Switzerland is known not only for its dreamy landscapes but also for the high quality of living that it offers its residents and visitors. Swiss citizens enjoy superb infrastructure and facilities built for their safety and well-being. No wonder then that there is such a growing demand for residency and tourist permits.
This European country is also known for the excellent universal healthcare provided to all the citizens that guarantee a very high level of care. However, public healthcare is surprisingly not funded through taxes but through mandatory health and accident insurance.
Their Federal Office of Public Health is responsible for ensuring that everyone living in Switzerland has timely access to a good standard of medical care. That is why it is mandatory for all residents to have valid health insurance which is regulated by the government. The rates and regulation of insurance companies is monitored by the authorities to safeguard the policyholders’ rights, as well as support the insurance industry.
Compulsory health insurance offers cover for illnesses, maternity, and accidents. It is mandatory that insurance providers offer equal benefits to all insured people in terms of care, facilities, etc. without discrimination on health status or any other policy factors. Irrespective of when they started the policy cover or what type of policy they have chosen, insurers must ensure parity in access and quality.
There are more than 60 government-approved non-profit insurance providers who offer the basic healthcare coverage that is compulsory for all. When you do a health insurance comparison, consider that the premium is decided based on the provider, type of coverage and facilities, place of residence, etc. The Swiss Federal Law of Health Insurance is considered one of the best healthcare regulations in the world, and it sets the objectives and charts the execution plan.
Though there is ample freedom for the policyholder to choose what kind of plan and which provider, you should be aware that Swiss insurance plans require high cost-sharing between the policyholder and the insurer. Including deductibles and coinsurance, which means that the policyholder is primarily responsible for payment until the insurance kicks in. Also, he/ she is still required to bear the coinsurance costs, which would be around 10% of the costs after the deductible. However, most costs are capped for the protection of the policyholder. That is why Swiss citizens are encouraged to do regular health insurance comparisons to keep their premiums to a minimum.
It may seem too complicated, but it also provides great healthcare! So, it would be prudent to choose the right provider and coverage for you at the best cost.
To find out the right health insurance for your needs, you can visit https://www.healthinsurance-swiss.ch/.
Below are the things you need to consider when doing a health insurance comparison to choose the right insurance package which can help you save significant costs while maximizing benefits:
1. Start with research
The insurance industry in Switzerland is strictly monitored by government agencies to ensure fairness for all stakeholders. There are regular government updates on policies, rights of the policyholders, and such to create awareness among the public. Public health administration happens in cantons or districts, to ensure that relevant policies are as per local regulations. These offices also publish yearly in-depth reports on policies, premiums, and other insurance data which can help you make the right choice for you. Start your health insurance comparison by analyzing the data put out by the health department in your place of residence.
2. Keep Exploring And Comparing
It is not compulsory for all family members to have the same policy for insurance. Children and dependant adults have to be individually insured, but you can choose different providers for different policies. For example, if a different provider is offering a better premium to cover your parents, you can choose that insurance only for them.
3. Consider Supplementary Insurance
It is important to note that compulsory health insurance is quite comprehensive, but it is not entirely complete. For example, dental care is not covered under compulsory insurance. Make sure that supplementary insurance provides different benefits from primary insurance, and that together they are sufficient to cover all your requirements. Some supplementary insurance packages include gym subscriptions, subsidies for physical aids (like spectacles), and vaccinations.
4. Choose The Deductible Wisely
A deductible is a minimum amount that you will have to pay on your medical bills before the insurance company becomes liable for them. A simple rule is that the higher your deductible, the lower the insurance premiums. Consider your annual medical expenses, residence, insurance model, and other parameters while choosing the deductible. If you choose the highest deductible when your annual medical spending is low, you can save a significant amount on premiums.
CONCLUSION
Health insurance comparisons should be done annually to make sure that you are choosing the most optimum plan for your requirements. The Swiss Federal Department of Public Health provides a wide range of tools for citizens to access the latest information about local regulations, insurance providers, calculators, etc. so citizens can choose the optimum insurance coverage. With proper planning, you can save significantly on insurance premiums while ensuring coverage for all your requirements.
