Health insurance is mandatory for all residents of Switzerland without exception and must be arranged within three months of registering residence. Coverage is retroactive to your arrival date. Monthly premiums range from CHF 250 to over CHF 600 depending on your canton, age, chosen deductible (Franchise), and insurer. This guide explains how to compare and choose a Swiss health insurer using the official priminfo.admin.ch tool, the basic mandatory coverage package (Grundversicherung / LAMal), optional supplementary coverage, the available healthcare premium subsidy (Pramiienverbilligung) for lower incomes, and the consequences of not arranging health insurance within the three-month deadline.
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Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung / Assurance-maladie)
Switzerland
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Health Insurance (Krankenversicherung / Assurance-maladie)
Deadline: Must arrange within 3 months of registering residence. Coverage is retroactive to arrival date.
Processing Time: Policies can start from your arrival date. Confirmation letter: 1–2 weeks.
Fees: Monthly premiums: CHF 250–600+ depending on canton, age, and deductible. Compare at priminfo.admin.ch. Franchise (deductible): CHF 300–2,500/year.
Appointment: No appointment — sign up online or by phone with any approved insurer.
Required Documents:
- Residence permit or confirmation of registration
- Passport or ID card
- Swiss address
Where to Do It:
Choose any approved insurer. Compare all premiums at the official government tool: priminfo.admin.ch. Major insurers: CSS, Swica, Helsana, Concordia, Assura. Sign up online or by phone.
If You Don't Do It:
If you don't choose within 3 months, the canton assigns you an insurer — usually at the highest premium. A 50% surcharge may be added. Health insurance is MANDATORY in Switzerland for all residents, no exceptions.
Regional Variations: Premiums vary dramatically by canton — Appenzell Innerrhoden can be half the cost of Geneva. Always compare on priminfo.admin.ch for your specific canton.
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