Switzerland has basic health insurance which is mandatory for everyone. All health insurance companies are private entities but they are narrowly regulated by the government. This sets parameters on what companies can charge, and make sure it is accessible for everyone, even with pre-existing conditions. So even though private companies are offering the insurance, they can neither charge what they want nor can they deny you coverage based on pre-existing conditions under the mandatory health insurance plan.

Premiums are paid directly to the insurance company, not deducted from your salary. The insurance company. The advantage is that you can not lose health insurance if you lose your job. Also you do not need to work for Google to get an excellent plan. Health insurance is completely independent of employment.

Understanding deductibles (Franchises) can save you a lot of money: a deductible is a fixed amount you pay out-of-pocket annually before insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible will significantly reduce your monthly premiums. A common strategy is to opt for the maximum deductible (CHF 2,500 in 2024) if you're generally healthy and do not need to go to the doctor very often. This will mean that you will pay at most 3’200 CHF p.a. out of your own pocket in the absolute worst case scenario, which is approximately the cost of living of two weeks in Zürich or Geneva.

Consider getting additional coverage: if you travel a lot, or have any specific needs, you might want to consider some enhanced coverage. Every insurance company offers them, and they do not make a big difference in your monthly costs.

Remember: health insurance costs vary by canton and age. Cantons regulate the prices of all private, basic / mandatory health insurance in Switzerland. This means that you can basically save on the same health insurance by moving to a different Canton (if that is practical of course). Example: The famous Canton of Zug does not only have lower taxes than Zürich, it also has lower health insurance premiums, so you can save on both taxes and insurance.
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Need guidance? We partnered with one of the leading insurance brokers who is specialized in expats in Switzerland and definitely give you the best deal you won’t easily find elsewhere. Reach out to me if you need any help with insurances in Switzerland. We can do it better than Comparis!