Every person within three months of residing in Switzerland is needed to get health insurance, and it is a tedious and confusing job considering all the options offered. The Swiss healthcare system, which ranks as one of the world’s best healthcare systems, might be challenging to loop through at first. Finding the best health insurance might look like a massive task, especially when new to the country.
This is a simplified guide on Switzerland’s health insurance comparison[You can refer to German Version] to help you navigate your way to the suitable health insurance catered to your needs. We will be diving into various topics that will make your ride to insurance finalization smooth and easy. Don’t worry, and we have got your backs. Here is everything you need to know.
Where To Start?
Within 90 days of arrival, one has to apply for a Swiss health insurance plan. Now it is up to you to choose a provider. You can choose public, subsidized private, or private providers. You must keep in mind your needs along with the cost of the insurance. You can also find the details of the insurance from your local cantonal authority.
What Should Be Your Basis of Comparison?
The Swiss Federal Law of Health Insurance regulates the healthcare system, but there are no state-provided health services. The state looks over the basic benefits provided, but often the basic benefits are not enough. Additional insurance models are also available.
When comparing health insurance, it is essential to compare the benefits of the respective models. Along with the standard model, GP models, HMO models, and Telmed models are available for you to choose from. It may be possible that not every providing company offers all the models. In that case, you need to find a provider that offers sustainability for you.
What does your basic health insurance in Switzerland include?
Basic health insurance is known as Statutory Health Insurance or SHI. You can choose it freely from any provider in Switzerland. The benefits of SHI are similar in all health insurance companies. The benefits of SHI cover illness, accidents, and maternity. The premium varies due to different age groups defined by law.
Children- (up to 18 years), Young Adults- ( from 19 to 25), Adults- ( from 26 and above)
Providers have to charge lower premiums for children mandatorily. While they charge less for young adults, it is not a compulsion, and hence the premium charges vary from provider to provider.
What does your SHI not include?
Your basic health insurance does not include eye care, dental procedures ( unless a severe emergency case), or half-private or private hospitalization. For these, you need to have additional private insurance top-ups.
Common Mistakes and how to avoid them
Choosing health insurance is not easy as it seems, and there is always room for mistakes. Read on to understand some common mistakes people make while choosing their health insurance.
Not enough researching
People often make the mistake of not doing thorough research on the policy and taking whatever comes their way.
Going with the most recommended insurances
Following the above mistake, people also rely on other people’s recommendations for their health insurance. What might be the best for the majority might not be the best for you.
Choosing the cheapest
Many individuals purchase health insurance just for the sake of it. Low premiums always catch the eyes but seldom prove to be beneficial.
Overlooking personal needs
Hiding personal medical history for low premiums is nothing new. It is essential that you don’t affect your personal needs for low costs.
Which Factors Might Affect Your Premium Costs?
The health insurance providers in Switzerland conduct a medical assessment while approving your insurance. Every company, based on their guidelines, determines your premium according to your medical assessment.
The factors that might be responsible for varying premium charges are- age, previous medical history, policy duration, occupation, the type of model you chose, and your BMI (body mass index).
How does my financial structure affect my health insurance?
Individuals with lower income or unemployed individuals are provided with subsidies on their premiums by the government. Your annual tax return decides your eligibility for the subsidies and based on your eligibility, your local cantonal authority contacts you. You may also contact your local canton, requesting regarding this if you consider yourself eligible.
We hope that this guide to health insurance comparison in Switzerland made it easier to understand the health insurance structure. We hope it helps you pick your ideal health insurance. It is highly recommended to skim through various insurances to land on the best deal.
