As they have for several years in a row, in 2027 too ipremiums for the mandatory health insurance in Switzerland (KVG / LAMAL) will increase – this time, by 5 percent on average. There are, however, ways to cut these costs.
Choosing the wrong insurance deductible
This faux-pas can add more than 100 francs per month to your mandatory health insurance bill.
Generally speaking, young people in good health should opt for the highest deductible of 2,500 francs, while older residents will be better off with the lowest one (300 francs) – though the government plans to raise it to 400 francs sometime in the future.
According to Moneyland, “for adults, the optimal insurance deductible is always either the lowest or the highest. All other deductible options do not make mathematical sense.”
“On average, the 300-franc deductible is the best choice if your covered healthcare spending for the year is at least 1900 francs. If your combined medical bills are lower than that amount, then you will save money by using the 2500-franc deductible.”
This link explains how to choose the right deductible for you.
READ MORE: Which Swiss health insurance deductible makes most sense?
Picking the wrong insurance model
A standard model –which allows you to consult any doctor you want without a referral to see a specialist – is also most expensive,
You can, however, save hundreds of francs each year by opting for a more restrictive model that will, nevertheless, provide the same quality of care.
These cheaper alternatives include the Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) and ‘Family Doctor’ option:
READ MORE: How you can save money by changing your Swiss health policy
Keeping unnecessary accident cover
Many residents pay hundreds of francs a year for accident cover from their mandatory health insurance provider, even though they already have employer-based accident insurance.
Therefore, this only makes sense (and is obligatory) if you are self-employed, or not employed at all.
READ MORE: How does accident insurance work in Switzerland?
Not claiming compensation for covered costs
Many people forget to send in medical invoices to their health insurance provider. This can easily happen when you pay up front out of your own pocket, as is often the case for instance, in pharmacies.
Moneyland advises to “Always file an insurance claim immediately as soon as you receive a bill that should be covered by your health insurance provider.. Bills that you forget to collect on can still be sent in to your health insurance provider up to five years from the date on which the treatment occurred.”
Not using discounts
Some carriers offer rebates when you pay your insurance premiums semi-annually or annually instead of monthly.
If you can afford to make a large payment in advance, you could get discounts of up to 2 percent for paying your premiums for the whole year in advance.
