Moving to Switzerland is an exciting adventure – but the healthcare system can seem intimidatingly complex at first glance. Don't worry: once you understand the basics, you'll find it easy to navigate and can ensure that you and your family always receive proper care. This guide is written specifically for Hungarians who are just getting to know the Swiss system.
Key Information
- 🏥 In Switzerland, every resident is required to take out health insurance (Grundversicherung / LAMal)
- ⏰ You must choose an insurer within 3 months of arriving
- 💰 The monthly premium varies by canton and insurer – it's worth comparing
- 📋 In addition to basic insurance, supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung) can also be taken out
- 🇭🇺 Hungarian state health insurance is not valid in Switzerland – you must act immediately
What is the Grundversicherung, and why is it mandatory?
The foundation of the Swiss healthcare system is the so-called basic insurance (in German: Grundversicherung, in French: LAMal). This is a legally regulated, mandatory form of insurance that every person living in Switzerland – including foreigners – must take out.
The obligation must be fulfilled within 3 months of the date of arrival or the issuance of a residence permit. If you miss this deadline, the authorities will automatically assign you an insurer – usually the most expensive one in your canton.
Basic insurance covers:
General practitioner and specialist visits
Hospital treatment (in a general ward)
Emergency care
Maternity care
A portion of medications and medical tests
How much does Swiss health insurance cost?
The monthly fee is called a premium (Prämie). Its amount depends on several factors:
Canton: Generally higher in Zurich and Geneva, lower in rural areas
Age: Adults (26+) pay the most, young people (18–25) receive a discount, and significantly less is paid for children
Insurance model: Cheaper models (e.g. HMO, Hausarztmodell) restrict your choice of doctor but significantly reduce the premium
Deductible (Franchise): The higher the deductible you choose (300–2,500 CHF/year), the lower your monthly premium
On average, an adult can expect to pay 300–600 CHF/month, though this can vary significantly by canton and model. Use the Priminfo.ch or Comparis.ch website to compare options.
What do the deductible and co-payment mean?
There are two important concepts to understand:
Franchise (deductible): The amount you pay each year before the insurer starts covering costs. The default value is 300 CHF, but it can be raised to 2,500 CHF.
Selbstbehalt (co-payment): Once the deductible is reached, the insurer covers 90% of all costs – you pay the remaining 10%, up to a maximum of 700 CHF per year (350 CHF for children).
If you are healthy and rarely visit a doctor, it's worth choosing a higher deductible, as this reduces your monthly premium. If you require regular treatment, a lower deductible may be more economical.
How do I choose an insurer?
In Switzerland, dozens of insurers offer basic insurance – the coverage required by law is identical across all of them, with the only differences being price and model. Some well-known insurers:
CSS
Helsana
Swica
Sanitas
Concordia
The easiest way to compare is to use the Comparis.ch website, where you can filter by canton, age, and your preferences.
What is supplementary insurance?
The Zusatzversicherung (supplementary insurance) that can be added to basic insurance covers services not included in the basic package:
Private or semi-private hospital room
Dental treatments
Glasses and contact lenses
Alternative medicine (e.g. osteopathy, acupuncture)
Medical care during travel abroad
Supplementary insurance is not mandatory, but it is useful for many people – especially if you travel to Hungary regularly or value a higher level of comfort in hospital care.
What should I do when I need to see a doctor?
In most insurance models, you must first see your general practitioner (Hausarzt), who will refer you to a specialist if necessary. In urgent cases, you can of course go directly to any hospital emergency department.
A few practical tips:
Register with a general practitioner as soon as possible after moving in
Always carry your insurance card (Versichertenkarte)
For medications, go to a pharmacy (Apotheke) – the insurer reimburses a portion of prescription medications
Understanding the Swiss healthcare system is one of the most important steps toward a successful start to life in Switzerland. If you have questions, you'll always find helpful Hungarians in the svajc.com community who have already been through this process.