Swica vs Helsana comparison for expats in Switzerland

Swica vs Helsana — Which Is Better for You?

Independent comparison of two top Swiss health insurers — based on verified data, not marketing.

✓ FINMA certified • ✓ English support • ✓ Independent • ✓ 100% free

Choosing between Swica and Helsana isn't simple. Prices, benefits, and acceptance rules differ — and what's best for one person may not be for another.

We've helped hundreds of expats understand which insurer fits their lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

Here's how they compare — and how we help you decide.

Before deciding, let's look at the essentials side-by-side.

Swica vs Helsana — At a Glance

Both are reputable insurers. The better choice depends on your profile, canton, and coverage goals.

Category Swica Helsana
Founded 1992 1899
Headquarters Winterthur Dübendorf
Clients ~1.5M ~2.2M
Languages DE, FR, IT, EN DE, FR, IT, EN
Strengths Wellness/gym rebate (up to CHF 1,300/year), high satisfaction Helsana+ app, fast reimbursements, broad family coverage
Limitations Slightly higher premiums Strict supplementary acceptance
Supplementary Plans Completa Forte, Optima, Privata Completa, Sana, Top, Primeo
Premium Trend 2026 +5.1% +5.2%
Ideal for Active expats, fitness-oriented families Families, digital users
English Support ✅ Good ✅ Moderate

Numbers only tell part of the story — what really matters is how each insurer fits you.

Which Insurer Is Right for Your Situation?

There's no single "best" insurer — it depends on who you are, how long you'll stay, what lifestyle you live, and how you want to be covered.

That's why we review every client's situation individually before recommending Swica, Helsana, or another provider.

🏡 New in Switzerland

Setting up your first policy

We help you register within 90 days, choose the right basic model, and apply for supplementary plans with the highest acceptance chance.

🔁 Already Insured & Comparing

Thinking of switching?

We benchmark your current plan vs Swica and Helsana, showing real savings and better coverage options (especially if premiums rose for 2026).

💸 Budget & Coverage Balance

Price vs Protection

Want lower premiums or maximum coverage? We model deductibles and supplementary plans to find your ideal value ratio.

🏋️ Active Lifestyle

Gym and wellness benefits

Swica reimburses up to CHF 1,300 per year for fitness memberships — Helsana also rewards healthy habits through its Helsana+ App. We help you claim these benefits fully.

👶 Families & Long-Term Plans

Planning to stay long term?

Helsana's supplementary premiums rise with age, while Swica uses entry-age pricing — critical if you're settling long-term in Switzerland.

⚕️ Pre-Existing Conditions & Group Discounts

Special cases need strategy

We advise on acceptance policies and leverage group discounts available through brokers for both Swica and Helsana — reducing cost and improving approval odds.

Our consultation goes beyond comparing prices — we analyze your profile, age, canton, and health situation to recommend the optimal insurer and plan combination.

Every year, we analyze the real differences for hundreds of expats — here's what our expert says.

Robert Kolar, FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
"Choosing between Swica and Helsana isn't about who's cheaper — it's about aligning your coverage with your lifestyle, age, and long-term goals."

— Robert Kolar

FINMA-certified Insurance Broker

20+ years experience

Speaks English, German & French

What Our Clients Say

Rated 4.9 / 5 by expats across Switzerland

"Robert made the process simple and explained which insurer fits my needs best — I saved over CHF 600/year."

— Alex, Zurich

"We were unsure between Helsana and Swica until Expat-Savvy showed how our age and gym habits affect pricing."

— Emma & Louis, Zug

"Finally, someone who explains everything clearly in English. I switched and even improved my coverage."

— Martin, Geneva

See all reviews on Google

That's why every good decision starts with a short consultation — no guessing, just clarity.

Find out which insurer fits you best.

Get independent, FINMA-certified advice tailored to your situation.

✓ FINMA-certified • English support • Independent comparison • 100% free

We're FINMA-certified and fully independent. No sales pressure — just clear, personalized advice for your peace of mind.

Common Questions About Swica vs Helsana

Can I switch between Swica and Helsana?
Yes, you can switch basic insurance annually by 30 November. Supplementary insurance requires a health questionnaire and acceptance. We help you navigate the process strategically to maximize approval chances.

Does Swica really reimburse CHF 1,300 for gyms?
Yes, with Swica's Completa Forte or Optima supplementary plans, you can receive up to CHF 1,300 per year for fitness memberships, yoga, swimming, and wellness activities. We help you claim these benefits fully.

Which one is better for families?
Helsana offers strong family coverage and the Helsana+ app rewards healthy habits. Swica uses entry-age pricing for supplementary plans, which can be better long-term. The best choice depends on your canton, ages, and coverage goals — we analyze this for you.

What if I have pre-existing conditions?
Basic insurance must accept everyone regardless of health. For supplementary insurance, both Swica and Helsana conduct health checks. We help structure applications strategically and leverage group discounts to improve acceptance odds.

When is the deadline to switch insurers?
For basic insurance, you must submit cancellation by 30 November to switch for the following year. Supplementary insurance deadlines vary. We manage all deadlines and paperwork for you in English.

Are there group discounts for expats?
Yes! As FINMA-certified brokers, we have access to group discount rates for both Swica and Helsana supplementary plans (typically 10-15% savings). We verify your eligibility during consultation.