Lexipedia

Mandatory health insurance

Mandatory health insurance ensures basic coverage for medically necessary healthcare costs for persons living in Switzerland.

Swiss mandatory health insurance provides compulsory basic coverage for residents, with private insurers offering the legally defined package under public-law rules. Premiums are generally paid per person and are not income-based, though premium reductions may support eligible households. Coverage includes defined medical treatments, medicines and hospital care, subject to cost sharing and limitations. Insurers must accept applicants for basic insurance regardless of health status. Supplementary insurance is separate and governed differently, so disputes often turn on whether a treatment falls within mandatory basic coverage.