HowToSwiss

Get mandatory health insurance (KVG)

Written by Mohammed AliUpdated
Verified · Last updated 1 August 2026
CHF 250–500/monthDeadline: 3 months after arrivalREQUIRED

3 months after arrival. Missing this deadline can lead to fines or delays in your permit.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Compare on priminfo.ch

    The official federal comparator. Filter by your canton, age, and chosen franchise.

  2. 2

    Pick a franchise

    Adults: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 2,500. Higher franchise = lower monthly premium. Healthy adults often choose CHF 2,500.

  3. 3

    Choose a model

    Standard, Family doctor (Hausarzt), HMO, or Telmed. Alternative models save 10–20%.

  4. 4

    Sign up online

    Most insurers accept online enrollment. Coverage is retroactive to your arrival date if you sign up within 3 months.

  5. 5

    Add supplementary insurance (optional)

    VVG covers private hospital rooms, dental, alternative medicine. Apply early — pre-existing conditions can be excluded.

How the Swiss Krankenkasse system works

Switzerland has no public single-payer system. Instead, every resident must buy basic health insurance from a private (but tightly regulated) insurer. The benefits covered under basic cover are identical across every provider — set by federal law — so the only thing that varies is the price. The system is heavily supervised by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), which approves all premiums annually.

Basic vs supplementary insurance

Basic insurance (KVG/LAMal) covers medically necessary treatment in your canton of residence: GP visits, hospital stays in general wards, prescription medication on the federal list, maternity care, and most diagnostics. Supplementary insurance (VVG) is fully optional and lets you add private hospital rooms, broader dental cover, alternative therapies (osteopathy, acupuncture), glasses and worldwide travel cover. VVG is medically underwritten — apply when you're young and healthy.

Can I keep my EU EHIC or international plan?

Generally no. The only exemptions are short-term students with EHIC cover (subject to canton approval) and cross-border workers from EU countries. Everyone else must enrol in Swiss KVG within 3 months — failing to do so means the canton will automatically assign you to an insurer, often at higher cost.

Switching insurers

You can switch your basic insurance at the end of each calendar year, with written notice received by 30 November. Some plans (standard model with CHF 300 franchise) also allow mid-year switching with 3 months' notice. You can never be refused basic cover by any Swiss insurer, regardless of age or pre-existing conditions.

Related canton guides

Moving to ZurichMoving to GenevaMoving to Basel-Stadt

Your next step

Turn this guide into action — run the numbers for your own situation, then work through the deadlines for your canton.

Cost of living calculatorCompare living costs between cantons.Swiss tax calculatorEstimate your cantonal and federal tax bill.Permit finderFind the permit type that fits your case.Personalised canton checklistEvery deadline for your canton — free, no signup.

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If you don't enroll within 3 months, the canton assigns you to an insurer at potentially higher cost.

You cannot be refused for basic KVG coverage.

People also asked

Can I keep my EU health insurance (EHIC)?

Students with valid EHIC may request an exemption. All others must enroll in Swiss KVG within 3 months — EU coverage is not sufficient.

Read: How to get a B permit
Which franchise should I choose?

If you're healthy and rarely visit doctors, CHF 2,500 saves the most on monthly premiums. If you expect medical costs, CHF 300 minimizes out-of-pocket risk.

Read: Choosing your Krankenkasse and deductible
Can I switch health insurance providers?

Yes, you can switch every year. Give notice before 30 November for the next calendar year. Some plans allow switching mid-year with 3 months' notice.

Official sources for this guide

  1. priminfo.ch — Official comparator
  2. BAG — Federal Office of Public Health

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