HMO, Telmed, family doctor or standard? In 2 minutes we show you which model really saves you the most money, without giving up any benefits.
Basic insurance (OKP) is defined by law. Every insurer must provide exactly the same benefits. The big price difference comes from your chosen insurance model, that is, who first examines or advises you when you have symptoms.
Anyone who stays on the standard model often pays more than necessary. With the right model you quickly save several hundred to a thousand francs per year, with identical medical care.
Sample values for adults, deductible CHF 300, Zurich region. The actual premium depends on age, place of residence and insurer.
Every model has its strengths, and a different discount. Here are the key features at a glance.
Full free choice of doctor, no restrictions.
Your family doctor is the first point of contact.
Treatment in a group practice (HMO centre).
First contact by phone or app with medical advice.
All models in overview, from first point of contact to saving tip.
| Criterion | Standard | Family doctor | HMO | Telmed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium discount | 0 % | approx. 15 % | approx. 20 % | approx. 25 % |
| Free choice of doctor | Yes | Limited | No | No |
| First point of contact | Free choice | Family doctor | HMO centre | Phone / app |
| Specialist referral | not required | via family doctor | via HMO | via Telmed |
| Direct emergency access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rural availability | everywhere | everywhere | limited | everywhere |
Every stage of life has different needs. Here's how to find the right model faster:
Rarely at the doctor and comfortable with a smartphone? Telmed brings the biggest discount, up to CHF 900 savings per year.
A family doctor who knows all the children gives peace of mind. The family doctor model combines trust with a solid discount.
Frequent specialist appointments? Family doctor with a clear referral path, or standard for full freedom.
In Zurich, Bern, Basel & co. an HMO centre is usually just around the corner, top discount, top care.
Video consultation instead of a waiting room. Telmed apps today offer real medical advice in just a few minutes.
When every franc counts: Telmed plus a higher deductible = maximum savings with the same benefits.
All models, all insurers, all deductibles, instant and free.
Answer these questions honestly and you'll know straight away what matters for you.
Rarely? → Telmed. Regularly with specialists? → Standard or family doctor.
Yes → family doctor model. No, rather by phone → Telmed.
Yes → an HMO centre is usually within reach. In the countryside → family doctor or Telmed.
Very important → standard. Willing to trade for savings → HMO/Telmed/family doctor.
Switching is straightforward and completely free. We take care of the paperwork for you.
With our calculator you'll find your cheapest option in 2 minutes.
You see premium, model and benefits compared transparently side by side.
We prepare all documents. You sign digitally.
Seamless insurance cover, with no new health check.
Yes. All four models cover exactly the same statutory benefits catalogue of basic insurance (KVG). They differ only in the first point of contact, that is, who first sees or advises you.
In genuine emergencies you can go directly to the hospital or the nearest emergency doctor with any model. The model rules apply only to plannable consultations.
You can usually switch the model within the same insurer as of 1 January. To switch the health insurer itself, you cancel in writing by 30 November at the latest.
With family doctor, HMO and Telmed you need a referral. You get it easily from your family doctor, the HMO centre or the Telmed consultation.
An adult saves on average CHF 600 to 1'200 per year with Telmed compared with the standard model, with identical benefits. Families often save over CHF 3'000.
Some insurers offer pharmacy models: the first point of contact is a partner pharmacy. The discounts usually lie between Telmed and family doctor.
Compare all models and insurers free of charge and with no obligation, in just 2 minutes.
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