Understand Helsana — and Whether It's Right for You
About Helsana
Helsana health insurance Switzerland is 3rd largest health insurer in switzerland, serving ~2.2 million insured persons. Known for fast claims processing, Helsana combines decades of experience with digital tools to simplify insurance management.
This guide explains Helsana'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 Helsana's foundation is the first step — but how do you know if it's right for you?
Helsana at a Glance
Detailed factual overview of Helsana health insurance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Insurer Name | Helsana |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Headquarters | Dübendorf (ZH), Greater Zurich Area |
| Market Position | 3rd largest health insurer in Switzerland |
| Clients | ~2.2 million insured persons |
| Languages / English Service | German, French, Italian, English support hotline |
| Strengths | Fast claims processing, Helsana+ App with digital services, Wellness programs and bonuses, Strong customer support rating |
| Limitations | Regionally high premiums in some cantons, Strict supplementary acceptance criteria |
| Unique Supplementary Plans | Completa, Sana, Top, Primeo |
| Known For / Keywords | Helsana+ app, Completa series, Comprehensive dental options |
| Customer Focus | Families, professionals, wellness-oriented clients |
| Premium Example (Zurich, Region 2) | ~CHF 355 (Basic, Fr. 300 deductible) |
| Premium Stability Trend | +5.2% average increase (2025 → 2026) |
| Claim Support Quality | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 (fast processing) |
*Based on official BAG data and public Helsana reports, verified October 2025.
Let's look at the three most common reasons expats evaluate Helsana — and what really matters in each case.
Why People Consider Helsana
Three common situations where Helsana comes up — and how we help you decide.
New in Switzerland
Need to register within 90 days? Helsana 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 Helsana to other providers.
Independent Expert Perspective
We regularly benchmark Helsana, CSS, Swica, and others for expats. Each insurer has unique acceptance policies and claim behaviors — the right choice depends on your needs.
Helsana excels in fast claims processing, 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."
"We benchmark Helsana and all major insurers every year. Understanding their differences ensures our clients always stay well covered."
Robert Kolar
FINMA-certified Insurance Broker
Helsana vs Other Swiss Insurers
Helsana is 3rd largest health insurer in switzerland — families, professionals, wellness-oriented clients.
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 Helsana 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 Helsana 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 Helsana:
Common Questions About Helsana
Everything you need to know about Helsana health insurance.
Is Helsana good for expats?
Helsana offers English-language support in major cities and has a well-developed digital app (Helsana+). However, premiums can be higher in certain regions compared to budget insurers. We help you compare whether Helsana's service quality justifies the price difference for your specific canton and situation.
Can I switch to Helsana from another insurer?
Yes, you can switch to Helsana during the annual switching period (deadline 30 November for basic insurance). For basic insurance, Helsana must accept you. For supplementary insurance, they conduct a health check and may reject or exclude pre-existing conditions.
What's the difference between Helsana's basic and supplementary plans?
Basic insurance (LAMal/KVG) is mandatory and identical across all insurers by law — only price and service differ. Supplementary insurance (Completa, Top, Primeo) is optional and covers extras like dental, private hospital rooms, alternative medicine, and worldwide coverage. We help you choose the right combination.
How strict is Helsana with pre-existing conditions?
For basic insurance, Helsana must accept everyone regardless of health history. For supplementary insurance, Helsana is relatively strict and requires detailed health questionnaires. We help structure applications to maximize approval chances and can check acceptance likelihood before formal submission.
How can I compare Helsana with other providers?
We provide independent comparisons across all major Swiss insurers including Helsana, CSS, Swica, Sanitas, and 50+ others. We assess premiums, acceptance rates, service quality, English support, and claims processing — not just prices.
Does Helsana offer group discounts for expats?
Helsana offers corporate group plans for employers. As independent brokers, we also have access to broker-negotiated group rates for supplementary insurance across multiple insurers. We verify which discounts you qualify for during consultation.
More questions about Helsana or Swiss health insurance in general?
Not Sure If Helsana Is Right for You?
Get a personalized, independent consultation — 100% free and in English.