Understand Visana — and Whether It's Right for You
About Visana
Visana health insurance Switzerland is large national insurer, serving ~0.84 million. Known for local agencies for in-person support, Visana combines modern approaches with digital tools to simplify insurance management.
This guide explains Visana's strengths, limitations, and how it compares to other major Swiss insurers — especially for expats seeking English-language support and independent advice from FINMA-certified brokers.
Understanding Visana's foundation is the first step — but how do you know if it's right for you?
Visana at a Glance
Detailed factual overview of Visana health insurance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurer Name | Visana |
| Founded | 1996 (consolidation) |
| Headquarters | Bern |
| Market Position | Large national insurer |
| Clients | ~0.84 million |
| Languages / English Service | DE, FR, IT, EN (documentation) Available in documentation, limited in-person English support |
| Strengths | Local agencies for in-person support, Multiple insurance model options, Established network across Switzerland |
| Limitations | Premiums can be higher in some cantons, Digital services less advanced than some competitors |
| Unique Supplementary Plans | Various supplementary packages with model flexibility |
| Known For / Keywords | Service via local agents, Model choice flexibility, Personal consultation approach |
| Customer Focus | Those wanting in-person support, customers who value agent relationships |
| Premium Example (Zurich, Region 2) | ~CHF 365-385 (mid to higher range) |
| Premium Stability Trend | Mid to higher range, varies by canton and model, +5% avg |
| Claim Support Quality | ⭐ 4.0 / 5 (good, with agent support) |
*Based on official BAG data and public Visana reports, verified October 2025.
Let's look at the three most common reasons expats evaluate Visana — and what really matters in each case.
Why People Consider Visana
Three common situations where Visana comes up — and how we help you decide.
New in Switzerland
Need to register within 90 days? Visana can be one of several good options — we help you compare all.
Learn MoreAlready Insured, Considering a Change
We check if switching or optimizing makes sense — often you can save without losing benefits.
Learn MoreWant to Optimize Your Coverage
We review your plan and suggest upgrades or savings across 50+ insurers.
Book ConsultationData matters — but experience matters more. Here's what our independent advisors see after years of comparing Visana to other providers.
Independent Expert Perspective
We regularly benchmark Visana, CSS, Swica, and others for expats. Each insurer has unique acceptance policies and claim behaviors — the right choice depends on your needs.
Visana excels in local agencies for in-person support, but may not always be the most cost-effective option. We compare basic insurance (LAMal/KVG) and supplementary insurance premiums, service quality, and long-term value across all providers.
"The best insurer is the one that matches your health usage, budget, and risk profile — not necessarily the biggest name."
"Visana is particularly good for people who value in-person agent support and local presence. Their model options provide flexibility, though premiums can be higher in certain cantons."
Robert Kolar
FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
Visana vs Other Swiss Insurers
Visana is large national insurer — those wanting in-person support, customers who value agent relationships.
However, it's not always the most affordable, especially compared to regional competitors. We compare all major Swiss insurers independently.
Compare coverage & premiums
Compare coverage & premiums
Compare coverage & premiums
*Our independent comparison is based on verified BAG data, public insurer reports, and real client feedback.
Our review process is straightforward and transparent — so you always understand what we recommend and why.
How Our Review Works
Whether you're considering Visana or comparing all options, here's our process.
Review your plan
We read your basic & supplementary cover
Explain options
Clear English, what stays / what changes
Identify savings & risks
Model, deductible, overlaps
Confirm & handle switch
We do forms + cancellation
Independent, FINMA-certified guidance. Free and unbiased.
Health Insurance Isn't Just About Numbers
It's about peace of mind — knowing you're covered for all eventualities, with an expert who continues to take care of you year after year.
Whether you choose Visana or another provider, we ensure your decision is informed, strategic, and aligned with your wellbeing in Switzerland.
Here's what people say about getting independent insurance advice with us:
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★ Rated 4.9 / 5 by expats across Switzerland
Real experiences from people who got independent insurance advice.
"Robert was an excellent assistant. He introduced me to the complex health system in Switzerland and made sure I took the best decision, providing information and answering all my questions."
German Barquero
Google Review
"I had great experience with expat-savvy, receiving very helpful, professional advice tailored to my personal situation. Robert has demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of the field."
Rebeka Johnson
Google Review
"Robert's advice was very helpful in choosing the right health insurance package and getting over the hurdles of pre-existing conditions. He found me a much better deal."
Martin Walsh
Google Review
Still have questions? Here are the most common ones we hear about Visana:
Common Questions About Visana
Everything you need to know about Visana health insurance.
Is Visana good for expats?
Visana can work well for expats who value in-person support through local agencies. While English documentation is available, their strength lies more in traditional agent-based service than digital/English channels.
What insurance models does Visana offer?
Visana offers various models including standard, HMO, and family doctor options. Different models offer different premium levels and access restrictions. We help you choose the model that best fits your needs and budget.
Can I switch to Visana from another insurer?
Yes, basic insurance can be switched annually with notice by 30 November. Supplementary plans require a health questionnaire and are subject to acceptance. We guide you through the entire process.
Does Visana have local offices?
Yes, one of Visana's strengths is their network of local agencies where you can receive in-person consultation and support. This makes them ideal for customers who prefer face-to-face interactions.
How do Visana's premiums compare to other insurers?
Visana's premiums are generally in the mid to higher range and vary significantly by canton. We compare all options across 50+ Swiss insurers to find the best value for your location and needs.
More questions about Visana or Swiss health insurance in general?
Not Sure If Visana Is Right for You?
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