Student Health Insurance in Switzerland: What You Need to Know
Swiss basic health insurance (KVG) cost young adults aged 19–25 CHF 323.40 per month on average in 2026 — from CHF 213.40 in Appenzell Innerrhoden to CHF 435.80 in Geneva, according to the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG). For 2027, the average rises to CHF 338.80. Everyone who lives in Switzerland for more than 3 months must take out basic insurance within 3 months of arrival or obtain an exemption — international students included. EU/EFTA/UK students who do not work can stay insured at home with the EHIC, and non-EU students can be exempted with an equivalent student plan (from about CHF 37–38/month). Miss the deadline, and the canton assigns you to an insurer, cover only starts on the day you join, and an unexcused delay brings a premium surcharge.
The good news: for families with lower and middle incomes, cantons must cut the premiums of young adults in education by at least 50% (Prämienverbilligung). Choosing a high Franchise (deductible) can save up to CHF 1,540 a year, and an alternative insurance model like Telmed lowers the premium further.
Whether you are heading to ETH Zurich, EPFL in Lausanne, or the University of Geneva, the insurance rules are the same — only the premium level changes with the canton. This guide covers every step: how the KVG system works, what it costs per canton, how premium subsidies work, and how to compare providers. For visa requirements and cost of living, see our complete Switzerland country guide.
How Swiss Healthcare Works
Switzerland has no state health insurer and no national health service like the UK’s NHS. Instead, the KVG (Krankenversicherungsgesetz — Federal Health Insurance Act) requires every resident to buy basic health insurance from an approved private insurer. This is called the Grundversicherung (basic insurance).
The Key Principle: Same Coverage, Different Prices
Every KVG provider must offer the exact same basic coverage. The law standardizes what is included, and insurers must accept everyone — without reservations or waiting periods, regardless of age or health. The only difference between providers is the premium — the monthly price you pay — plus service and the insurance models they offer. CSS charges a different price than Helsana, but both cover the same treatments, medications, and hospital stays.
This means choosing the cheapest provider for your area is a pure money decision. The medical benefits are identical by law.
Grundversicherung vs. Zusatzversicherung
| Type | What It Is | Required? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grundversicherung (basic) | KVG-mandated coverage: GP, hospital, prescriptions, maternity | Yes — mandatory | Average CHF 323.40/month at age 19–25 (2026) |
| Zusatzversicherung (supplementary) | Extras: dental, private rooms, alternative medicine, optical | No — optional | Set by the insurer; depends on age, gender and health |
You can start without Zusatzversicherung and add it only if you need dental or optical coverage. More on that later.
What KVG Costs: Premiums by Canton
Swiss health insurance premiums vary massively by canton. In 2026, adults aged 26 and over paid CHF 464.80/month on average; young adults aged 19–25 paid CHF 323.40. These BAG figures are averages of what people actually pay, across all Franchises and models — and the canton averages hide big differences.
Premium Comparison by Canton (Young Adults, 2026)
| Canton | Average Premium Age 19–25 (2026) | Announced for 2027 | Change 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | CHF 435.80 | CHF 453.00 | +3.9% |
| Basel-Stadt | CHF 392.70 | CHF 408.50 | +4.0% |
| Zurich | CHF 317.20 | CHF 333.80 | +5.2% |
| Bern | CHF 317.70 | CHF 336.70 | +6.0% |
| Vaud (Lausanne) | CHF 371.10 | CHF 382.10 | +3.0% |
| Lucerne | CHF 273.80 | CHF 284.50 | +3.9% |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | CHF 213.40 | CHF 225.80 | +5.8% |
| Zug | CHF 226.80 | CHF 234.70 | +3.5% |
In Geneva, young adults paid CHF 435.80/month on average in 2026. In Appenzell Innerrhoden, it was CHF 213.40. Same coverage, different canton.
Appenzell Innerrhoden and Zug are the cheapest cantons for young adults; Geneva, Ticino (CHF 404.20) and Basel-Stadt the most expensive.
