In Switzerland, basic health and accident insurance is provided by mandatory for all residents.

Certain limited groups of people are exempt from the obligation to pay contributions. This applies in particular to students staying in Switzerland as part of their training. An exemption must be requested.

For the compulsory portion, insurers cannot not refuse a membership, regardless of your age, physical condition or state of health.

For the complementary part, health tests are often required.

Health insurance subsidies are paid automatically on the basis of your income, with no need to apply. Subsidies are deducted directly from your premiums.

The deductible is a fixed annual amount that the insured must pay before the insurance begins to reimburse treatment costs.

• For adults, the standard deductible is 300 francs per yearHowever, it is possible to choose a higher optional deductible (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 or 2500 francs) to reduce the monthly premium.
• For children, the standard deductible is 0 francs per yearA higher optional deductible (100, 200, 300, 400, 500 or 600 Swiss francs) can also be selected to reduce the monthly premium.

The share corresponds to 10 % treatment costs in excess of the annual deductible. This contribution is calculated on the costs remaining after the deductible has been reached.

For example, if your deductible is 300 francs and your annual medical expenses amount to 1000 francs, you will first pay the 300-franc deductible, then 10 % of the remaining 700 francs, i.e. 70 francs.

You don't no need take out accident insurance with your health insurer if you work for at least 8 hours a week for a single employer, as you contribute to AA (Accident Insurance).

On the other hand, the self-employed and anyone not affiliated to a pension fund must take out accident insurance with the health insurance company.

No, you can only change health insurance companies at certain times:

• For January 1st You must cancel your current insurance policy before November 22 and join a new caisse before November 30.
• For July 1st You can only change at this date if your ordinary annual deductible is 300 CHF for adults and young adults (18-25) or CHF 0 for children. Cancellation must be sent before March 22 and enrolment in the new fund must be completed by March 31.