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Saving on Health Insurance Premiums: Comparison & Tips Before the Deadline
- michaelmiddleton12
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Your guide to the annual health insurance switch in Switzerland
Why comparing every year pays off
In Switzerland, health insurance premiums are among the heaviest fixed costs in household budgets. Whether you’re single or have a family, bills often run into several hundred francs per month, per person.
And yet, many people never change their insurer, missing out on big savings. A simple switch can save you hundreds or even thousands of francs per year without losing any benefits.
Deadlines: KVG vs. VVG
Before diving into comparisons, it’s essential to know the cancellation deadlines, which vary depending on the type of insurance:
Basic insurance (KVG/LAMal): must be cancelled by 30 November to switch effective 1 January.
Supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA): usually must be cancelled by 30 September. Some policies may differ – always check the fine print.
👉 Remember: If you want to change both basic and supplementary insurance, you need to respect both deadlines.
Why this matters: Many people only look at their basic premium and forget about supplementary policies, even though these often represent a big part of the overall cost. Reviewing both can make a huge difference.
Basic insurance: How to find the best tariff
Benefits under the mandatory basic insurance are set by law and are identical across all insurers. Whether you’re with Helsana, CSS, or a smaller regional fund, you’re entitled to the same medical services.
The differences come from:
Premiums,
Insurance models (family doctor, HMO, Telmed),
Regional pricing depending on your canton of residence.
In other words: switching insurers doesn’t affect your medical coverage only how much you pay.
Choosing the right model
Standard model: free choice of doctors, but the most expensive.
Family doctor model: you always consult your GP first – lower premiums.
HMO model: treatment in a health network – even cheaper.
Telmed model: you call a medical hotline first – often the cheapest option.
Why this is smart: Many people hesitate because they fear losing freedom. But in practice, if you already always go to the same GP, the family doctor model changes nothing in your day-to-day care but can cut your premiums by 15–25 %.
Supplementary insurance: Where comparisons really count
Unlike basic insurance, supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA) is not standardised. Each insurer defines its own benefits and conditions.
Popular supplementary policies include:
Hospital cover (semi-private or private)
Alternative medicine
Dental insurance
Fitness & prevention contributions
Watch out: Supplementary cover requires a health questionnaire. Unlike basic insurance, insurers can reject you if you have pre-existing conditions. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and check whether switching is feasible.
Checklist: How to manage your switch
Compare premiums – via priminfo.admin.ch or trusted comparison sites.
Choose your model – family doctor, HMO, or Telmed, depending on your habits.
Review supplementary insurance – keep, cancel, or separate it from basic cover.
Send cancellations on time – always in writing and by registered mail.
Get confirmation from your new insurer – especially crucial for supplementary cover, which requires formal acceptance.
Why this process is safe: Never cancel supplementary cover before being accepted by the new insurer. Otherwise, you risk being left without hospital, dental, or alternative treatment coverage.
Other tips to save without switching
Pick the right deductible: higher deductible = lower premiums, good if you rarely see a doctor.
Check accident coverage: if your employer already covers accidents, you can drop this from your policy.
Pay annually: paying the whole year upfront often comes with a discount.
Use family discounts: some insurers give reductions when several household members are insured.
Why it works: Even if you don’t want to switch, small adjustments can still save you hundreds of francs each year.
In Switzerland, health insurance premiums rise almost every year. But you don’t have to accept these increases passively. By comparing regularly, choosing the right model, and respecting the deadlines, you can significantly reduce your costs.
👉 Key dates to remember:
30 September for supplementary insurance (VVG/LCA).
30 November for basic insurance (KVG/LAMal).
By acting in time, you’ll enjoy the same quality of care at a much lower price.
Compare health insurance plans now and save on premiums.
The right health insurance provider not only saves you money, but also gives you peace of mind in your everyday life. We help you gain clarity, compare offers, and make the best decision.
