Switzerland's compulsory basic health insurance (KVG / LAMal) covers everyone, but it is privately provided. Each resident chooses an insurer and pays a flat monthly premium independent of income. Premiums for adults in 2026 typically range from CHF 320 to CHF 580 per month depending on canton, deductible (300–2,500) and insurance model (standard, family-doctor, HMO, telmed).
Children pay much lower premiums (CHF 90–140). Low-income households can apply for a cantonal premium-reduction subsidy (Prämienverbilligung / réduction des primes). Switching insurer is possible every year by 30 November with effect from 1 January.
Premiums have risen on average 4–6% per year for the past decade, well above wage growth, driven by ageing demographics, new therapies and rising administrative costs. The voted federal '10% cap on premiums versus income' initiative in 2024 has yet to be implemented and is reshaping the political debate.
A 40-year-old in Geneva with the standard model and a CHF 300 deductible pays about CHF 570 per month — CHF 6,840 per year. The same person in Appenzell-Innerrhoden pays CHF 360 per month, CHF 4,320 per year: a CHF 2,500 annual difference.