Switzerland is the dream destination of so many across the globe. The country is not only beautiful but highly organized as well. Swiss Confederation governs the country, but it is autonomous in many ways. It is subdivided into cantons or states, and each plays a substantial and independent unit role.

If you are a new immigrant or an ex-pat, you ought to know, apart from the famous swiss chocolates, its health insurance is also unique and carries some points you need to remember. Health insurance in Switzerland is compulsory and paid. But not to panic, after all, that is not the motive at all! The purpose here is to suggest how you can choose the right health insurance for you and your family here, plus health insurance comparison [Available in french -> https://www.compartarifassurance.ch/] in Switzerland is not difficult at all.

Whether a newcomer or an existing citizen, let us have a look at how you can live beautifully in this beautiful country. I am sure you will agree, when it comes to health, family always comes first. When it comes to the well-being of your family, you have to plan for all aspects; your family members’ health, your health, and the impact of your health on your family’s financial status.

Compare Online
Whenever you have to make the right choice, the best way is to compare the available options. If you are new entrants in Switzerland, you have to take health insurance within three months or ninety days of landing. This is a mandate.
Though the government ensures fair play and equal offerings by all the insurance companies, it is ultimately an individual’s responsibility and ownership to purchase health insurance in Switzerland. Visit online, and you shall find various websites giving you comparisons for premium, features, and discounts. And to ensure you get enough options to compare, to check the authenticity of multiple plans, premiums, and insurance companies, visit the Federal Public Health Office (OFSP) website. Here you can check the name of the companies that are authorized to provide health insurance in Switzerland. You will also get an online health insurance plans comparison tool named Priminfo. Here you can punch in your basic details and see a list of plans to choose from. Make a comparison based on what features and benefits they are giving, how much is the premium they are charging, and what services they are providing.

Making The Right Choice
While comparing online, you get lots of information; you often get confused with a free addon. Here are some key points that can help you select the right choice.
Take a paper and pen (just a suggestion) and make notes of your health insurance needs. Are you married or single? Just in case if you are married, then try considering covering both under one cover. The same goes for if you have kids. Include all your family members under one cover instead of individual ones under the supplementary family plan.

Take Family Supplementary Plans
In a basic plan, you can save up to a 77.5% discount on the adult premium. Consider an example as children’s premium (0 to 18), CHF 0 deductible, with accident cover, versus adult premium (26+), CHF 300 deductible, with accident cover.

Many companies offer free insurance from the third child onwards. And many give you a loyalty bonus for as good as CHF 50 per year for each child who has basic insurance plus supplementary family insurance with the same company.

Alternative insurance model
There is a standard Basic insurance Model and alternative Insurance model offered by most of the insurance companies. Both provide the same essential benefits, but with a bit of difference in the alternative model, i.e., you have a choice of contact for seeking medical advice. And depending on the model, you choose you will get discounts on your premiums.

For example, some have a Network Hospital option wherein you can go only to a limited hospital network where the insurance company has tied up. You will get world-class service but from a limited one. This could save you 13% to 20% of the premium. Another is the HMO model, wherein you will first consult from the set team of registered doctors. You can choose whom to connect from the list. This doctor will design your treatment plan and, if required, will refer you to a specialist. Here you can get a discount from 8% to 17% on your premium. And so on. Study them carefully and between benefits and discounts, and you can end up saving money spent on your health insurance premium.

Use of Generic Drugs Over The Branded One
The Swiss government also encourages the use of generic medicines over the overcharged branded ones. Check it carefully; your health insurance plan might be charging you somewhere around 20% of co-pay for branded medicines. Copay is nothing but cost-sharing, which you have to bear with your insurance provider, as per your original agreement.

Paying Premium in Advance
Note that paying your health insurance premium in advance can save you money. Most people go in for monthly payment of premium due to its lower figure size. But in the end, you pay for all 12 months after all. You get a 1% discount for annual and 0.5% discount for six months advance payment.

Excluding Accidental Cover
Do you know if you are working at least 8 hours a week with the same company, you get insured by default with your employer for all occupational and non-occupational-related hazards? Yes, that’s true, so in this scenario, you can easily exclude accident cover and save a straight 6.5% on your health insurance premium. The smart choice, isn’t it?

The Annual Changes Deadline: Fast Approaching
In Switzerland, you are allowed to change your health insurance provider every once a year. An insurance company must tell their members max by 31st October of the year, about their next year’s premium. And the deadline date for the same is 30th November every year. So that members will have time till 30th November to either make the payment or cancel the existing policy.

As the deadline is approaching fast so one must act quickly. Make a conscious choice, make the best choice and avail more benefits and save money too!

Here is a HOT TIP
This is a real hot and quick tip that makes you choose the right health insurance policy for you and your family and save a substantial amount of money. A deductible is an amount you have to pay from your side for your treatment. After checking your finances and medical conditions, if you can increase your deductibles, it gives you straight savings. For children (up to the age of 18), the default deductible is zero. But if you increase it to just CHF 100 also you could get discounts on your premium, which could be CHF 70, and this could go up to a savings of CHF 420 with an increase in deductibles up to CHF 600. Another savings could be from deductibles for adults (19 years and more). The standard deductible is CHF 300. If you increase it to just CHF 500 also get a saving on premium up to CHF 140, this could go up to CHF 1540, with an increase of deductible to CHF 2,500. Please check your financial and medical conditions as a deductible is your share that you have to pay from your pocket. If you think you can put aside the deductible amount to enjoy premium savings every year, please go ahead.