Health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing in Switzerland. After your arrival in Switzerland, you have 3 months time to sign up for the compulsory basic insurance at a health insurance company of your choice. Adults and children are insured individually. Each insured person pays an individual premium which does not depend on income but on the insurance provider chosen, on the place of residence and the form of cover chosen. The insurance provider grants benefits in the event of illness, non-occupational accidents not covered by accident insurance as well as in the event of maternity. Out-patient and stationary medical treatment as well as medicines prescribed by a doctor are covered but not, as a rule, dental treatment. The insured person has a free choice of doctors and participates in the costs up to a fixed annual limit.
An insurance covering daily allowances is optional. Compulsory insurance may result from the individual employment contract or from a GLA; in such a case, the insurance may be concluded in the form of a collective contract. According to the law on employment contracts, if an employee is ill the employer must continue to pay the salary for a limited period as follows: 3 weeks during the 1st year of service and, subsequently, a longer period which varies depending on the canton in which the work is carried out. The cantonal courts have set up scales for this purpose. The GLAs often contain more favourable provisions.
Find a provider: www.comparis.ch
(Source: www.swissemigration.ch)
On request the following persons can be exempted from the compulsory health insurance:
Should any of the mentioned exceptions apply to you contact the appropriate office on this list (PDF).
Do not forget to cancel your health insurance three month prior to leaving Switzerland.
