, Family Doctor)

If you first go through a defined point of contact for your doctor visit, you get cheaper premiums:

Family Doctor Model

• First contact always through a defined family doctor
• Savings: 10–15 %

HMO Model

• Treatment through a network of doctors (HMO center)
• Savings: 15–25 %

Telmed Model

• Initial consultation via phone or app (e.g., Medgate)
• Savings: 10–20 %

💡 Ideal for people with stable health conditions.

4. Cancel Unnecessary Supplementary Insurances

Many pay for supplementary insurances they never use:

• Worldwide travel insurance despite coverage through credit card
• Semi-private coverage despite treatment in the hospital only for emergencies
• Alternative medicine without ever having had a therapy

Tip: Do an annual check: Which supplementary services have you actually used?

5. Avoid Combined Insurance Tariffs

Some providers bundle supplementary insurances with basic insurance and offer discounts – attractive at first glance. But:

• Basic insurances are legally standardized and can be changed
• Supplementary insurances are private and often non-cancellable

📌 Danger: You remain unnecessarily tied down. → Better to separate!

6. Check for Premium Reductions

Depending on your income and assets, you may be entitled to an individual premium reduction (IPV) from the canton.

📍 Requirements & amounts vary depending on your canton of residence 📍 Many forgo it out of ignorance – even though they would be entitled!

Tip: On your canton’s website, you’ll find an application form or an online calculator.

7. Review Annually & Automate

The biggest savings come from consistency and routine:

• Every year by October: Make a comparison
• Organize the switch by November 30
• Cancel unused supplementary insurances
• Review your deductible
• Submit IPV application

🔁 Those who automate this or plan it as a reminder save in the long run – year after year.

Conclusion: Saving on Health Insurance Starts with Transparency

Many Swiss people pay too much because they never switch or engage with their policy. It’s easier than ever to compare providers and optimize.

➡️ Inform yourself, act in time – and you’ll save real money without sacrificing security.