Health insurance: Optional deductibles

In the compulsory health insurance it is possible to choose between the standard deductible or the higher optional deductible.

In addition to premiums, policyholders pay a fixed annual amount towards the costs of services provided (e.g. consultations, hospital stays or medicines). This is known as the deductible. The standard deductible is CHF 300 for adults and CHF 0 for children.

If a deductible higher than the standard CHF 300 is chosen, the premium will be reduced. The reduction depends on the level of the deductible and is limited by law. A maximum of 70 percent reduction on the additional risk assumed by the policyholder may be granted. The corresponding amount in Swiss Francs is shown in the table below (frist cell: franchise, second cell: maximum annual reduction):

Adults
Deductible	500	1000	1500	2000	2500
Maximum reduction	140	490	840	1190	1540

Children
Deductible	100	200	300	400	500	600
Maximum reduction	70	140	210	280	350	420

Points to note:

A change in the level of the deductible can only take effect at the beginning of a calendar year.

Health insurers are not required to offer all the optional deductible levels. They may offer different deductibles for young adults (aged 19–25).

Legislation

SR 832.10 Loi fédérale sur l'assurance-maladie (LAMal)

CC 832.102 Ordinance on Health Insurance (KVV) (in French)

RS 830.1 Bundesgesetz über den allgemeinen Teil des Sozialversicherungsrechts (ATSG) (in German)

Last modification 28.01.2021