Mandatory basic health insurance (OKP)

Basic insurance. Same benefits, different premium.

Basic insurance benefits are set by law and identical across every insurer. Only the premiums differ. Save up to CHF 3,673.20 per person and year.

Mandatory
For everyone in CH
Same benefits
at every insurer (KVG)
34 insurers
free choice
Premiums vary
comparing pays off

Sind die Leistungen der Grundversicherung bei allen Krankenkassen gleich?

Ja. Der gesetzlich vorgeschriebene Leistungsumfang der obligatorischen Grundversicherung (OKP) ist bei allen zugelassenen Krankenkassen gleich. Unterschiede gibt es vor allem bei Prämien, Versicherungsmodellen, Franchise, Wohnort beziehungsweise Prämienregion, Alter, Unfalldeckung, Service und administrativer Abwicklung.

The basics

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.

Doctor & specialists

Outpatient treatment, check-ups, diagnostics.

General hospital

Inpatient care in your home canton, general ward.

Medication

Drugs approved on the Specialities List (SL).

Maternity

Prenatal care, birth, postnatal, no cost share.

Lab & diagnostics

Analyses per the official Analyses List.

Emergency & transport

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.

Included in basic insurance
  • Doctor, hospital and emergency care
  • Prescribed medication (SL)
  • Maternity benefits
  • Psychiatric treatment (medical)
  • Physiotherapy on referral
  • Preventive check-ups (per KLV)
Not in OKP, needs supplementary
  • Dental treatment (adults)
  • Vision (glasses, contacts)
  • Semi-private / private hospital
  • Alternative medicine without medical approval
  • Treatment abroad outside emergencies
  • Cosmetic and elective procedures
See supplementary plans
Deductible

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
DeductibleDiscount / yearBest for
CHF 300,High healthcare costs
CHF 500up to 140Regular treatment
CHF 1,000up to 390Occasional doctor
CHF 1,500up to 640Rarely ill
CHF 2,000up to 890Very healthy
CHF 2,500up to 1,140Maximum saving

Plus 10% co-payment, max CHF 700 / year (adults). Children's deductibles are regulated separately.

Insurance models

Save with the right model

Alternative models offer the same benefits as Standard, but up to 25% cheaper.

Maximum freedom
Standard
0 %

Free choice of doctor, no restrictions.

Popular
Family doctor
−15 %

Start at your GP, who refers you on.

Strong saving
HMO
−20 %

Treatment in a group practice.

Top saving
Telmed
−25 %

First consultation by phone / video.

Switching

In 4 steps to a cheaper insurer

Acceptance into basic insurance is guaranteed. No health questions.

01
Compare premiums

Enter ZIP, age, deductible and model.

02
Choose offer

Pick the best insurer for your profile.

03
Cancel by Nov 30

Send cancellation by registered mail.

04
New insurer from Jan 1

Seamless transition, no gap.

Saving potential

How to save up to CHF 3,673.20 per year

A family of four can save several thousand francs a year with the right mix of insurer, model and deductible. Same benefits.

Switch insurer

Up to CHF 3,673.20 / year, just by changing provider.

Alternative model

GP, HMO or Telmed: 15 to 25% discount.

Higher deductible

Up to CHF 1,540 less premium if you're healthy.

Premium subsidy

Check eligibility: thousands of francs possible.

Ready to save?

Compare every Swiss health insurer in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment, based on official FOPH data.