The Total Annual Cost Formula
Your annual health insurance cost is not just the premium. Here is the full picture:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium × 12 | CHF 2,561–5,230/year (canton averages, age 19–25, 2026) |
| Franchise (deductible) | CHF 300–2,500/year |
| Selbstbehalt (10% co-pay after Franchise, capped) | Up to CHF 700/year |
| Maximum annual cost | Premiums + CHF 1,000 (Franchise CHF 300) up to premiums + CHF 3,200 (Franchise CHF 2,500) |
The Selbstbehalt is the 10% you pay after your Franchise is used up. It is capped at CHF 700/year for adults. So even in a worst-case scenario (high medical costs), your out-of-pocket never exceeds Franchise + CHF 700 + premiums — plus CHF 15 per hospital day for adults who are not exempt (young adults up to 25 in education are).
The Franchise System: Your Biggest Lever
The Franchise (your annual deductible) is the single biggest factor you can control. A higher Franchise means a lower monthly premium.
Franchise Options for Adults (19+)
| Franchise | Maximum Monthly Premium Discount vs. CHF 300 | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | Baseline | Students expecting frequent doctor visits |
| CHF 500 | Up to CHF 11.67 less/month | Slight savings, low risk |
| CHF 1,000 | Up to CHF 40.83 less/month | Moderate risk tolerance |
| CHF 1,500 | Up to CHF 70 less/month | Healthy students |
| CHF 2,000 | Up to CHF 99.17 less/month | Rarely see a doctor |
| CHF 2,500 | Up to CHF 128.33 less/month | Maximum savings, healthy and young |
The math is simple. By law, the premium discount may be at most 70% of the extra risk you take on — for CHF 2,500, at most CHF 1,540 a year. With that full discount, CHF 2,500 is cheaper than CHF 300 as long as your yearly medical bills stay below about CHF 2,000. Insurers set the actual discount, and they do not have to offer every level.
Middle Franchises (CHF 500–2,000) rarely pay off: if your insurer gives the same share of discount at every level, a middle Franchise is never cheaper than both CHF 300 and CHF 2,500. Choose CHF 300 if you expect frequent care, or CHF 2,500 if you are healthy. For a detailed break-even calculation with real numbers, see our Swiss Franchise deep-dive: CHF 300 vs. CHF 2,500.
Important: Franchise Does Not Apply to Maternity
Special maternity services — check-ups during and after pregnancy including ultrasound, childbirth, birth preparation and breastfeeding advice — are exempt from the Franchise and the Selbstbehalt. From the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after birth, you pay no cost share for any other care either, even for illnesses unrelated to the pregnancy.
Prämienverbilligung: How Premium Subsidies Can Cut Your Costs
Prämienverbilligung (premium subsidy) is the cantonal subsidy that reduces health insurance premiums for residents in modest economic circumstances. It only applies to Swiss basic insurance (KVG) — not if you are exempt with an EHIC or an international student plan.
Who Qualifies?
Each canton decides who qualifies and how much they receive. Federal law sets one minimum: for families with lower and middle incomes, cantons must reduce the premiums of young adults in education by at least 50%.
Many cantons assess young adults in education together with their parents — Zurich, Bern and Basel-Stadt do. So having little or no income of your own does not automatically mean you qualify: SVA Zürich names parents’ income and wealth as the most common reason students receive nothing.
How It Works in Five Student Cantons
| Canton | How You Get It | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Automatic in principle; young adults and new arrivals must apply to the SAM | Deadline for 2026: 30 November 2026 |
| Vaud | Application to OVAM with a study certificate | Starts on the first day of the second month after you apply |
| Bern | Automatic from tax data, assessed together with your parents | Apply yourself if your parents live abroad and your corrected net income is under CHF 14,000 |
| Zurich | Application to SVA Zürich | Parents’ tax data counts; can start the month after you arrive from abroad |
| Basel-Stadt | Application to the Amt für Sozialbeiträge (ASB) | Apply within 3 months of arrival to get it from the start of your insurance |
The rules differ more than most students expect — check your canton’s official website before you count on a subsidy. Canton-by-canton details are in our Prämienverbilligung guide.
How to Apply
- Find your canton’s office. Priminfo (priminfo.admin.ch) lists the responsible office in every canton.
- Check whether you must apply. Zurich, Basel-Stadt and Vaud require an application; Bern and Geneva assess most residents automatically, but students in some situations must apply.
- Attach your student certificate. A current Immatrikulationsbescheinigung (enrollment certificate) proves you are in education — Vaud, for example, asks for it.
- Apply early. Some cantons pay only from the month after your application (Basel-Stadt) or from the second month after it (Vaud).
