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Guide: moving here & cross-border commuters

Health insurance for new arrivals, expats and cross-border commuters

If you move to Switzerland, you must take out basic insurance within three months. If you live abroad and work in Switzerland, you may have a choice, depending on the country. Here you will find deadlines, exceptions and tips for a good start.

New to Switzerland? We explain the system to you and find the right insurer. Advice in Deutsch, Français, Italiano and English.
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1. Moving to Switzerland: the 3-month deadline

Everyone resident in Switzerland must take out basic insurance (KVG), including children. This applies to Swiss nationals returning from abroad as well as to foreign nationals with a residence permit (B, C) and, as a rule, to short-term residents (L) staying three months or more.

  1. Registration with the municipalityThe three-month deadline starts on the date you take up residence.
  2. Choose an insurerBasic insurance benefits are the same with all insurers, but the premiums are not. Compare insurer, model and deductible in the premium calculator.
  3. Application within three monthsThe insurance then applies retroactively from your arrival. You also pay the premiums from that date.
  4. Proof for the municipalityMany municipalities require confirmation of insurance. If you do not provide one, the canton will assign you to an insurer.
Missed the deadline?

The insurance then only starts when you join; doctor's and hospital costs from the period before are not covered. If the delay is not excusable, the insurer also charges a premium surcharge. So register within the first few weeks if possible.

2. Exceptions and exemption

Some groups of people can apply to be exempted from compulsory insurance if they have equivalent insurance abroad, for example:

  • Students and people in further education with foreign insurance
  • Employees posted to Switzerland by a foreign employer
  • People with a pension from an EU/EFTA state, depending on the situation
  • Employees of international organisations and diplomats (special rules)

The application goes to the competent office in your canton of residence, usually also within three months. The exemption only applies if the foreign cover fully covers the benefits of Swiss basic insurance. If in doubt, get advice before you choose an insurer or rely on an exemption.

3. Cross-border commuters: the right of option

Cross-border commuters live in an EU/EFTA state and work in Switzerland. In principle, they are subject to compulsory insurance in Switzerland. However, if you live in Germany, France, Italy or Austria, you can choose:

Swiss basic insurance (KVG)

Premiums according to the insurer's rates for cross-border commuters. Treatment is possible in your country of residence and in Switzerland. Often practical if you use doctors near your place of work.

System of your country of residence

Insurance in the health system of your country of residence, with income-related contributions depending on the country. The rules differ from country to country.

Important: deadline and finality

You submit the application for exemption from compulsory insurance in Switzerland to the competent cantonal office within three months of starting work in Switzerland. As a rule, the decision applies permanently and usually also to family members who are not in work. So weigh up the costs of both options carefully; we will be happy to help you.

Cross-border commuter or newly arrived? We compare the options for your situation, free of charge.
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4. Tips for expats: how health insurance works

  • Each person individuallyThere is no family insurance in Switzerland. Every family member has their own policy with their own premium. Children are much cheaper, as are young adults up to 25.
  • Deductible and retentionYou pay your healthcare costs yourself up to the chosen deductible (CHF 300 to 2'500), then a 10 % retention up to CHF 700 per year. The deductible calculator shows which deductible pays off for you.
  • Models save on premiumsWith a family doctor, HMO or Telmed model you pay less, but you first go to your chosen point of contact. Many telemedicine services also advise in English.
  • Accident cover through your employerIf you work at least 8 hours a week for the same employer, you are insured against accidents there and can exclude accident cover from your health insurance.
  • Dentist not includedBasic insurance pays nothing or very little for dental treatment, glasses and much more. For that there is supplementary insurance, with health questions.
  • Premium reductionsIf your income is low, the canton pays part of the premium. The rules and deadlines vary from canton to canton.
  • Switching possible every yearYou can switch basic insurance every year on 1 January; your cancellation must reach the insurer by 30 November.

5. Frequently asked questions about moving here and cross-border commuting

By when do I have to take out insurance after moving here?

Within three months of taking up residence in Switzerland. If you register in time, the insurance applies retroactively from the date of arrival and you pay the premiums from that date.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

The insurance then only starts when you join; costs from the period before are not covered. If the delay is not excusable, the insurer also charges a premium surcharge. In addition, your canton of residence can assign you to an insurer.

Does every health insurer have to accept me?

Yes, for basic insurance. Every insurer must accept you without health questions and regardless of age, even if you are already ill. For supplementary insurance, on the other hand, the insurer may ask health questions.

Can I keep my foreign insurance?

Only in exceptional cases. If, for example, you are a student, a posted worker or a pensioner with equivalent insurance abroad, you can apply to your canton of residence for an exemption, usually also within three months. The competent cantonal office decides whether the requirements are met.

What is the right of option for cross-border commuters?

Cross-border commuters from some EU states, including Germany, France, Italy and Austria, can choose whether to insure themselves in Switzerland (KVG) or in the system of their country of residence. You submit the application within three months of starting work in Switzerland. As a rule, the decision cannot be reversed.

Are my family members covered too?

For cross-border commuters, the decision usually also applies to family members in the country of residence who are not in work. If you live in Switzerland, every person must be insured individually, including children and your spouse. So in Switzerland, families are not automatically covered through one person.

Am I insured against accidents?

If you are employed by the same employer for at least 8 hours a week, you are insured against occupational and non-occupational accidents through your employer. You can then exclude accident cover from your health insurance and save on premiums. Everyone else needs accident cover in their basic insurance.

Do you also advise in English, French or Italian?

Yes. We advise in German, French, Italian and English, by phone or email. The calculator is also available in all four languages.

Well insured from day one: We compare insurers, obtain the quote and register you, free of charge and in English, French or Italian if you wish.

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