Understand Assura — and Whether It's Right for You
About Assura
Assura health insurance Switzerland is leading budget-focused health insurer, serving ~1.0 million insured persons. Known for consistently competitive premiums, Assura combines modern approaches with digital tools to simplify insurance management.
This guide explains Assura'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 Assura's foundation is the first step — but how do you know if it's right for you?
Assura at a Glance
Detailed factual overview of Assura health insurance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurer Name | Assura |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Pully (VD), near Lausanne |
| Market Position | Leading budget-focused health insurer |
| Clients | ~1.0 million insured persons |
| Languages / English Service | French, German, Italian, Limited English Limited English support; primarily French-speaking service |
| Strengths | Consistently competitive premiums, Strong in French-speaking Switzerland, Simple, straightforward plans, Good value for money |
| Limitations | Limited English-language support, Fewer supplementary options than larger insurers, Service focus on cost efficiency |
| Unique Supplementary Plans | PharMed (restricted pharmacy network), Standard, Family Doctor model |
| Known For / Keywords | Lowest or near-lowest basic premiums in many cantons, Budget-conscious approach, Pharmacy-restricted models for savings |
| Customer Focus | Budget-conscious individuals, French speakers, cost-optimizers |
| Premium Example (Geneva) | ~CHF 438 (Basic, Fr. 300 deductible) |
| Premium Stability Trend | +6.2% average increase (2025 → 2026) |
| Claim Support Quality | ⭐ 4.0 / 5 (functional service) |
*Based on official BAG data and public Assura reports, verified October 2025.
Assura Highlights
- Often the lowest or near-lowest premiums in French-speaking cantons
- Straightforward, no-frills approach focused on value
- PharMed model offers additional savings with pharmacy restrictions
Let's look at the three most common reasons expats evaluate Assura — and what really matters in each case.
Why People Consider Assura
Three common situations where Assura comes up — and how we help you decide.
New in Switzerland
Need to register within 90 days? Assura 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 Assura to other providers.
Independent Expert Perspective
We regularly benchmark Assura, CSS, Swica, and others for expats. Each insurer has unique acceptance policies and claim behaviors — the right choice depends on your needs.
Assura excels in consistently competitive premiums, 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."
"Assura often offers the lowest premiums in French-speaking cantons. However, English support is limited and service is more basic. Great for budget-conscious, French-speaking clients."
Robert Kolar
FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
Assura vs Other Swiss Insurers
Assura is leading budget-focused health insurer — budget-conscious individuals, french speakers, cost-optimizers.
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 Assura 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 Assura 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 Assura:
Common Questions About Assura
Everything you need to know about Assura health insurance.
Is Assura good for expats?
Assura is best suited for French-speaking expats or those comfortable with French-language service. English support is limited. The main advantage is very competitive premiums, especially in Geneva, Vaud, and other French regions.
Is Assura the cheapest health insurance in Switzerland?
Assura often has the lowest or near-lowest premiums in French-speaking cantons. However, 'cheapest' varies by canton, age, and model. We compare all insurers for your exact situation.
Does Assura have English customer service?
Assura's customer service is primarily in French, German, and Italian. English support is limited. For expats requiring English service, we often recommend Helsana, Sanitas, or SWICA instead.
What is Assura's PharMed model?
PharMed is a restricted pharmacy network model that offers lower premiums (additional 5-10% savings) in exchange for using designated pharmacies. Good for budget-conscious clients who don't mind pharmacy restrictions.
Can I switch to Assura from another insurer?
Yes, you can switch to Assura during the annual period (deadline 30 November). Basic insurance acceptance is guaranteed. Supplementary options are limited with Assura.
Should I choose Assura if I don't speak French?
If you don't speak French and need English support, we typically recommend other insurers like Sanitas or Helsana. However, if budget is the priority and you're comfortable navigating services in German or using translation tools, Assura can work.
More questions about Assura or Swiss health insurance in general?
Not Sure If Assura Is Right for You?
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