Healthcare insurance is mandatory since the 1st January 1996. It follows the rules from the Law on Medical Insurance (Loi sur l'Assurance Maladie - LAMal).
Premium on medical insurance in Switzerland are very expensive. Contributions have to be paid monthly. Their amount varies according to the age of the people covered (+ or - 25) and according to the amount of the franchise, annual amount that you choose and that is not reimbursed. In the LAMal, the minimal franchise is 300 CHF/year. The subscriber can choose an higher franchise (up to 2500 CHF), and that will lower the price of the premium (the lower the franchise, the more expensive the insurance premium). Be careful, you will need to be able to pay for this franchise in case of health problem.
In order to get a refund, you must send your GP and pharmacy bills (the original document always) to your medical fund, and keep a copy of the documents sent. The fund will reimburse up to 90% (10% being the your share - maximum of 100 CHF) if you have already paid your franchise.
| Example: Your annual franchise is 300 CHF. If, the first time of the year you go to the doctor, your bill is 500 CHF, you will pay 300 + 10% x 500 = 350 CHF. The next time, you will have only 10% to pay as you have already used all your franchise. |
For the hospital, the share is 10 CHF/day for single people.
Update 31/10/2005
Expatriate health insurance in Switzerland
With so much to deal with before leaving your home country, (taxes, moving house, paperwork etc.) the careful planning of your expatriation to Geneva is an essential step. As far as healthcare is concerned, your local social security scheme won’t be accompanying you to your host country and, once abroad, you might be surprised by the care system you find in Switzerland So, before leaving, make sure you have appropriate cover!
Cigna is one of the world's biggest international insurers with more than 30 years' experience in providing global health insurance across 200 countries and territories. They have access to more than 1.65 million hospitals, physicians, clinics and specialists worldwide.
Cigna Global's flexible plans are specifically designed for expats and globally mobile individuals who move to Switzerland. All their plans can be tailored to your individual requirements in Switzerland, always finding the right healthcare solution, whatever the situation and budget.
Getting a health insurance quote
Create your perfect plan with Cigna and combine the reassurance of comprehensive inpatient cover with the flexibility of optional extra benefits.
Click on the button to access the online tool and get a quote in 2 minutes.