Set Up Your Swiss Health Insurance — Simple, Fast, and in English.
Just Arrived in Switzerland? You're Not Alone.
Most newcomers face the same challenge: 50+ insurers, complex options, and a ticking 90-day deadline. Choosing wrong can cost CHF 1,000–2,000 per year in unnecessary premiums.
We solve this in one free consultation.
We Make It Effortless — Independent, Expert, and Personal.
As an independent broker, we offer advantages you won't get comparing insurers alone.
Independent Comparison
Access to ALL Swiss insurers. We compare the entire market — not just a few partners.
Expert English-Speaking Support
Explain everything in plain English. No Swiss-German jargon. We're expats helping expats.
Group Discounts & Insider Rates
Access exclusive group discounts not available when applying directly online.
Pre-Existing Conditions Guidance
Strategic advice on supplementary insurance applications to maximize approval chances.
Key Things to Know Before You Start
- Health insurance is mandatory within 90 days — no exceptions.
- Prices vary massively (CHF 191–438 / month) depending on canton and model.
- All insurers cover the same basic benefits by law — only price and service differ. Learn about Swiss insurance basics →
How Your Swiss Health Insurance Premium Is Calculated
Your premium depends on several legal and personal factors. These explain why two people in different cantons can pay very different prices for the same coverage.
Real 2026 Premium Examples (BAG Data)
Horgen/Zurich
Region 2
Cheapest option:
CHF 325
Atupri HMO
Range: CHF 325 - 429/month
Zug
Region 0
Cheapest option:
CHF 191
Concordia HMO
Range: CHF 191 - 281/month
⭐ 15% cantonal discount - canton covers 99% of hospital costs
Geneva
Region 0
Cheapest option:
CHF 438
Assura PharMed
Range: CHF 438 - 580/month
Basel
Region 0
Cheapest option:
CHF 411
CSS Gesundheitspraxis
Range: CHF 411 - 553/month
Source: Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) — Official 2026 Premium Calculator (CHF 2,500 deductible, adult born 1986, no accident coverage).
5 Key Factors That Determine Your Premium
Standard, HMO, Family Doctor, Telmed. Different models offer varying levels of flexibility and savings. HMO and Telmed models can save you 15-20% on premiums but require you to go through a gatekeeper (health center or phone consultation) before seeing specialists. Family Doctor model saves 10-15% and requires consulting your designated GP first.
CHF 300–2,500; higher deductible = lower monthly premium. Your annual deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing CHF 2,500 can save you CHF 100+ per month compared to CHF 300, but only makes sense if you're healthy and rarely need medical care.
See How Deductible Affects Your Premium
Estimated Monthly Premium (Zurich, Age 35)
CHF
Annual Savings vs CHF 300
CHF 0
*Example based on Standard model, Zurich Region 2, adult age 35, no accident coverage. Actual premiums vary by insurer and personal factors.
Not needed if employed > 8 hours/week. Saves CHF 30–50/month. If you work more than 8 hours per week, your employer's mandatory accident insurance (UVG/LAA) already covers you. You can exclude accident coverage from your health insurance and save money. If you're not employed or work less than 8 hours, you must include it.
Each canton has 1–3 premium zones. Swiss health insurance premiums vary significantly by canton and region. For example, Zug has the lowest premiums in Switzerland (starting at CHF 191/month), while Geneva has among the highest (CHF 438/month) for the same coverage. Your registered address determines your premium zone.
Optional add-ons that fill gaps and can reduce your net cost. While not mandatory, supplementary insurance covers important items that basic insurance doesn't: dental care, vision/glasses, private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, and fitness/wellness. Some plans even offer gym coverage up to CHF 1,300/year, which can offset a significant portion of your premium costs.
Once your basic premium is set, the next step is optimizing your supplementary coverage — which can even help offset part of your premiums.
Why Supplementary Coverage Matters
| Coverage Area | Basic Insurance | With Supplementary |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulance/Rescue |
Only 50% up to CHF 500/year (One ambulance: CHF 1,500-2,500) | ✓ Full coverage worldwide |
| Hospital Choice |
Only in your canton, general ward (Shared room with 3-5 patients) |
✓ Free choice anywhere in Switzerland ✓ Private/semi-private room |
| Psychologist |
Not covered (CHF 150-250/session) |
✓ Up to CHF 4,500/year (Example: Helsana Completa) |
| Vision Care |
Not covered (Glasses: CHF 400-800) | ✓ CHF 200-300/year for glasses & contacts |
| Alternative Medicine | Not covered |
✓ CHF 3,000-10,000/year ✓ Acupuncture, TCM, osteopathy ✓ Massage therapy, naturopathy ✓ Many more recognized methods |
| Fitness & Wellness | Not covered |
✓ Gym coverage up to CHF 1,300/year (Swica, Helsana) |
Expert Insight: Coverage That Pays for Itself
"Many supplementary plans reimburse gym memberships, yoga classes, and swimming pools up to CHF 1,300/year. If you're active, this benefit can reduce your effective premium significantly."
— Robert, FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
Real Example: Swica Completa Forte
Monthly Premium
CHF 80.75
(with group discount)
Gym Coverage/Year
CHF 1,300
(reimbursed)
Net Annual Saving
CHF 331
(after premium cost)
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★ Rated 4.9 / 5 by newcomers across Switzerland
Real experiences from expats who recently set up their Swiss health insurance with us.
"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. He made sure the health insurance matched all my needs. Totally recommended."
German Barquero
Google Review • 16 weeks ago
"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 which he was not shy to share. I am grateful for the valuable support!"
Rebeka Johnson
Google Review • 16 weeks ago
"Robert Kolar was extremely helpful to work with! I was new to Switzerland from the USA, and he helped explain all the details about the differences and worked with me to find and obtain my medical insurance policy. I really enjoyed the help here. Thanks Robert for helping with my move!"