- The subsidy is paid directly to your insurer. Your monthly bill shows the reduced amount.
Pro Tip: Apply Immediately After Arrival
Do not wait for the annual cycle. In Zurich, entitlement can start in the month after you arrive from abroad. In Basel-Stadt, you get the subsidy from the start of your insurance only if you apply within 3 months of arrival.
EU Students: Can You Get an Exemption?
If you hold an EU, EFTA, or UK passport and are covered by your home country’s statutory health insurance (with a valid EHIC — European Health Insurance Card), you do not need Swiss KVG insurance as long as you do not work in Switzerland. Cantons usually ask you to file a request for exemption — Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht.
How It Works
Under the Swiss-EU Agreement on the free movement of persons, the EFTA Convention and the social security agreement with the UK, students from EU/EFTA/UK countries who are not working in Switzerland remain insured under their home country’s system. You do not need to buy Swiss insurance — but you should formally apply for the exemption. Students with private insurance from home can also apply for an exemption if their cover is equivalent.
Step by Step
- Get your EHIC from your home country’s health insurance before leaving for Switzerland.
- Within 3 months of arrival, send your exemption request with a copy of your EHIC to the cantonal authority responsible for health insurance (the BAG publishes a list of these offices).
- Receive the exemption decision. If approved, you are exempt from KVG for your studies — as long as you do not start working in Switzerland.
- Carry your EHIC at all times. Doctors and hospitals in Switzerland treat you on presentation of the EHIC.
Important Limitations
- No exemption if you work. If you start working in Switzerland, you must take out Swiss health insurance (place-of-work principle). Check your situation with the canton before you sign a job contract.
- EHIC covers less than KVG. EHIC covers medically necessary treatment in Switzerland; you may have to pay a share of the costs. It does not cover treatment you travel to Switzerland for, private treatment or repatriation — and you cannot get Prämienverbilligung.
- The canton decides. Send your request within 3 months of arrival and keep the decision letter. If in doubt, ask your university’s international office or the cantonal authority.
If you plan to work during your studies, skip the exemption and buy Swiss insurance directly. See our EHIC guide for EU students for more on what the card does and does not cover.
Non-EU Students: Swiss Insurance or an Approved Exemption
If you hold a passport from outside the EU/EFTA/UK (US, Canada, China, India, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, etc.), you have two legal options: Swiss KVG insurance, or an international student plan with an exemption granted by the canton. The plan must offer cover equivalent to Swiss basic insurance. According to the BAG, the exemption lasts 3 years and can be extended by 3 more; after that, Swiss basic insurance is required. ETH Zurich warns that exemption requests based on insurance from your home country are usually rejected.
Student plans used for an exemption include Swisscare (CHF 38–124/month for students up to 31), ScoreStudies (from CHF 37/month), coverio (CHF 38–97/month, up to age 26) and Academic Care from Groupe Mutuel (CHF 230–255/month at age 19–25, without the 10% co-payment) — prices from ETH Zurich’s list. Compare them in our Swiss provider comparison.
The 3-Month Deadline
You have 3 months from taking up residence in Switzerland to sign up for health insurance or obtain an exemption. If you take out Swiss basic insurance within those 3 months, coverage is retroactive to your arrival date — so even if you sign up on day 89, you are covered from day 1.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- The canton assigns you to an insurer.
- Your cover only starts on the day you join — not retroactively — so bills from before that date are yours.
- An unexcused delay leads to a premium surcharge, charged for twice the length of the delay (at most five years).
- The canton, not you, chooses the insurer.
Do not risk it. Start the process within the first weeks after arrival.
Documents You Need
- Valid passport
- Residence permit (students usually receive a B permit) or your registration confirmation
- University enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
- Swiss address confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung from the Einwohnerkontrolle)
For a full breakdown of visa and insurance documentation, see our guide on health insurance and student visa documentation.
Step by Step: How to Get Insured in Switzerland
Step 1: Decide — Exemption or Swiss Insurance?
EU/EFTA/UK students: check if your EHIC is valid and if you want to apply for exemption. Non-EU students: decide between Swiss insurance and an international student plan with an exemption. If you choose Swiss insurance, continue with Step 2.
Step 2: Compare Providers
Use Priminfo (priminfo.admin.ch) — the only official premium calculator, run by the federal government, anonymous and advert-free — to compare premiums for your municipality. Select the age group 19–25 (young adults), your Franchise, and your insurance model.
