Swiss health insurance: Deductibles, models and how to save money

Choosing the right deductible is one of the most important financial decisions in the Swiss healthcare system. Many people pay unnecessarily high premiums every year because they choose the wrong deductible or fail to optimize their health insurance plan. This article explains deductibles and plans and shows how to save effectively.

What is the franchise?

The deductible is the amount that insured individuals pay themselves each year before the health insurance company covers costs. In Switzerland, there are standard deductibles of:

• 300 CHF
• 500 CHF
• 1,000 CHF
• 1,500 CHF
• 2,000 CHF
• 2,500 CHF

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How do you choose the right franchise?

The basic rule is simple:

Deep franchise (300 CHF)

Useful if:

• regular doctor visits
• chronic diseases
• expensive medications
• high medical costs per year

High franchise (CHF 2,500)

Useful if:

• Hardly any doctor visits
• healthy risk profile
• minimal medication costs

With a high deductible, many save between 800 and 1,500 francs annually on premiums.

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Basic insurance models

Swiss basic health insurance offers various savings models:

Family doctor model

The family doctor is the first point of contact.

Telmed model

First, contact a medical advice center by phone.

HMO model

Treatment in a specific group practice.

Standard model

Free choice of doctor, highest premiums.

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When is it worth switching health insurance providers?

Switching is worthwhile if:

• above-average premiums
• Unnecessary additional insurance policies
• Change of residence
• better offers from other insurers

Change is annually until November 30th possible (with standard model).

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Tips for saving money

• Choose a franchise consciously
• Compare premium calculators
• Critically examine supplementary insurance policies
• Use savings models
• Check premium reductions

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Conclusion

The franchise fee is a key cost factor in the Swiss healthcare system. Those who realistically assess their needs can save considerable premiums each year.