This guide from the Swiss Consumer Protection Foundation (Konsumentenschutz) details how Swiss consumers can compare and switch mandatory health insurance (Grundversicherung) providers to mitigate continuously rising premiums. The organization emphasizes its online comparison tool is independent, transparent, ad-free, and privacy-friendly, contrasting it with commercial calculators. The guide covers essential considerations beyond premium cost, such as customer service, the impact of switching on supplementary insurance discounts, and the necessity of securing written cost confirmations for ongoing treatments or medications (Kostengutsprachen) before cancellation. Detailed advice is provided on selecting the optimal deductible (Franchise) and utilizing cost-saving models (HMO, Hausarzt). Strict adherence to the annual switching deadline—cancellation must reach the old provider by the last working day of November—is highlighted as crucial.
Unabhängiger Prämienvergleich Krankenkasse (Independent Premium Comparison Health Insurance)
Introduction (Start of Guide): The Krankenkasse premiums are one of the largest monthly expenses for Swiss households and have been continuously rising. The Konsumentenschutz offers an independent, transparent, ad-free, and data-protection-friendly comparison tool. (Last updated: 29.09.2025).
Comparison Considerations:
All health insurers must accept applicants for the mandatory basic insurance (Grundversicherung), regardless of age or health status.
Beyond the premium cost, users should check customer service and the General Insurance Conditions (AVB), as differences here can be felt in daily life.
Switching basic insurance may result in the loss of discounts for supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung).
Crucial Step for Ongoing Care: Since insurers have discretion regarding cost approvals (Kostengutsprachen) for treatments/medications, secure written confirmation from the new insurer before canceling the old one if you are regularly dependent on medication.
Optimal Franchise Selection:
For those with annual healthcare costs under 1,900 CHF, the highest deductible (Franchise) of 2,500 CHF is recommended.
For those with higher annual costs, the lowest deductible of 300 CHF is recommended. Intermediate levels offer poor risk/savings ratios.
Switching Deadlines and Rules:
Basic insurance can be changed only once per year, effective January 1st (with an exception for the 300 CHF standard model).
Premiums for the next year are announced mid-September.
Cancellation must reach the old insurance company by the last working day of November via registered mail (Einschreiben).
The only prerequisite for switching is that all outstanding bills with the old insurer have been paid.
Low-income individuals may be entitled to a premium reduction (Prämienverbilligung).
Key Terminology and Savings Models:
Prämie: The monthly contribution paid for risk coverage.
Franchise (Deductible): The amount the insured must pay per year before the insurer starts covering costs (Adult minimum 300 CHF, maximum 2,500 CHF).
Selbstbehalt (Copayment): After the Franchise is exhausted, the insured must still pay 10% of subsequent costs, up to a maximum of 700 CHF per year (350 CHF for children).
Savings Models (Spar-Modelle): Choosing a restricted model (Telmed, Hausarzt, HMO) can save up to 25% compared to the Standard model (which offers free doctor choice).
Hausärzt:in-Modell: Requires visiting a designated family doctor first.
HMO-Modell: Requires visiting a specific HMO group practice first.
Telmed-Modell: Requires calling a medical hotline for first advice (exceptions typically for emergencies, gynecology, and eye care).
Fairness-Check: Before choosing a savings model, users should perform a "Fairness-Check" to understand the sanctions (e.g., refusal of cost coverage or expulsion from the model) for non-compliance with the model's rules.
Unfallversicherung (Accident Insurance): If employed for at least 8 hours per week with the same employer, separate private accident insurance is usually not needed as work- and non-work-related accidents are covered.