Step 3: Choose Your Franchise
CHF 300 (maximum coverage, highest premium) or CHF 2,500 (minimum premium, highest out-of-pocket). See the Franchise section above.
Step 4: Choose Your Insurance Model
| Model | How It Works | Discount vs. Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Free choice of doctor | None — reference premium |
| Hausarztmodell (GP model) | Your first contact is always your GP or a specific practice, which refers you to specialists | Set by the insurer |
| HMO | Your first contact is always a specific health center | Set by the insurer |
| Telmed | Your first contact is always by phone or app (telemedicine center) | Set by the insurer |
All four models offer the same KVG benefits. The difference is access: you trade some flexibility for a lower premium. Some insurers also offer pharmacy models and flexible models that combine several first points of contact. Combined with a higher Franchise, the discount may not exceed 50% of the standard premium.
For students, Telmed is often a good choice. You call a medical hotline or use an app, describe your symptoms, and they either advise you or refer you to a doctor. Compare the exact discount on Priminfo.
Step 5: Apply Online or by Mail
Submit your application to your chosen insurer — it must accept you. You need: passport copy, residence permit or registration confirmation, enrollment certificate. If you apply within 3 months of arrival, coverage starts retroactively from your arrival date.
Step 6: Apply for Prämienverbilligung
Check your canton’s rules right after you are insured and apply if you may qualify. Attach your student certificate. The subsidy reduces your monthly bill.
Step 7: Receive Your Insurance Card
Your insurer confirms your cover and sends your health insurance card by mail. Keep the confirmation safe — the canton checks that everyone is insured.
What KVG Covers
KVG basic insurance covers a federally defined package of medically necessary treatment. Here is what that means in practice:
Covered by KVG (Grundversicherung)
| Service | Coverage | Your Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GP visits | Covered | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
| Specialist visits | Covered; in GP, HMO or Telmed models, you need a referral first | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
| Hospital stays (general ward) | Covered in the general ward of listed hospitals | Franchise + 10% + CHF 15/day (not for young adults up to 25 in education) |
| Emergency care | Covered | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
| Prescription medications (on official list) | Covered | Franchise + 10% (40% if a cheaper equivalent exists) |
| Maternity care | Covered | Nothing — zero Franchise, zero Selbstbehalt |
| Psychotherapy (prescribed by a doctor) | Up to 15 sessions per prescription; beyond 30 sessions only with the insurer’s approval | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
| Vaccinations (on the federal list) | Covered | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
| Ambulance transport | 50%, max CHF 500/year (rescue: 50%, max CHF 5,000/year) | Franchise + 10% Selbstbehalt |
Maternity: The Big Exception
Maternity is the one category where you pay nothing beyond your premium. Special maternity services — check-ups during and after pregnancy including ultrasound, childbirth, birth preparation and breastfeeding advice — are free of Franchise and Selbstbehalt. From the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after birth, all other care is free of cost-sharing too.
Mental Health Coverage
Since July 2022, KVG covers psychotherapy by psychological psychotherapists (not just psychiatrists) when prescribed by a doctor. Each prescription covers up to 15 sessions. To continue beyond 30 sessions, the insurer must approve it in advance. For more on mental health coverage as an international student, see our dedicated guide.
What KVG Does NOT Cover
This is where Switzerland trips up students. Several common healthcare needs are excluded from basic insurance.
Dental: Almost Nothing
KVG covers dental treatment only for severe diseases of the masticatory system, dental work required by a serious general illness, or after an accident if your KVG policy includes accident cover. Routine checkups, fillings, cleaning, and wisdom tooth removal are not covered — you pay them yourself.
If you need regular dental care, consider a Zusatzversicherung (supplementary insurance) that includes dental — the insurer sets the price and may ask health questions. Or have a dental check-up in your home country before you leave and during breaks.
Optical: Not Covered
Glasses and contact lenses for adults are not covered by KVG. If you need glasses, budget for them yourself or add a Zusatzversicherung.
Complementary / Alternative Medicine
Basic insurance covers complementary medicine only when it is provided by doctors with the recognised qualification. Treatments by non-medical therapists — for example many acupuncture, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine practitioners — are not part of the Grundversicherung. For full alternative medicine coverage, you need a Zusatzversicherung.
