Every person living in Switzerland must have health insurance coverage. People are free to choose their insurer. Roughly 90 health insurance funds are recognised by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and are authorised to provide compulsory health insurance. Insurers are obliged to insure all persons regardless of age, state of health unconditionally and without waiting periods. The FOPH website provides information on health insurance.

Health insurance provides service in the event of illness, maternity and accidents, unless costs are not borne by an accident insurance. Mandatory health insurance covers ambulant treatment by doctors, chiropractors including prescribed medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy, admission to the general wards of the hospitals in the canton of residence and in a hospital of another canton (if this is necessary for specific treatment or in the case of an emergency). Benefits furthermore include Spitex services, nursing home costs as medical rehabilitation. Basic health insurance does not cover dental work unless it is linked to serious illness. Mandatory health insurance covers medical costs of insured persons abroad. In addition to the basic insurance, policy holders have the option of taking out additional insurance, such as coverage for semiprivate or private hospital room accommodation for persons seeking additional comfort.

Health insurance premiums vary based on the insurer and on the canton. Policy holders, who agree to limit their choice of doctor and hospitals or to increase their amount of shared costs (deductible), pay a reduced premium. Low-income households are eligible for reduced premiums, which are determined by the cantons. A list of the cantonal offices to contact for reduced premiums is available on the FOPH website.

In principle, the insurer reimburses treatment provided or prescribed by a physician. The services covered by compulsory health insurance are regulated by law. Physicians are obliged to inform patients when a service is not reimbursed. For information about reimbursement of medical services, you can also contact your insurer.

The websites of the FOPH website and the Federation of Swiss health insurance companies (santésuisse) provide extensive information about health insurance.

In the event of any problems with your health insurance company, the office of the social health insurance ombudsman offers consultation and arbitration services.