Standard basic insurance
This is the traditional form of mandatory basic insurance. You can usually go directly to a doctor or specialist, and the same legal benefit package applies across insurers.
Zurich residents can choose from a wide range of Swiss health insurers and insurance models. In Switzerland, basic health insurance is compulsory, the benefit package is the same by law for all insurers, and people can usually change insurer at the end of the year. Premiums depend on where you live, the model you choose, and the deductible you select.
Switzerland’s compulsory health insurance system is regulated at the federal level. Anyone living in Switzerland must have basic insurance, and insurers must accept applicants for basic insurance without exclusions or waiting periods. The same legal benefits apply across insurers, while premium amounts differ according to insurer, canton or place of residence, age group, and the chosen insurance model. People may generally switch insurers at year end, and lower-income households may qualify for cantonal premium reductions.
The types below are the most important to understand before choosing a policy. The insurance benefits under basic insurance are the same, but the rules for how you access care and how much you pay can be different.
This is the traditional form of mandatory basic insurance. You can usually go directly to a doctor or specialist, and the same legal benefit package applies across insurers.
You contact your chosen GP first. This model often comes with lower premiums because it channels care through one primary medical contact.
You normally begin with a group practice or medical centre. The model can reduce premiums while keeping the same basic benefits.
A phone or telemedicine service is the first step. This can be useful for people who want quick guidance and lower premiums.
A higher deductible can reduce the monthly premium. This is often chosen by healthy adults who want to trade higher risk for lower premiums.
The insurer may restrict provider choice or manage care more tightly. The main goal is to lower premiums while keeping the legal basic benefit package.
This can cover things like private hospital choice, dental care, alternative medicine, travel cover, or extra outpatient benefits. It is optional and can be bought from a different insurer than your basic insurance.
This is not the same as basic health insurance. It helps replace income during sick leave and is often relevant for employees, self-employed people, and companies.
These are some of the best-known names people compare in Zurich. The exact premium offer can vary by postcode, age, deductible, and insurance model, so it is always smart to compare current offers before joining.
For basic insurance, the legal benefit package is the same across insurers. So the decision usually comes down to premium, service quality, digital tools, branch access, and whether you prefer a standard or restricted-choice model.
Best for: People who want a large, well-known insurer with broad service coverage.
Best for: Families and individuals who value advice, branches, and broad product choice.
Best for: People looking for strong customer service and flexible model options.
Best for: People who want a mix of basic cover, supplementary cover, and digital tools.
Best for: People who prefer a traditional Swiss insurer with multiple model choices.
Best for: People comparing different alternative models and first-contact options.
Best for: People who want clear model choices and premium-saving options.
Best for: People who compare premiums carefully and like digital administration.
Compare current monthly premiums for your age group and Zurich postcode before choosing.
Standard is most flexible; HMO, Telmed, and GP models often cost less.
A higher deductible lowers the premium but increases what you pay yourself first.
Useful for private hospital choices, dental care, travel, or alternative medicine.
Branch access, app quality, claim handling, and support are worth checking.
Zurich residents with modest income may be able to get premium reductions from the canton.
Yes. In Switzerland, including Zurich, compulsory basic health insurance is required for residents. New arrivals generally have three months to register.
Yes, you are free to choose an authorised insurer that operates in your place of residence. For basic insurance, insurers must accept applicants without exclusions or waiting periods.
Yes. Basic insurance can generally be changed at the end of the year, and the cancellation notice must usually reach the insurer by 30 November.
For compulsory basic insurance, the benefit package is the same by law. The main differences are premium, service, model, and customer experience.
Yes. Basic insurance and supplementary insurance can be held with different insurers.
Common ways include choosing a higher deductible, a restricted-choice model, or checking whether you qualify for a cantonal premium subsidy.