Basic insurance. Same benefits, different premium.
Basic insurance benefits are set by law and identical across every insurer. What differs is the premiums — with savings potential of several hundred francs per year.
Are basic insurance benefits the same at all health insurers?
Yes. The legally prescribed scope of benefits of the mandatory basic insurance (OKP) is the same at every authorised health insurer. Differences arise mainly in premiums, insurance models, deductible, place of residence or premium region, age, accident coverage, service and administrative processing.
What is mandatory basic health insurance?
Basic insurance (OKP) is mandatory for everyone in Switzerland. It covers core medical care for illness, maternity and, without a separate accident policy, also accidents. The benefits are defined in the KVG and identical at every insurer.
What changes from insurer to insurer is only the price, which can vary widely depending on region, model and deductible.
Outpatient treatment, check-ups, diagnostics.
Inpatient care in your home canton, general ward.
Drugs approved on the Specialities List (SL).
Prenatal care, birth, postnatal, no cost share.
Analyses per the official Analyses List.
Medical transport 50 %, up to CHF 500/year. Emergency rescue in acute danger 50 %, up to CHF 5'000/year.
What's covered, and what's not?
A quick overview. For benefits outside basic insurance there are supplementary plans.
- Doctor, hospital and emergency care
- Prescribed medication (SL)
- Maternity benefits
- Psychiatric treatment (medical)
- Physiotherapy on referral
- Preventive check-ups (per KLV)
- Dental treatment (adults)
- Vision (glasses, contacts)
- Semi-private / private hospital
- Alternative medicine without medical approval
- Treatment abroad outside emergencies
- Cosmetic and elective procedures
Which deductible suits me?
The deductible is the share of healthcare costs you cover each year before your insurer pays. A higher deductible cuts the premium, but only pays off if you're healthy and rarely see a doctor.
Start deductible calculator| Deductible | Discount / year | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | – | High healthcare costs |
| CHF 500 | up to 140 | Regular treatment |
| CHF 1'000 | up to 390 | Occasional doctor |
| CHF 1'500 | up to 640 | Rarely ill |
| CHF 2'000 | up to 890 | Very healthy |
| CHF 2'500 | up to 1'540 | Maximum saving |
Plus 10 % out-of-pocket share, max CHF 700 / year (adults). Children's deductibles are regulated separately.
Save with the right model
Alternative models offer the same benefits as Standard, but up to 25% cheaper.
Free choice of doctor, no restrictions.
Start at your family doctor, who refers you on.
Treatment in a group practice.
First consultation by phone / video.
In 4 steps to a cheaper insurer
Acceptance into basic insurance is guaranteed. No health questions.
Enter ZIP, age, deductible and model.
Pick the best insurer for your profile.
Send cancellation by registered mail.
Seamless transition, no gap.
How to save on health insurance
A family of four can save several thousand francs a year with the right mix of insurer, model and deductible. Same benefits.
Several hundred francs a year, just by changing provider.
Family doctor, HMO or Telmed: 15 to 25% discount.
Up to CHF 1'540 less premium if you're healthy.
Check eligibility: thousands of francs possible.
Ready to save?
Compare every Swiss health insurer in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment and based on FOPH data.
Krankenkassen-Vergleich.ch is a brand of FINWIWO AG. FINWIWO AG operates as a non-tied insurance intermediary and supports clients in comparing basic insurance premiums and in reviewing suitable supplementary insurance solutions.