Private Hospital Rooms
KVG covers only general wards (Allgemeine Abteilung) of listed hospitals. If you want a private or semi-private room, you need Zusatzversicherung.
Physiotherapy: Nine Sessions per Prescription
KVG covers physiotherapy when prescribed by a doctor, up to 9 sessions per prescription; the first session must take place within 5 weeks. To continue after 36 sessions, your doctor must report to the insurer’s medical adviser.
Provider Comparison: Who to Choose in 2026
Since all providers offer the same KVG coverage, the decision comes down to price, the models they offer in your area, and service.
What to Compare Between Swiss Health Insurers
| What to Compare | Why It Matters | Where to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Premium for your municipality, age group, Franchise and model | Benefits are identical, so the premium is the main difference | priminfo.admin.ch |
| Insurance models offered | Not every insurer offers every model and Franchise level | priminfo.admin.ch or the insurer |
| Service language | English contact matters if you do not speak German, French or Italian | The insurer’s website |
| Billing and app | How you send invoices and pay your bills | The insurer’s website |
| Supplementary insurance | Optional; insurers may refuse applicants or exclude conditions | The insurer’s terms |
Approved basic insurers include Assura, Concordia, CSS, Helsana, KPT, Sanitas, SWICA, Visana and Vivao Sympany (BAG list of approved insurers, September 2026).
For the lowest price in your area, use the official tool Priminfo (priminfo.admin.ch). Enter your municipality, age group, Franchise, and model. Sort by price — for the exact same coverage.
7 Ways to Save Money on Swiss Health Insurance
1. Choose Franchise CHF 2,500
If you are healthy and rarely visit the doctor, the highest Franchise saves up to CHF 128.33/month — CHF 1,540 a year at the legal maximum discount.
2. Apply for Prämienverbilligung
If your family’s income is low or middle, cantons must cut the premiums of young adults in education by at least 50%. The rules differ by canton, and your parents’ income often counts — check before you budget with it.
3. Use a Telmed or HMO Model
Switching from Standard to Telmed or HMO earns you the discount your insurer sets for that model. Compare the exact premium for your area on Priminfo.
4. Compare Providers Annually
Premiums change every year — for 2027, the average for young adults rises by 4.8% to CHF 338.80. Insurers must send you next year’s premium by October 31. To switch on January 1, your notice must reach your current insurer by November 30; register with the new insurer at the same time.
5. Combine Savings
Franchise CHF 2,500 + Telmed + cheapest provider + Prämienverbilligung = maximum savings. By law, the Franchise and model discounts together can bring your premium down to 50% of the standard premium, before any subsidy.
6. Skip Zusatzversicherung (Unless You Need Dental)
Most students do not need supplementary insurance. KVG basic covers all essentials. Only add dental or optical coverage if you actually need it.
7. Plan Dental Care Ahead
Routine dental care is not covered by basic insurance, so you pay it yourself. Have a check-up in your home country before you leave and during breaks, or compare supplementary dental insurance.
Zusatzversicherung: When Is It Worth It?
Supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung) adds coverage beyond KVG basics. It is optional and sold by private insurers — sometimes the same company as your KVG provider, sometimes a different one. Its premiums depend on your age, gender and state of health.
Common Zusatzversicherung Options
| Add-On | What It Covers | Covered by Basic Insurance? |
|---|---|---|
| Dental (Zahnversicherung) | Routine checkups, fillings, cleaning, orthodontics | Only after accidents or severe illness |
| Semi-private hospital | 2-bed room, choice of doctor | No — general ward only |
| Private hospital | Single room, chief physician | No — general ward only |
| Alternative medicine | Acupuncture, homeopathy, TCM, osteopathy by non-medical therapists | Only when provided by qualified doctors |
| Optical (Brillenversicherung) | Glasses, contact lenses | Not for adults |
| Fitness/wellness | Gym reimbursement, prevention courses | No |
Should Students Get Zusatzversicherung?
For most students: no. It is optional and not needed for your residence permit. KVG covers emergencies, doctor visits, hospital, and prescriptions. Dental is the main exception: if you know you need dental work, compare a dental plan’s premium with the expected cost.
Important: Zusatzversicherung insurers can reject your application or exclude conditions based on health history. Apply early and declare everything honestly. Unlike KVG, they are not required to accept you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance cost for students in Switzerland?
