HMO practice with a CHF 500 deductible in Region 1 of canton Lucerne

Where the saving comes from

The deductible contributes about CHF 123.60 a year — the part paid for in financial risk, on the same HMO practice.

The model contributes about CHF 611.40 a year — the part paid for in freedom to choose your doctor, at the same CHF 500 deductible.

The two parts do not add up exactly: insurers do not price the two choices independently. The total above is the real figure; the breakdown gives the order of magnitude of each lever.

What the deductible risks

You must cover CHF 200 more yourself before the insurance steps in. The tipping point is CHF 1'050.60 of medical costs in the year: below that this choice wins, above it costs more.