Starting point
Health insurance premiums 2026: the current situation
The average monthly premium in 2026 is CHF 393.30 across all age groups. That is CHF 16.60 more than in 2025 (+4.4%). At least the increase is slowing down (2024: +8.7%, 2025: +6.0%). Even so, a family of four quickly pays over CHF 14'000 per year.
Ø premium 2026
CHF 393.30/mo.
+4.4% vs. 2025
Most expensive canton
Geneva & Basel-Stadt
up to CHF 550+/mo.
Cheapest canton
Appenzell Innerrhoden
from CHF 290/mo.
Premium trend 2020 to 2026
Source: FOPH (Federal Office of Public Health), average premiums across all age groups.
Saving tip 1: switch health insurer, save up to CHF 3'800/year
The biggest lever of all. Basic insurance benefits are identical at every insurer by law; the only difference is the price. Yet only around 10% of insured people switch each year. The average switcher saves CHF 426/year, and the potential goes up to CHF 3'800/year.
Prices vary widely
The cheapest insurer varies by canton. Agrisano has won the price ranking 25 times according to moneyland.ch, but is not the cheapest everywhere. In Zurich, Assura can be cheaper; in Bern, Agrisano.
Benefits = 100% identical
Basic insurance is regulated by law (KVG). Whether you are insured with Sympany, Helsana or CSS, you receive exactly the same benefits.
- 1
By 30 September
The FOPH publishes the new premiums, time to compare.
- 2
By 15 November
Send your cancellation by registered mail (it must arrive by 30 November!).
- 3
Choose a new insurer
Submit your application online with the new insurer.
- 4
1 January
Seamless switch, not a single day without cover.
Saving tip 2: optimise your deductible, up to 34% premium discount
The deductible is the amount you pay yourself each year before your insurer steps in. The higher the deductible, the lower the premium. For healthy people, this is the second most important saving tip.
| Deductible | Ø premium/mo. | With 0 medical costs | With CHF 3'000 medical costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | CHF 420 | CHF 5'040 | CHF 5'340 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
| CHF 500 | CHF 390 | CHF 4'680 | CHF 5'180 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
| CHF 1'000 | CHF 350 | CHF 4'200 | CHF 5'200 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
| CHF 1'500 | CHF 310 | CHF 3'720 | CHF 5'220 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
| CHF 2'000 | CHF 280 | CHF 3'360 | CHF 5'360 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
| CHF 2'500 | CHF 250 | CHF 3'000 | CHF 5'500 + 10% out-of-pocket share |
Sample values; they vary by canton, insurer and age.
Worked example
Deductible CHF 300 vs. CHF 2'500
Premium savings
CHF 2'040
per year
Break-even
CHF 2'200
medical costs/year
Calculation
CHF 170
×12 months
Saving tip 3: choose an alternative model, save up to 25%
Basic insurance comes in several models with different premium discounts. The benefits are identical; the only difference is how you see a doctor.
| Model | Discount | How it works | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 0% (reference) | Free choice of doctor | Those who want maximum flexibility |
| Family doctor | 10–15% | Always see your family doctor first | Those who already have a family doctor |
| Telmed | 10–20% | Phone consultation first, then doctor | Digitally minded people |
| HMO | 15–25% | Treatment at an HMO centre | City dwellers near an HMO centre |
Worked example
Standard
CHF 420/mo.
CHF 5'040/year
Telmed
CHF 350/mo.
CHF 4'200/year
Savings
CHF 840/year
same benefits
Saving tip 4: apply for premium reduction, up to 50%+ off
Almost 30% of all insured people in Switzerland receive a premium reduction (IPV), yet many don't know they qualify! From 2026, cantons are even required to pay a minimum contribution.
Single people
Net income below approx. CHF 40'000 to 55'000 (depending on the canton).
Families with children
Middle household income. Children: only a 20% own share of the premium.
Young adults in education
At least a 50% reduction; children at least 80%.
Example: canton of Zurich
Own share of 8.4% (single people) or 10.5% (married couples) of the relevant income. The canton pays the difference to the effective premium.
How to apply for a premium reduction
- 1Apply to your cantonal social insurance office (online or by form)
- 2Enclose proof of income and assets
- 3Deadline in many cantons: 31 March
- 4The premium reduction is paid directly to your health insurer
Not applying = giving money away! Check your eligibility now.
Saving tip 5: exclude accident cover, save CHF 84–180/year
If you are employed for 8 or more hours per week, your employer automatically insures you against accidents (UVG). The accident cover in your health insurance is then a duplicate, and you are paying unnecessarily.
Exclude it if
Employed for 8+ hours per week (incl. part-time). Your employer covers accidents under the UVG.
Don't exclude it if
Self-employed, unemployed, homemaker or student without a side job. You need the accident cover in your health insurance.
Savings
CHF 84–180 / year
CHF 7 to 15 per month
Saving tip 6: annual prepayment, 1 to 2% discount
Many insurers grant an early-payment discount if you pay your premium every six months or annually in advance instead of monthly.
| Payment frequency | Discount (typical) | Savings at CHF 400/mo. |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 0% | — |
| Every six months | 0.5–1% | CHF 24–48/year |
| Annually | 1–2% | CHF 48–96/year |
Saving tip 7: review your supplementary insurance, cut unnecessary costs
Basic insurance is mandatory and its benefits are identical. But many supplementary policies are never used. Check every year whether your supplementary insurance still pays off.
Your annual checklist
- Do you really need hospital supplementary insurance?
- Do you use your alternative medicine insurance?
- Do you have glasses cover even though you don't wear glasses?
- Do you have duplicate cover (e.g. travel insurance via credit card AND insurer)?
Important: Do NOT cancel supplementary insurance lightly! When taking out a new policy, you need to pass a health check and may no longer be accepted. Think especially carefully about dental insurance and hospital supplementary cover.
Mega saving tip
Combine all 7 strategies
What is really possible if you pull every lever at once? A worked example.
Starting point
Adult, canton of Zurich, standard model, CHF 300 deductible, expensive insurer
CHF 520/mo.
After optimisation
Old premium
CHF 520/mo.
New premium
approx. CHF 180/mo.
Sample values for illustration; exact amounts vary by canton, insurer and age.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about health insurance saving tips
Ready to save?
Your health insurance is not set in stone. With the right levers, above all switching insurer, deductible and an alternative model, you can cut your premium significantly, with unchanged basic insurance benefits.