Health Insurance in Switzerland Explained: Costs, Options and Tips for Expats
If you are planning to move to Switzerland, one of the first things you will notice is that health insurance is not optional. Every resident must take out private health insurance within three months of arrival. The system is excellent but also complex and expensive, especially for newcomers used to public healthcare.
This guide explains how Swiss health insurance works, what it costs, and how to choose the right plan when settling in Zurich.
How the Swiss Health Insurance System Works
Health insurance in Switzerland is privatized but mandatory. Every resident chooses their own insurer and policy. Coverage is regulated by law, so the basic benefits are the same for everyone. What differs is the price, the deductible, and the level of service.
Basic insurance (Grundversicherung): Covers essential healthcare, hospital stays in your canton, and most prescription medications.
Supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung): Optional coverage for extras such as private hospitals, alternative medicine, dental care, or gym reimbursement.
SwissNest tip: You can change your insurer once a year. We help clients compare all major providers and understand which options make sense for their lifestyle and budget.
Costs of Health Insurance in Switzerland
Premiums vary depending on your canton, age, and deductible. Zurich is among the higher-priced regions.
Adults: CHF 300–500 per month
Children: CHF 100–150 per month
Deductible (Franchise): CHF 300–2,500 — the higher your deductible, the lower your premium
SwissNest tip: A higher deductible can save money if you rarely visit the doctor, but it is risky for families with children. We can model different premium options before you decide.
What the Basic Insurance Covers
Basic insurance includes:
Visits to general practitioners and specialists
Hospital stays in the general ward of your canton
Most prescription drugs
Maternity care and selected preventive screenings
It does not cover dental care, glasses, private hospitals outside your canton, or most alternative treatments.
SwissNest tip: Apply for supplementary insurance while you are still healthy. Once you have pre-existing conditions, providers can refuse or limit coverage. We help new arrivals find the right options early.
How to Choose the Right Insurer
There are over 40 licensed health insurers in Switzerland. You can switch every year and compare offers freely. Some offer models where you must first contact a family doctor or telemedicine service before seeing a specialist.
SwissNest tip: Do not choose based only on price. Look for good service, easy claims handling, and stable premiums. We connect clients with English-speaking brokers who explain all plans clearly.
How to Register for Health Insurance
Choose your insurer and deductible
Apply online or through a broker
Send your insurance confirmation to your local municipal office
Change plans only during the official cancellation window (usually by November 30 each year)
SwissNest tip: You have 90 days after registering your address to arrange insurance. We help clients coordinate deadlines to avoid fines or double payments.
Health Insurance for Families and Newborns
Each family member needs an individual policy, including babies. Parents can use different insurers for each family member, but having one insurer for all simplifies billing.
SwissNest tip: Register your newborn as soon as possible after birth. SwissNest helps families with the paperwork and ensures continuous coverage from day one.
Final Thoughts
Swiss healthcare is expensive but offers world-class quality. Understanding the insurance system saves time and money. Once you know how it works, you can focus on enjoying life in Switzerland instead of worrying about administration.
SwissNest supports expats in choosing the right insurance, setting up their coverage, and translating documents into English or German. Contact us if you are moving to Zurich and want to start off fully protected.
