Who Needs Health Insurance in Switzerland?

Understand Swiss health insurance requirements, exemptions, and how to get help with premiums through cantonal reduction programs.

General Requirements

Under Swiss law (KVG/LAMal), health insurance is mandatory for:

  • All residents staying more than 3 months
  • All persons with a Swiss work permit
  • Children from birth (including non-Swiss children)
  • Asylum seekers and provisionally admitted persons

Who Is Exempt?

Diplomats and International Officials

Staff of diplomatic missions and international organizations with special status

  • UN employees with UNISS coverage
  • Diplomatic mission staff with equivalent coverage
  • International organization employees with internal insurance
  • Must provide proof of equivalent coverage

Cross-Border Workers

Employees living in EU/EFTA countries working in Switzerland

  • Option to keep home country insurance
  • Must declare choice within 3 months
  • Special forms required (E106/S1)
  • Applies to EU/EFTA residents only

Short-Term Students

Students with equivalent coverage from home country

  • Must have European Health Insurance Card
  • Private insurance meeting Swiss standards
  • Maximum exemption period varies by canton
  • Must apply for exemption within 3 months

Premium Reduction (Prämienverbilligung)

Premium reduction is a cantonal subsidy system that helps lower-income residents afford mandatory health insurance. The amount and eligibility criteria vary by canton.

Cantonal Comparison

Canton Income Threshold Maximum Reduction
Zurich Individual: CHF 36,000 / Family: CHF 54,000 Up to 90% of premium
Geneva Individual: CHF 30,000 / Family: CHF 50,000 Up to 100% of premium
Basel Individual: CHF 32,000 / Family: CHF 48,000 Up to 65% of premium
Bern Individual: CHF 34,000 / Family: CHF 52,000 Up to 60% of premium

Required Documents

  • Swiss residency permit
  • Tax declaration from previous year
  • Current health insurance policy details
  • Bank account information
  • Proof of income (if changed significantly from tax declaration)

Application Process

1

Check Eligibility

Review your canton's income thresholds and requirements

2

Gather Documents

Collect all necessary paperwork and proof of income

3

Submit Application

Apply through your canton's designated office or online platform

4

Await Decision

Processing time varies by canton (typically 1-3 months)

Special Situations

Unemployment

If you become unemployed, you may be eligible for immediate premium reduction:

  • Contact your canton's social services immediately
  • Provide unemployment benefit documentation
  • Special assessment outside normal application periods possible

Students

Special conditions apply for students:

  • EU/EFTA students can use European Health Insurance Card for up to 12 months
  • Non-EU students must obtain Swiss insurance or prove equivalent coverage
  • Special student insurance plans available from some providers

Low Income Situations

Additional support available for low-income residents:

  • Social services can help with premium payments
  • Payment plans may be available
  • Cantonal assistance programs available

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need health insurance if I'm only staying in Switzerland for 3 months?
If your stay is less than 3 months and you have adequate coverage from your home country (e.g., European Health Insurance Card for EU residents), you may not need Swiss health insurance. However, for stays longer than 3 months, health insurance becomes mandatory.
Can I keep my EU health insurance when moving to Switzerland?
Generally no, unless you're a cross-border worker or student with specific exemptions. Most residents must take out Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival, regardless of existing coverage from their home country.
How do I apply for premium reduction (Prämienverbilligung)?
The application process varies by canton but typically requires submitting an application form along with proof of income and residency to your canton's social services department. Some cantons automatically assess eligibility based on tax returns.
What happens if I lose my job - can I get premium reduction?
Yes, if you lose your job, you can apply for premium reduction based on your new financial situation. Contact your canton's social services department immediately, as they may be able to reassess your eligibility outside the normal application period.
Do children need their own health insurance?
Yes, every person residing in Switzerland, including children, must have their own health insurance policy. However, children under 18 often receive significant discounts, and many cantons provide higher premium reductions for children's policies.

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