Do I need health insurance in Switzerland?
Yes — basic insurance is compulsory for everyone resident. Under the Health Insurance Act (KVG), everyone resident in Switzerland must take out compulsory basic health insurance within 3 months of moving in or of birth; cover applies retroactively to arrival. The choice of insurer is free, and all must accept you for basic cover — the benefits catalogue is identical by law, only premiums differ. There's an annual deductible from CHF 300 (choosable up to 2,500) plus a 10% retention fee (max CHF 700/year). Lower incomes get a premium subsidy via the canton (Zürich example). In short: yes, compulsory — with free choice of insurer and a possible subsidy.
📋 The rules
- Basic insurance compulsory, taken within 3 months
- Free choice of insurer, must accept you
- Benefits catalogue identical by law, only premiums differ
- Deductible from CHF 300 + 10% retention (max 700)
- Premium subsidy via the canton (Zürich example)
🔓 Exceptions
- Switch basic insurer yearly, usually by 30 November
- Higher deductible (up to 2,500): lower premium, more retention
- Zürich: subsidy applications until 31 March of the following year
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Anyone who doesn't insure in time is compulsorily assigned to an insurer by the canton and owes premiums retroactively to taking up residence, possibly with a surcharge. Outstanding premiums can be enforced. Beware a myth: "I don't need health insurance if I'm healthy" is false — basic insurance is compulsory for everyone, regardless of health. Tip: take out insurance right after moving in, compare premiums and check with the canton whether you qualify for a premium subsidy.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Is health insurance compulsory in Switzerland?
Yes. Everyone resident in Switzerland must take out compulsory basic insurance within three months of moving in or of birth. The cover applies retroactively to your arrival or birth, provided you take out the insurance within this three-month window after becoming resident.
Can I choose the insurer freely?
Yes. You can freely choose the insurer for basic cover, and all funds must accept you. The benefits catalogue is identical by law for all, only the premiums differ by fund, canton and region. A switch of basic insurer is generally possible once a year.
What is the deductible?
The deductible (Franchise) is the annual amount you pay yourself before the fund covers benefits. The ordinary deductible is CHF 300, choosable up to CHF 2,500 for a lower premium. On top is a 10 percent retention fee, capped at CHF 700 a year for adults.
What is the premium subsidy?
The premium subsidy is cantonal support that reduces part of the premium for people on lower or middle incomes. You apply for it from the canton, and entitlement is income-tested. In the canton of Zürich, applications are considered until the end of March of the following year.
What happens if I don't insure?
Anyone who doesn't insure in time is compulsorily assigned to a fund by the canton and owes premiums retroactively to taking up residence, possibly with a surcharge. Outstanding premiums can be enforced. So take out the insurance right after you move in to avoid this.
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