Obligatory vs. Voluntary
Get a grip of which insurances you need in Switzerland - and which are optional.
Insurance Glossary
Understand the most important insurance words & terms to make the best decisions for you.
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Everything You Need to Know About Insurance in Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland 🇨🇭
Moving to a new country comes with many changes—especially when it comes to insurance. The Swiss insurance system is clearly regulated and some types of insurance are mandatory.
To help you get started, you’ll find all the important information here about mandatory insurance requirements, registration obligations, basic health insurance and supplementary insurance options
Everything at a glance
Mandatory Health Insurance in Switzerland
In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives in the country. The legal basis is the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal).
This means for you:
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You must take out health insurance within 3 months of registering your residence
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Coverage applies retroactively from the date you moved to Switzerland
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Children must also have their own health insurance
If you miss the deadline, the canton will automatically assign you to a health insurance provider—usually without the option to choose a cost-effective model.
Our tip: Arrange your health insurance immediately after registering your residence.
Registering After Moving to Switzerland
After entering Switzerland, you must register with the residents’ registration office of your municipality. Once you register, the official deadline for arranging your health insurance begins.
Important steps for you:
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Register your correct residential address
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Clarify your residence permit (e.g. B permit or L permit)
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Receive your AHV number (Swiss social security number)
Registering on time ensures that you comply with Swiss regulations and avoid unnecessary complications.
Basic Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Basic health insurance is mandatory once you live in Switzerland. The benefits are defined by law and identical across all health insurance providers.
Basic insurance covers, for example:
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Doctor visits (general practitioners and specialists)
Hospital stays in the general ward within your canton of residence
Emergency treatments
Maternity care
Certain medications
The main differences between insurers are:
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Monthly premiums
The deductible you choose
The insurance model (Standard, Family Doctor, HMO, Telmed)
Health insurance providers are supervised by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
Supplementary Insurance – Additional Protection
In addition to mandatory basic insurance, you can purchase supplementary insurance. This is optional and offers enhanced benefits and additional comfort.
Popular supplementary benefits include:
Semi-private or private hospital wards
Free choice of hospital throughout Switzerland
Dental insurance
Alternative medicine
Fitnessbeiträge
Erweiterter Auslandschutz
Important: Supplementary insurance providers are not required to accept every applicant. Insurers may ask health questions and decline an application.
Especially if you are new to Switzerland, professional advice can help ensure your coverage matches your personal situation.
Other Important Insurances for New Residents
Besides health insurance, you should also consider the following types of insurance when moving to Switzerland.
Personal liability insurance is not legally required, but it is considered one of the most important insurances in Switzerland.
It covers damage you cause to other people or their property, for example:
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Damage in a rented apartment
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Damage while visiting friends
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Personal injury to others
Many landlords require liability insurance when signing a rental contract.
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Die Hausratversicherung schützt Dein Eigentum bei:
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Feuer
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Wasserschäden
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Einbruchdiebstahl
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Elementarschäden
Auch diese Versicherung ist nicht obligatorisch (ausser in wenigen Kantonen), wird aber dringend empfohlen.
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Whether you need accident insurance depends on your employment situation.
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If you work more than 8 hours per week for an employer, you are automatically insured for:
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Occupational accidents
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Non-occupational accidents
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If you work less than 8 hours per week or are not employed (for example students or stay-at-home parents), you must include accident coverage in your basic health insurance.
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This is a frequently overlooked point for newcomers.
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If you register a car or motorcycle in Switzerland, motor vehicle liability insurance is legally required.
Without it, you cannot register your vehicle.
Optional but recommended:
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Partial casco insurance
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Fully comprehensive insurance
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Depending on your personal circumstances, additional coverage may also be beneficial:
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Legal protection insurance
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Life insurance
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Disability insurance
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Retirement solutions (for example Pillar 3a)
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Self-employed individuals and families should especially review their coverage carefully.
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The Swiss insurance system is well structured—but also complex. As a newcomer, professional advice can help you avoid missed deadlines and unnecessary costs. Get a free consultation now and find the right insurance for your new start in Switzerland.
Start Your New Life with Peace of Mind
The Swiss insurance system offers many options—but also large differences in premiums, benefits, and models.
As a newcomer, it’s important to make the right decision from the beginning.
We support you with:
Comparison of different health insurance providers
Help with registration and deadlines
Individuelle Bedarfsanalyse
Advice in German or English
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FAQ – Insurance for New Residents in Switzerland
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about health insurance, deductibles, mandatory insurance, and supplementary coverage when moving to Switzerland.
Yes. Once you register your residence in Switzerland, you are required to take out basic health insurance under the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal).
You must sign up within 3 months after moving to Switzerland, and coverage applies retroactively from your arrival date.
If you do not sign up for health insurance in time:
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The canton will automatically assign you a health insurer
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Premium surcharges may apply
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You must pay premiums retroactively
This can become significantly more expensive than choosing your insurance in time.
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Costs depend on:
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Your canton of residence
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Your age
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Your chosen deductible
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Your insurance model
The average monthly premium for adults typically ranges between CHF 250 and CHF 450, depending on the region.
Premiums are approved annually by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
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The deductible is the amount you pay yourself each year before the insurance starts covering costs.
Possible deductible levels for adults:
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CHF 300 (minimum)
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Up to CHF 2,500 (maximum)
Additionally, you pay 10% of medical costs (co-payment) up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year.
General rule:
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Higher deductible → lower monthly premium → suitable if you are healthy
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Lower deductible → higher premium → suitable if you visit doctors frequently
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If you work more than 8 hours per week, your employer automatically provides accident insurance.
If you work less or are not employed, you must include accident coverage in your basic health insurance.
Usually not.
Exceptions may apply for:
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Posted workers from EU/EFTA countries
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Cross-border commuters
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Students with recognized foreign insurance
The responsible cantonal authority reviews exemption requests individually.
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Mandatory basic insurance covers:
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Doctor and specialist visits
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Hospital stays in the general ward
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Emergency treatment
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Maternity care
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Certain medications
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Preventive medical checkups
The benefits are defined by law and identical across all insurers.
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Supplementary insurance allows you to extend your coverage individually.
Typical benefits include:
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Private or semi-private hospital wards
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Free choice of hospital throughout Switzerland
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Dental insurance
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Alternative medicine
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Fitness contributions
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Extended international coverage
Important: insurers may ask health questions and decline applications.
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Yes.
Basic health insurance can usually be cancelled by November 30 and switched on January 1.
You can also change your deductible once per year.
Supplementary insurance policies have separate cancellation terms.
Arrive Safely – Properly Insured from Day One
For newcomers, it is essential to meet deadlines and choose the right coverage. With the right combination of mandatory and optional insurance, you can start your new life in Switzerland with confidence. Get a free consultation now and find the optimal insurance solution for your move to Switzerland.