Switzerland has one of the world's best healthcare systems — but it comes with mandatory health insurance costs. Learn how the system works, how to choose an insurer, and what's covered for residents and expats.
Switzerland operates a universal healthcare system based on mandatory private insurance (unlike the UK's NHS or Canada's government-funded system). Every resident must purchase basic health insurance (Grundversicherung in German, LAMal in French) within 3 months of establishing residence.
Doctor visits, hospital stays (general ward), emergency care, maternity, approved medications, physiotherapy, mental health care.
Private/semi-private hospital rooms, dental care, alternative medicine, glasses, worldwide emergency coverage. Optional, extra cost.
NOT included in basic insurance. Costs: CHF 100–300 per check-up and cleaning. Fillings: CHF 80–200. Crowns: CHF 700–2,000. Get dental supplemental insurance!
| Canton | Avg. Monthly Premium (Adult) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GE) | CHF 490–620 | Most expensive canton |
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 430–540 | High demand area |
| Vaud (VD) | CHF 440–560 | Lausanne area |
| Basel-Stadt (BS) | CHF 380–480 | Moderate costs |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 350–440 | Capital region |
| Appenzell/Obwalden | CHF 270–350 | Cheapest cantons |
💡 Use Comparis.ch to compare health insurance premiums from all insurers annually. Consider higher deductibles (franchise CHF 2,500) to reduce monthly premiums by 30-40%.
No. Switzerland has universal healthcare but it works through mandatory private insurance. All residents must buy basic insurance (CHF 250–620/month). Lower-income residents may receive cantonal subsidies (Prämienverbilligung / réduction de primes) to help with costs. Emergency care is always provided regardless of insurance status.
Register with a GP (Hausarzt / médecin de famille). In most insurance models, your GP is your first point of contact and refers you to specialists. Some insurance models allow you to go directly to specialists. For emergencies, call 144 (ambulance) or 145 (poison center) or go to your nearest hospital emergency room (Notaufnahme). Doctor's visits have a copayment of 10% of costs after your annual deductible is met.