In 2026, young adults aged 19–25 paid CHF 323.40 per month on average for basic KVG insurance (BAG) — from CHF 213.40 in Appenzell Innerrhoden to CHF 435.80 in Geneva. For 2027, the average rises to CHF 338.80. Students with an approved exemption can use international student plans from about CHF 37–38 per month. Premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung) can lower the cost for students from lower- and middle-income families.
Can EU students avoid Swiss health insurance?
Yes. EU/EFTA/UK students who do not work in Switzerland stay insured at home and use the EHIC. Cantons usually ask you to file an exemption request (Befreiung von der Versicherungspflicht) within 3 months of arrival with the cantonal authority. If you start working in Switzerland, you must take out Swiss basic insurance.
Can non-EU students be exempted from Swiss health insurance?
Yes, if they have insurance equivalent to Swiss basic insurance — usually an international student plan. The canton grants the exemption for 3 years, extendable by 3 more; after that, Swiss basic insurance is required. Exemptions based on insurance from home are usually rejected, according to ETH Zurich.
What is the Franchise and which should I choose?
The Franchise is your annual deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers costs. Options: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, or 2,500. If you are healthy and rarely see a doctor, choose CHF 2,500 — it saves up to CHF 128.33/month (CHF 1,540/year) at the legal maximum discount. If you have a chronic condition or expect frequent care, choose CHF 300.
Is dental covered by Swiss health insurance?
No. KVG basic insurance does not cover routine dental care — no checkups, fillings, or cleaning. Only dental treatment after an accident (with accident cover), for severe jaw diseases or conditions linked to a serious general illness is covered. Options: buy Zusatzversicherung with dental or have dental work done in your home country.
What is Prämienverbilligung and how do I get it?
Prämienverbilligung is a cantonal premium subsidy for residents in modest economic circumstances. For families with lower and middle incomes, cantons must reduce the premiums of young adults in education by at least 50%. Many cantons count your parents’ income. Apply through your canton’s office (listed on priminfo.admin.ch) and attach your enrollment certificate; in some cantons it is automatic. The subsidy is paid directly to your insurer.
What happens if I do not get insurance within 3 months?
The canton assigns you to an insurer. Your cover only starts on the day you join — not retroactively — and an unexcused delay leads to a premium surcharge, charged for twice the length of the delay (at most five years). Avoid this by starting the process in your first weeks.
Does Swiss insurance cover mental health?
Yes. Since July 2022, KVG covers psychotherapy by psychological psychotherapists when prescribed by a doctor — up to 15 sessions per prescription; continuing beyond 30 sessions needs the insurer’s approval. The standard Franchise and Selbstbehalt (10%) apply. Your university’s counselling service is another first point of contact.
Can I change my insurance provider or Franchise?
Yes. You can switch KVG providers every year: your notice must reach your current insurer by November 30 to switch on January 1, and you register with the new insurer at the same time. A lower Franchise also needs written notice by November 30; a higher one takes effect on January 1 (notify by mid-December). Mid-year, you can switch only at the end of June — and only with the standard model and the CHF 300 Franchise (notice by March 31).
Related Articles
- Swiss Franchise Guide: CHF 300 vs CHF 2,500 — Which Deductible Should Students Choose? — Break-even calculation, real scenarios, and when to choose high vs. low Franchise
- Prämienverbilligung by Canton: Premium Subsidies for Students in Switzerland — How Zurich, Bern, Basel-Stadt, Vaud and Geneva handle premium subsidies
- EHIC & GHIC: Can EU Students Use It Instead of Health Insurance Abroad? — What the EHIC covers in Switzerland and when the exemption makes sense
- How to Choose the Right Health Insurance as an International Student — Framework for comparing providers, deductibles, and coverage levels
- Understanding Health Insurance Deductibles & Copayments — The Franchise and Selbstbehalt system explained for all countries
Get Covered for Your Studies in Switzerland
Swiss health insurance is expensive — but with the right strategy, it does not have to break your budget. Decide on Swiss insurance or an exemption within 3 months. Choose Franchise CHF 2,500 if you are healthy. Pick a Telmed model for a lower premium. Check your canton’s Prämienverbilligung rules on day one. Compare providers on Priminfo before the November 30 deadline.
Ready to compare health insurance options for your study destination? Explore our complete Switzerland country guide for visa requirements and cost of living, or use our country comparison tool to find the best destination for your needs.
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