Swiss health insurance — explained simply

Dr. Charalampos Romanos · 3 November 2025 · 6 min read

The Swiss health insurance system is powerful but not always easy to navigate. As a GP, I see daily that patients are unsure what their insurance covers. Here's a practical overview.

Basic insurance (KVG/OKP)

Every Swiss resident must have basic insurance. It covers doctor visits, lab tests, hospital stays, medication, and maternity. All insurers offer the same benefits catalogue — but premiums vary considerably.

Deductible and co-payment

You first pay the deductible (CHF 300 to 2,500 per year, your choice), then 10% co-payment up to CHF 700 per year. If you rarely see a doctor, a high deductible saves on premiums. If you use healthcare regularly, a low deductible often works out better.

Supplementary insurance

Supplementary insurance covers services beyond basic cover: private hospital rooms, complementary medicine, dental, glasses, or extended check-ups. Important: supplementary insurers can require health assessments and exclude pre-existing conditions.

What basic insurance covers at the GP

Consultation, clinical examination, medically indicated lab values, referrals, and medical advice are covered by basic insurance. Comprehensive health checks without specific complaints often fall under supplementary insurance.

Our transparency commitment

We inform you before every investigation what basic insurance covers and what may need to be paid privately. No surprises.