- The same basic cover everywhere, but up to CHF 3'000 a year of premium difference within the same canton.
- Family doctor, HMO or telemedicine models lower the premium by a further 5 to 20%.
- Deadline: cancellation received by 30 November at the latest to switch on 1 January.
Why premiums vary so much
For basic insurance, changing insurer changes nothing about what is reimbursed: only the premium goes down. The law sets what every insurer must cover (doctor, hospital, prescription medicines, emergencies), and none can refuse anyone.
Premiums still differ, because of each insurer's running costs, reserves and insured population. Two people of the same age, in the same canton, with the same deductible, can pay more than 200 francs a month apart.
The models that lower the premium
Agreeing to go first through a family doctor, a group practice or a medical hotline lowers the premium further.
| Model | The condition | Typical discount |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | None: you see whoever you want | Reference |
| Family doctor | Your GP first, who then refers you | 8 to 15% |
| HMO | All care goes through a group practice | 10 to 20% |
| Telemedicine | A call to a medical hotline before each visit | 5 to 10% |
Emergencies remain accessible with every model. These models suit you best if you rarely see specialists. Combined with a high deductible, they cut the premium sharply: see which deductible to choose.
Switch insurer in 3 steps
- Compare on priminfo.admin.ch: canton, age, deductible, model. Five minutes.
- Sign up with the new insurer, which must accept you.
- Cancel the old one by registered mail: the letter must arrive by 30 November at the latest.
Never cancel a supplementary policy before you have the new insurer's written acceptance: unlike basic insurance, it can refuse you based on your health. You can keep your supplementary policies with your old insurer.
Health insurance premiums are partly tax deductible, within the insurance allowance: see the 2026 deductions.
Going further
Compare again every autumn. Premiums change every year, and this year's cheapest insurer is often not next year's. Five minutes on priminfo.admin.ch in early November is enough.
Employed? Suspend accident cover. If you work at least 8 hours a week for the same employer, they already insure you against accidents. Your insurer can remove that cover from your basic insurance, and the premium drops.
Newly arrived? Do not sign the first offer. You have 3 months to choose, and you are covered back to your arrival date: take the time to compare, rather than signing with the first insurer an agent or a colleague recommends.
The official comparison siteEvery insurer in your canton, free and with no sales calls.
Open priminfo.admin.chYour next step
To do, at your own pace:
Path “The basics” · step 4 of 8
Frequently asked questions
Until when can I change health insurer?
Your cancellation must reach your insurer by 30 November at the latest, for a change on 1 January. Send it by registered mail a few days earlier. With the CHF 300 deductible and the standard model, a change on 30 June is also possible, with a cancellation received before 31 March.
Can a new insurer refuse me?
No. For basic insurance, every insurer must accept every resident, with no health questionnaire and no exclusions. This is not the case for supplementary insurance.
Does a cheaper insurer pay out less?
No. Basic insurance benefits are set by law and identical everywhere. A lower premium reflects different running costs, reserves or insurance model, not reduced cover.
I just arrived: can I choose any insurer?
Yes. You have 3 months from your arrival to take out basic insurance with the insurer of your choice, and you are then covered back to your arrival date. Compare before you sign: the gap between insurers is just as large for newcomers.
Should I change my supplementary insurance too?
No, it is independent of basic insurance. But careful: a new supplementary insurer can refuse you based on your health. Never cancel a supplementary policy before you have written confirmation from the new one.
How do I know whether my insurer is expensive?
On priminfo.admin.ch, enter your canton, age, deductible and model, then sort by price. If your insurer is not among the cheapest, the saving can exceed CHF 1'000 a year.
Sources: KVG / LAMal art. 3 and 4 (compulsory insurance and obligation to accept), art. 7 (changing insurer), art. 61 and 62 (premiums and special forms of insurance) ; FOPH ; priminfo.admin.ch, 2026 premiums.