The three decisions
Franchise: CHF 300–2,500 – higher franchise, lower premium; choose high only if you rarely need care and hold the difference as a buffer. Model: standard, family doctor, HMO or Telmed – alternative models save 10–20%. Insurer: compare every autumn; switching for equal legal benefits is normal here.
What newcomers miss
Premiums are per person including children (with child rates), accident coverage can be excluded if your employer covers it (8+ hours/week), and roughly a quarter of residents qualify for premium reductions – worth checking, not assuming.
Premiums are your #2 fixed cost
After rent, premiums are most households' biggest fixed line – give each person's premium its own budget entry.
Track these costs in your own budget: create your free Swiss budget in BudgetHub – in English, with Swiss categories built in.