Change basic insurance

Basic insurance can be adjusted as of 1 January 2025 if you let us know by 30 November 2024.

The 5 models at a glance

HMO model – all the benefits of a doctors’ network

You always go to your own doctor from the medical network first. They will coordinate your treatment and refer you if need be.

Family doctor model – go directly to your own doctor

You always go to your family doctor first. They know the best way to treat you and will refer you to a specialist if need be.

Multimed – ideal for high medical bills

You contact either the telemedicine centre or your family doctor first. Unique to this model: you pay CHF 300 less as a retention fee.

Telmed – advice digitally or by phone

You call the telemedicine centre or use the Well app first before making an appointment to see a doctor.

Standard model – freedom to choose your own doctor

Under the traditional model of mandatory basic insurance, you are free to choose your own doctor in Switzerland.

Choose the right insurance

  • Deductible: If you spend less than CHF 1,500 on healthcare, choose a deductible of CHF 2,500; if you spend more than CHF 2,000, choose a deductible of CHF 300.
  • Model: Alternative models like the Family Doctor model, HMO model, Multimed and Telmed let you save on premiums. Under these models, you forgo a free choice of doctor and always turn to your chosen point of contact first.
  • Accident cover: If you work at least eight hours per week for the same employer, you can exclude accident cover.
  • Advantages of myCSS: The deductible, model and accident cover determine the premium. If you make your changes directly in myCSS, you can see right away how this will impact your costs.

Everything you need to know about basic insurance

Your premium depends on the chosen deductible, where you live and how old you are. When you fall ill, you additionally pay part of the costs in the form of the deductible, retention fee and contribution to hospital costs.

Our tip: Our Health insurance made simple article reveals how much you have to pay out of your own pocket under basic insurance and supplementary insurance.

The deductible determines how much of your healthcare costs you have to pay out of your own pocket. After that, your insurance pays a share of the costs.

A deductible of CHF 2,500 makes sense if you spend less than CHF 1,800 on your health. A deductible of CHF 300 makes sense if you spend more than CHF 1,800 on your health.

Use the Federal Office of Public Health’s deductible calculator to find the deductible that’s best for you.

A higher deductible means that you will have to pay more costs out of your own pocket when faced with high medical bills. If you choose a deductible of CHF 2,500, for example, that is the amount you will have to pay. You will be charged a retention fee of 10%, capped at CHF 700, on any costs that exceed the deductible. If you are hospitalised, you are additionally expected to contribute CHF 15 for each day of your stay. All of these together make up your co-payment. If choosing the highest deductible, we therefore recommend that you have at least CHF 3,200 in reserve.

You pay less for basic insurance if you choose the highest deductible (CHF 2,500 for adults, CHF 600 for children). Adults can save up to CHF 1,540 and children up to CHF 420. The discount depends on the deductible and is limited by law.

Lower premiums, same service and a fixed point of contact. Switching to an alternative model of basic insurance has many advantages and comes with a few rules.

Those who work at least eight hours per week for the same employer can exclude accident cover.

It is possible to make savings on your health insurance: It's always worth comparing the various basic insurance models – after all, you could save up to 16% on premiums. If you only rarely visit a doctor, it's worthwhile adjusting the deductible. Get other money-saving tips related to health insurance.