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Overview

For Expats

Securing health insurance is a top priority upon arriving in Switzerland. Every resident, including children, is required to have at least basic Swiss health insurance to stay in the country and obtain a residence permit. Health insurance from abroad is only valid in specific cases, so it’s essential to verify with your provider before relying on it for long-term residence rather than short-term tourism.

When you apply for basic health insurance in Switzerland, you will also need to select a general practitioner (GP). Most insurance plans provide a list of GPs within a certain radius of your residence for you to choose from.

After your application is approved, you will receive a health insurance card. This card is essential and should be kept with you at all times. It serves as proof of your insurance coverage and includes your AHV social security number, which hospitals use to confirm your details.

Basic health insurance guarantees access to medical treatment in Swiss hospitals and also provides coverage abroad. Insurance providers cannot reject your application for basic coverage.

However, if you’re looking for additional services—such as discounted gym memberships, more extensive access to specialists, a wider choice of GPs, or private or semi-private hospital rooms—you’ll need to consider purchasing supplemental health insurance, which comes at a higher cost.

Beginning of compulsory insurance

Essentially, any person who is resident in Switzerland is required to obtain health insurance – or to be insured by their legal representative – within three months after taking up residence – or being born – in Switzerland. 

Each member of a family – adult or child – has to be individually insured. If insurance is obtained within the specified period, coverage takes effect from birth or from the beginning of residence in Switzerland. Any costs which may have been incurred since the starting date will be reimbursed retrospectively. Accordingly, premiums are also payable retrospectively from the starting date.

In the event of delayed registration, coverage will only take effect from the date of enrolment, and a surcharge will be payable unless the delay is justified.

End of compulsory insurance

Coverage ceases when an insured person is no longer subject to compulsory insurance.

List of authorised health insurers

People are free to choose any authorised health insurer. Health insurers are obliged to enrol all applicants without any exclusions or waiting period, regardless of their age or state of health.

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In Switzerland, health insurance is made up of two pillars: the mandatory basic insurance and voluntary supplementary insurance, which extends the mandatory coverage. Depending on the provider, (savings) model, deductible, and several other factors, both the costs of the health insurance and the included benefits vary. For this reason, it is worth taking a close look when choosing a health insurance provider.

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Basic Insurance

The mandatory basic insurance. This basic insurance covers the costs of treating illnesses, care after accidents, and prenatal and postnatal care during pregnancy.

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Supplementary Insurance

With supplementary insurance, you can enhance the coverage of your basic insurance with additional benefits or achieve higher cost coverage.

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FAQ

The ease of relocation to Switzerland is contingent upon a number of factors, including personal circumstances, profession, and nationality. For citizens of the EU and EFTA, the process is relatively straightforward, as they enjoy similar rights to Swiss citizens as a result of the bilateral agreements. Non-EU/EFTA nationals may enter Switzerland to seek employment, with their residence permit not directly linked to the job. For those from countries outside the EU/EFTA, the process is more challenging. Typically, they must already have secured employment before entering Switzerland. Highly qualified or specialized professionals may find it easier to obtain a residence permit.
It is possible for US citizens to relocate to Switzerland, provided that they meet the criteria for third-country nationals. There is no requirement for a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, for longer periods of residence or employment, a work visa or residence permit must be obtained, which typically necessitates the presentation of an employment offer.
British citizens may continue to relocate to Switzerland following the UK's exit from the EU. However, they will then be regarded as third-country nationals and subject to the same regulations as individuals from other non-EU/EFTA countries. Those who obtained a residence permit prior to January 1, 2021, will retain their status as EU citizens. New applicants must fulfill the criteria for third-country nationals.
It should be noted that transportation and moving costs can be significant, particularly for international relocations. Rental costs also vary by region and city in Switzerland. Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, with costs varying by provider. Living expenses in Switzerland are high, especially in larger cities. Administrative fees for residence permits and other administrative tasks also vary by canton and municipality.
The ability to relocate to Switzerland without a job is contingent upon your nationality. Individuals from the EU and EFTA member countries are permitted to enter Switzerland and apply for a residence permit even in the absence of a job offer. However, applicants must demonstrate financial independence, possess health insurance, and be actively seeking employment. Third-country nationals: In the majority of cases, applicants are required to have secured employment in Switzerland prior to entering the country. It is typically not feasible for non-EU/EFTA nationals to relocate to Switzerland without a job offer.
It’s best to start your private health insurance policy just before you arrive in Switzerland. If you have a coverage gap between your insurance at home and your new policy, this could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses in case of emergency.
In Switzerland, 60 non-profit insurance providers offer the obligatory basic insurance plan, as well as optional supplementary insurance plans. These insurance plans are legally required and regulated to ensure that all residents have access to essential health services.
Failure to purchase health insurance in Switzerland by the three-month deadline means that your local authority will sign you up for a plan, which might mean you pay higher premiums. Anyone in Switzerland without an insurance plan, other than those exempted, cannot access Swiss health services other than emergency treatment, for which they will receive a bill.
Health insurance premiums are based on age, medical history, level of coverage needed, and whether you include extra benefits. Switzerland is considered the most expensive country in Europe in terms of healthcare costs, so premiums will be higher there than in other countries. What is the cheapest health insurance in Switzerland? You can get the cheapest public health insurance in Switzerland by choosing a basic plan and reducing your monthly premium. There are a few different ways to do this, including: • Choosing a policy with a restricted choice of doctor or health maintenance organization (HMO) • Taking out a Telmed policy, where you must first call a medical helpline and get a referral to a doctor or hospital • Increasing your yearly deductible to CHF 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500 • Paying a lump amount of fees upfront (you can get a discount of around 2% for annual upfront payments) You can also estimate monthly premiums using the official calculator (in German).
It is possible to change your health insurance policy in Switzerland at a later date. Expats are entitled to change their basic insurance policy on an annual basis, typically until the end of November of the current year. The terms and conditions of additional insurance policies may vary depending on the provider, and specific cancellation periods may apply. It is advisable to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy and ensure that all deadlines are met if you wish to make changes.
If you are leaving Switzerland, you have the option of cancelling your health insurance policy. However, you must provide proof to the insurance company that you have left the country, for example, by presenting a certificate of cancellation from your municipality or proof of your new residence abroad. In this case, you can usually terminate your insurance policy without observing the standard cancellation periods. It is important to contact your insurer in a timely manner to ensure a smooth cancellation process.