Ethan Weber
Google Review • 4 weeks ago
"Robert was extremely helpful to work with for our insurance! We arrived in Zurich from the US, and Robert was very helpful and patient to work through the details with us. We ran into an issue with the way some of the insurance works here, but Robert was extremely diligent in making sure that we addressed all the issues."
Alexander Braafladt
Google Review • 3 days ago
Here's what sets working with a broker apart from DIY comparison sites:
Why Choose Expat-Savvy — More Than Just Comparison Tools
Online comparison tools show you premiums. As licensed insurance brokers, we provide strategic advantages and personal support you cannot access independently.
English-Speaking Support
Plain English explanations. No Swiss-German jargon. Expats helping expats.
Deadline Tracking
We track your 90-day window and ensure timely submission. No fines, no stress.
100% Free Service
Completely free. Insurer-compensated, so you pay nothing for expert guidance.
Family Coverage
Setting up for your whole family? We handle everyone with family-optimized pricing.
Group Discount Access
Many Swiss employers and organizations negotiate collective supplementary insurance discounts. We verify your eligibility for existing group arrangements and can include you in broker-negotiated rates where applicable.
Swica Supplementary Insurance Group Discount Examples
| Coverage Package | Standard Monthly Premium | With Group Discount (-15%) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Completa Forte | CHF 95 | CHF 80.75 | CHF 171 |
| Optima | CHF 50 | CHF 42.50 | CHF 90 |
| Privata Worldwide | CHF 300 | CHF 255 | CHF 540 |
Group discounts vary by insurer, coverage type, and eligibility criteria. Availability assessed during consultation.
Pre-Existing Condition Strategy
Have a medical history? Basic health insurance must accept you regardless of pre-existing conditions. For supplementary insurance, however, insurers can reject applications or exclude specific conditions.
We consult with you about your medical history and develop an application strategy—including which insurers to approach and how to structure your application. With some insurers, we can check acceptance likelihood upfront before you submit a formal application.
Application Strategy & Timing
Insurance applications require strategic positioning for optimal outcomes:
- Insurer processing speeds: Critical information when approaching the 90-day deadline
- Application sequencing: Some insurers should be approached before others based on your profile
- Supplementary insurance timing: When to apply based on your health situation
- Documentation requirements: Insurer-specific paperwork that accelerates approval
Insurer Relationship Intelligence
Our ongoing relationships with Swiss insurers provide insights unavailable through direct applications:
- Customer service quality and English language support levels
- Claims processing efficiency by insurer and coverage type
- Premium increase patterns and rate stability history
- Product changes affecting existing policyholders
With the right guidance on eligibility and strategy, let's explore the coverage models available:
5 Mistakes We Help You Avoid
"In my years helping newcomers, I see the same mistakes repeatedly. Here's what to avoid — and how we help you get it right."
— Robert, FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
Waiting Until Day 89
Risk: Missing deadline = CHF 1,000 fine + backdated premiums + no choice of insurer.
Solution: Register within your first 2 weeks. Don't wait!
Choosing Cheapest Without Understanding
Risk: HMO model = can't see your preferred doctor without referral.
Solution: We explain each model so you choose the right balance.
Skipping Supplementary Insurance
Risk: Can't get it later if you develop health issues. Locked out forever.
Solution: Apply while you're healthy to lock in good rates.
Going With First Offer
Risk: Overpaying CHF 1,000-2,000/year for the exact same coverage.
Solution: We compare 12+ insurers for YOUR specific canton and situation.
Not Understanding Accident Coverage
Risk: Paying twice for coverage OR having gaps in protection.
Solution: We coordinate with your employer's accident insurance to avoid overlaps.
We help you avoid ALL of these mistakes
Free consultation. No pressure. Just expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions newcomers have about setting up Swiss health insurance.
When does the 90-day deadline start counting?
The 90-day deadline starts from your official registration date in Switzerland (Anmeldung), not your arrival date. You must have basic health insurance in place within this timeframe, with coverage backdated to your registration date.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you face fines up to **CHF 1,000**, backdated premium payments, and your canton will automatically assign you to an insurance provider. You lose the ability to choose your insurer and may face higher costs.
Can I get health insurance in Switzerland with pre-existing conditions?
Yes. Basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG) must accept you regardless of medical history. For supplementary insurance, insurers can reject applications or exclude specific conditions based on health history. We help you develop an application strategy to maximize acceptance chances.
What are group discounts for Swiss health insurance?
Many Swiss employers and organizations negotiate collective supplementary insurance discounts, typically 10-15% off standard premiums. As insurance brokers, we verify your eligibility for existing group arrangements and can include you in broker-negotiated rates where applicable.
Can I keep my international insurance?
No, international insurance does not fulfill the Swiss mandatory health insurance requirement. You must have Swiss basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) regardless of any other coverage you maintain.
Do children need separate policies?
Yes, each child needs their own health insurance policy from birth. However, children under 18 receive heavily subsidized premiums (typically CHF 100-150/month vs CHF 300-400+ for adults).
Is dental covered by basic insurance?
No, basic insurance only covers dental treatment caused by serious illness or accidents. For routine dental care, you need separate supplementary dental insurance or pay out-of-pocket.
Can I apply before getting my permit?
You can start the application process, but most insurers require your residence permit and official address registration to finalize the policy. Contact insurers early to prepare your application.
More questions? Our experts are here to help.
Avoid the 90-Day Stress — Set Up Your Insurance Today.
Don't wait until the deadline approaches. Get expert help now — completely free.
60min
Consultation time
90days
Legal deadline
100%
Free service
✓ FINMA certified consultants ✓ No obligations ✓ 100% free