Frequently asked questions
The questions we are asked most, with answers you can check.
Are the benefits really identical at every insurer?
Yes. The federal health insurance act sets the catalogue of basic benefits, and it binds every insurer without exception. An insurer can neither remove nor add anything. What varies is the price, the tariff region, the model chosen and the quality of the administration.
By when can I switch health insurer?
Ordinary cancellation of basic cover must reach your insurer by 30 November at the latest, taking effect on 1 January. The letter must have arrived by that date, not merely been posted. A shorter deadline sometimes applies on the minimum deductible with the standard model; check with your insurer.
Is a high deductible always cheaper?
No. Moving from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 lowers the premium, but you pay up to CHF 2,200 more yourself before anything is reimbursed. The maths depends on your expected health costs. The comparison shows the effect of each deductible on the premium.
What do the family doctor, HMO and telemedicine models change?
These models cut the premium in exchange for a compulsory first contact before any specialist consultation: your family doctor, an HMO practice or a phone call. Reimbursed benefits stay identical. If you rarely go straight to a specialist, the saving is real.
Do I have to give my email to see prices?
No. Every premium is visible with no sign-up, no email and no account. The advisory form comes after the results, and it is optional.
Can I lower my premium without switching insurer?
Yes. The individual premium reduction is paid by your canton according to your income and assets. Conditions and thresholds vary by canton, and the application goes to your canton of residence, not to the insurer.
How much may I pay into pillar 3a in 2026?
CHF 7,258 if you belong to a pension fund, and up to CHF 36,288 — that is 20 % of income — if you have no second pillar. These amounts are set by the federal government and are fully deductible from taxable income.
What is the difference between pillar 3a and 3b?
Pillar 3a is locked until five years before retirement age, except to buy a home, leave Switzerland for good or become self-employed; in exchange it is fully deductible. Pillar 3b stays available at any time with no contribution cap, but its deductibility is limited and varies by canton.