Moving Cantons and Health Insurance in Switzerland
Everything you need to know about handling health insurance when relocating to a different Swiss canton, including premium changes and special opportunities.
Understanding Health Insurance When Moving Cantons
Moving to a different canton in Switzerland brings significant changes to your health insurance situation. Unlike moving within the same canton, an intercantonal move affects your premiums, subsidy eligibility, and can create opportunities to optimize your coverage.
Switzerland's decentralized healthcare system means that each canton has its own healthcare infrastructure, cost structures, and subsidy systems. This guide will help you navigate these differences and ensure a smooth insurance transition when relocating.
Key Facts About Moving Cantons
Up to 50% variation between cantons for identical coverage
Moving cantons allows changing providers outside annual window
Cantonal subsidy systems are independent and require new applications
Canton Premium Comparison
Health insurance premiums can vary significantly between cantons. Here's how major cantons compare.
| Canton | Average Premium Range | Subsidy System |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | High (CHF 450-550) | Income-based with automatic notifications for many residents |
| Zurich | Medium-High (CHF 380-480) | Application required, based on taxable income thresholds |
| Bern | Medium (CHF 350-450) | Automatic for low incomes, others require application |
| Basel-Stadt | High (CHF 420-520) | Generous system with application required |
| Vaud | High (CHF 400-500) | Progressive system based on income, application required |
| Ticino | Medium (CHF 360-460) | Application required, income-based |
| Appenzell I. | Low (CHF 280-370) | Limited, application required |
Why Do Premiums Vary Between Cantons?
Healthcare Infrastructure: Cantons with more hospitals and specialists typically have higher costs.
Population Demographics: Areas with older or less healthy populations face higher collective healthcare expenses.
Cantonal Subsidies: Some cantons contribute more to hospital financing, reducing the burden on insurance.
Regional Cost of Living: Healthcare provider costs reflect the general cost of living in the region.
Healthcare Utilization: Cultural differences in how frequently people seek medical care affect overall costs.
Timeline for Insurance Changes When Moving
Follow this timeline to ensure a smooth transition for your health insurance when relocating between cantons.
Research premium differences and providers in new canton; consider switching options
Notify current insurer in writing; prepare documents for commune registration
Register with new commune; verify insurance changes have been processed
Apply for premium subsidies in new canton if eligible; confirm new premiums
Check that all insurance documents reflect new address and correct premium amounts
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these seven steps to manage your health insurance when moving between Swiss cantons.
Notify your current health insurer
Inform your health insurance provider about your move to a different canton at least 30 days in advance, including your new address and moving date.
Notification Template:
[Your Name]
[Current Address]
[Insurance Number]
[Date]
Subject: Change of Address - Move to Another Canton
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to inform you that I will be moving from [current canton] to [new canton] on [moving date]. My new address will be:
[New Address]
[Postal Code] [City]
[New Canton]
Please adjust my insurance policy accordingly. I understand this may affect my premium amount.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
Research premium differences
Compare your current premium with the premium in your new canton, as rates can vary significantly between cantons for the same insurance provider.
Check for special cantonal requirements
Investigate if your new canton has specific insurance regulations or requirements that differ from your current location.
Consider switching providers
Evaluate whether it makes sense to change insurance providers during your move, as relocation to a new canton gives you the right to switch outside the usual annual window.
Special Switching Right:
- When moving to a new canton, you can terminate your basic insurance with one month's notice, regardless of the time of year.
- This special right allows you to optimize your coverage by switching to a provider with more competitive rates in your new canton.
- Note that supplementary insurance policies may have different termination conditions - check your policy details.
Apply for premium subsidies if eligible
Research the premium subsidy system in your new canton, as eligibility criteria and application processes vary by location.
Subsidy Application Process Comparison:
| Canton Type | Application Method | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Assessment (e.g., Geneva) | Registration with commune triggers assessment | 1-3 months after registration |
| Application Required (e.g., Zurich) | Submit application form to cantonal office | Processing takes 1-2 months |
| Mixed Systems (e.g., Bern) | Low incomes automatic, others apply | Varies by income category |
Register with your new commune
Complete your registration at your new commune within 14 days of moving, which is required for health insurance administration.
Update supplementary insurance details
Check if your supplementary insurance policies need adjustments based on regional healthcare networks in your new location.
Need Help with Your Intercantonal Move?
Our experts can guide you through the process and help you optimize your insurance when moving cantons.
No obligation, just expert guidance for your Swiss insurance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my health insurance when moving to a different canton?
You don't necessarily need to change insurance providers when moving cantons, but you must notify your current insurer. Your premium will automatically adjust to reflect the rates in your new canton. However, moving to a new canton gives you a special right to switch providers regardless of the time of year, which might be beneficial if premiums are significantly different.
How do health insurance premiums differ between Swiss cantons?
Premium differences between cantons can be substantial - often 20-50% for the same coverage. Cantons like Basel-Stadt, Geneva, and Vaud typically have higher premiums, while cantons like Appenzell Innerrhoden, Nidwalden, and Uri tend to have lower rates. These variations occur because of differences in healthcare costs, cantonal subsidies, hospital networks, population health, and regulatory approaches.
Will I lose my premium subsidies when moving cantons?
Yes, you will need to reapply for premium subsidies in your new canton. Premium subsidy systems (Prämienverbilligung) are managed at the cantonal level, with different eligibility criteria, application processes, and subsidy amounts. Contact your new canton's social services or health department immediately after moving to understand the local subsidy system and avoid gaps in financial support.
When should I notify my health insurer about moving cantons?
You should notify your health insurer about your intercantonal move at least 30 days before your moving date, if possible. At minimum, inform them as soon as you know your new address. The notification must be in writing (letter or email) and should include your insurance number, new address, and effective date of the change.
How does the registration process with my new commune affect my health insurance?
Registering with your new commune within 14 days of arrival is legally required and directly impacts your health insurance administration. The commune will report your move to cantonal authorities who verify insurance coverage. Some communes automatically share your information with the cantonal health insurance office, which may contact you if you haven't updated your insurance. Failure to register can result in complications with insurance coverage and potential fines.
Have more questions about moving cantons and health insurance?
Related Insurance Guides
Explore other helpful topics about Swiss health insurance.
How to Apply for Premium Subsidies
Learn if you qualify for cantonal premium subsidies and how to apply in your canton.
How to Change Health Insurance
Learn when and how to switch providers to optimize your coverage and save money.
Change Insurance Models
Save up to 20% by choosing the right insurance model for your healthcare needs.
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