Moving to Switzerland: What do you need to know? Differences compared to Germany

From health insurance to car insurance: these differences from the German system cost nerves and hard cash. What you absolutely need to watch out for as an emigrant.

Many Germans move to Switzerland for work or for the quality of life. With such a move, you should definitely be aware of the differences in the insurance system. While in Germany some insurances are organised by the state or deducted automatically from your salary, Switzerland relies much more on personal responsibility. What does that mean in concrete terms? Here is an overview of the most important types of insurance – from health insurance to car insurance – and what you need to consider as a German expat.

Health insurance: Private instead of state-run, mandatory for everyone

In Switzerland you have to take out your own health insurance – within three months of your move. This also applies to family members who move with you: there is no free family co-insurance as in the German statutory health insurance system, everyone, including children, needs their own policy. Health insurance is mandatory, but it is offered by private health insurers. Employer contributions as in Germany do not exist: in Switzerland you pay the premiums entirely yourself.

Basic insurance covers the same range of benefits everywhere (medical treatment, medication, hospital stays, pregnancy, etc.), as prescribed by the Health Insurance Act. Despite this uniform catalogue of benefits, premiums vary depending on place of residence, insurer, deductible (“franchise”) and model. Unlike in Germany, the premium level does not depend on income, but for example on the chosen franchise (annual deductible). As an adult, you can choose a franchise between 300 and 2,500 CHF; the higher the franchise, the lower the monthly premium. However, in the event of illness or an accident you have to pay the chosen franchise yourself plus a maximum of 700 CHF per year as a co-payment (10% cost share on invoices after reaching the franchise, capped at 700 CHF). For comparison: in the German GKV system there is no such high deductible; only small co-payments are due there.

Swiss health insurers send monthly invoices, which you pay as the insured person. Tip: firmly include health insurance costs in your budget. In 2025/26, an average premium for an adult is often between 350 and 450 CHF per month depending on the canton. For children you pay reduced contributions (in 2026, for example, around 122 CHF per month on average). If you earn little, you can apply to your canton for a premium reduction. And don’t forget: registration with a Swiss insurer must take place no later than three months after entry; otherwise you will be compulsorily insured retroactively, possibly with back payment of premiums. So if you are coming from Germany, you should take care of Swiss health insurance immediately.

Accident insurance

In Germany, health insurance also covers everyday accidents, and the employer insures occupational accidents separately. In Switzerland, there is a split: if you work more than 8 hours per week for the same employer, you are automatically insured against accidents (occupational and non-occupational) through the company. A small contribution is deducted from your salary for this. If you work less or not at all, you must include accident cover in your health insurance (or take out separate accident insurance). Therefore, when concluding your health insurance contract, make sure whether accident cover is included. By the way, the benefits of mandatory accident insurance are very generous – with no deductible and including compensation for loss of earnings in serious cases.

Private liability: Voluntary, but almost a must

Private liability insurance protects you against financial claims if you accidentally cause damage to someone, for example if you damage the parquet floor as a tenant or injure someone while skiing. In Germany as in Switzerland, this insurance is not prescribed by the state. But in Switzerland it is in practice indispensable: landlords often require proof of liability insurance from new tenants, even though it is not legally mandatory. Especially if you, as a German, are new to Switzerland and looking for an apartment, private liability insurance should therefore be part of your basic equipment. In some cantons it is even legally mandatory for dog owners. Sums insured are high (typically 3 to more than 10 million CHF) and annual premiums comparatively low – a worthwhile protection against financial ruin after a mishap.

Household contents insurance

In Switzerland, private liability insurance is often offered together with household contents insurance. Household contents insurance covers damage to your own belongings – i.e. furniture, electronic devices, clothing, sports equipment – e.g. due to fire, leaking pipes, storms or burglary. It does not apply if you cause damage to third parties; liability insurance is responsible for that. In both countries, household contents and liability insurance are voluntary. But given the high cost of living in Switzerland, you should protect your possessions: a burglary or a fire in your apartment can quickly become very expensive. For tenants it is also interesting that damage to the rented apartment is usually covered by private liability in Switzerland – this helps prevent disputes when you move out. Our advice: it is best to take out both policies. Many insurers offer combination discounts, but you can also take them out with different providers.

Car insurance: Swiss number plates, Swiss policy

If you move to Switzerland with your own car, you must register your vehicle in Switzerland within 12 months (for new cars, within 1 month). This means: you need Swiss number plates and of course Swiss car insurance. Motor liability insurance is, as in Germany, required by law in order to protect other road users in the event of an accident. Without liability insurance there is no registration. Important: once you have taken up permanent residence in Switzerland, your foreign insurance no longer remains valid in the long term; you cannot avoid switching. So plan early to have your car inspected at the cantonal road traffic office and to take out a liability policy.

The benefits of motor liability insurance are similar to those in Germany: it covers personal injury and property damage to third parties. Differences are more likely in costs and bonus-malus systems. Premiums in Switzerland can be higher – so it pays to compare. Your German no-claims class is not automatically recognised, but many Swiss insurers will grant a discount on request if you can prove claim-free years. In addition, you can take out partial or fully comprehensive insurance as usual to insure your own car against theft, collision, animal damage, etc. This is voluntary, but recommended for newer or more expensive vehicles.

One more note on number plates and driving licence: as a new resident, you must exchange your German driving licence for a Swiss one within one year. This is usually straightforward at the road traffic office, often without a test. The number plate changes with the insurance – you receive confirmation from the insurer (proof of insurance), which you use to register the car in Switzerland. Overall, car insurance itself does not differ dramatically from the German equivalent, but without Swiss insurance cover you are not allowed to drive on Swiss roads in the long term.

Well insured in your new home

The step from Germany to Switzerland requires careful preparation – especially when it comes to insurance. The most important point is health insurance, which in Switzerland is organised privately and must be taken out separately for each person. On top of that come useful policies such as private liability and household contents insurance, which are voluntary but strongly recommended, not least because they are often expected by landlords. If you bring a car with you, you should organise motor insurance and re-registration in good time so that you remain insured and legally compliant.

A positive aspect for German expats: Switzerland offers a comprehensive network of social and private insurance. You do have to take care of many things yourself, but with the right insurance cover your fresh start in the Alpine country can succeed without any nasty surprises. It’s best to obtain information early from official bodies and compare offers from insurers – that way you’ll be fully covered and can enjoy the Swiss adventure without worries.