Swiss health insurance is mandatory for all residents within 3 months. Student plans from CHF 80–250/month. EU students may apply for exemption.
Best for: Students with limited budget, higher deductible tolerance
Minimum legal coverage. Choose high deductible (CHF 2,500) to lower premium. Covers all medically necessary treatment.
Learn moreBest for: Students expecting frequent medical care
Lower deductible (CHF 300–500) = higher premium but lower out-of-pocket costs per visit.
Learn moreBest for: Students wanting dental, optical, private hospital, alternative medicine
Optional extras: dental care, private rooms, gym memberships, alternative therapies.
Learn more| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Insurance (High Deductible CHF 2,500) | CHF 80–150/month | Lowest premium. You pay first CHF 2,500 of care yourself each year. |
| Basic Insurance (Low Deductible CHF 300) | CHF 150–250/month | Higher premium but lower out-of-pocket costs per visit. |
| Supplementary Insurance | CHF 30–100/month | Optional: dental, optical, private hospital, alternative medicine |
| Annual Deductible (Franchise) | CHF 300–2,500/year | Amount you pay before insurance starts covering costs. Higher deductible = lower premium. |
Basic Insurance (High Deductible CHF 2,500)
CHF 80–150/month
Lowest premium. You pay first CHF 2,500 of care yourself each year.
Basic Insurance (Low Deductible CHF 300)
CHF 150–250/month
Higher premium but lower out-of-pocket costs per visit.
Supplementary Insurance
CHF 30–100/month
Optional: dental, optical, private hospital, alternative medicine
Annual Deductible (Franchise)
CHF 300–2,500/year
Amount you pay before insurance starts covering costs. Higher deductible = lower premium.
EU/EFTA students can apply for exemption if covered by EHIC. Non-EU students must get Swiss insurance. Apply for exemption within 3 months if eligible.
If getting Swiss insurance, compare providers like Swica, CSS, Sanitas, Helsana. Choose deductible level (CHF 300–2,500).
Submit application with passport, residence permit, and enrollment certificate. Coverage starts from your arrival date.
Your insurance provider will send confirmation within 1–2 weeks. Show this to the cantonal migration office.
Register your residence with the local Einwohnerkontrolle. Receive your Swiss health card by mail.
Switzerland has one of the world’s best healthcare systems — and also one of the most expensive. All residents, including students, must have Swiss health insurance within 3 months of arrival. Failure to comply results in automatic enrollment and fines.
Unlike most countries, Switzerland uses a mandatory private insurance system. Everyone must buy health insurance from a private provider (like Swica, CSS, Sanitas, or Helsana). Basic coverage is standardized by law, so all providers offer the same coverage — only premiums differ.
When choosing a plan, you select an annual franchise (deductible) from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500:
EU/EFTA students with EHIC can apply for an exemption from Swiss insurance. If approved, you can use your home country insurance instead. However:
With over 65,000 international students, Switzerland offers world-class universities like ETH Zurich, EPFL, and University of Geneva. Expect high living costs but excellent quality of life, stunning landscapes, and cutting-edge research facilities.
Basic Swiss health insurance for students costs CHF 80–250/month (€85–€265) depending on canton, provider, and deductible. Geneva and Basel are more expensive than Zurich or rural cantons.
EU/EFTA students can apply for an exemption to use EHIC instead of Swiss insurance. However, exemption approval depends on the canton and is not guaranteed. Apply within 3 months of arrival.
The franchise is your annual deductible (CHF 300–2,500). You pay this amount yourself before insurance starts covering costs. Higher franchise = lower monthly premium.
No, basic Swiss insurance does NOT cover dental care. You need supplementary insurance (CHF 30–100/month) or pay out-of-pocket for dental visits.
If you don't register for insurance within 3 months, you'll be automatically enrolled by the cantonal health authority. You'll owe retroactive premiums plus a fine.
Compare Swiss health insurance providers and choose the best deductible for your budget.
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