Swiss legislators have decided to raise the minimum deductible of the obligatory health insurance scheme to counteract the high cost of Switzerland’s healthcare.
On March 19th, 2025, the parliament has accepted a motion from the Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to raise the minimum co-pay.
The reason beind this hike is that since the Federal Health Insurance Act came into force in 1996, the costs shouldered by health insurance companies have tripled.
A higher deductible would therefore reduce the burden on premiums, deputies said.
What is happening?
When you take out Switzerland’s compulsory health insurance policy (BVG / LaMal), you have to choose the amount of your annual deductible (also called ‘franchise’) — ranging from the lowest, 300 francs, to the highest, which is 2,500 francs. (There are various other amounts in between as well, but these two are the most common).
Whichever amount you choose, you will have to pay it yourself before you can claim benefits from the insurance provider.
The lower deductible you choose, the higher your premium will be, and vice-versa.
Currently, about 44 percent of Switzerland’s population have the lowest, 300-franc deductible.
But the SVP argued (successfully, as it turned out), that if patients have to spend more money out of pocket before being able to have their bills paid by insurance, they would seek medical help less often for minor ailments, and healthcare costs would be curbed.
However, a study carried out by the University of St. Gallen in collaboration with Groupe Mutuel insurance, has shown that most people with low franchise do not rush to the doctor after having exceeded their deductible.
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Some MPs were against the change, however,
If a higher deductible is enforced, the measure “would disadvantage people of modest economic means and those with chronic illnesses,” deputies from the Liberal-Radical Party (PLR) pointed out.
“Such a measure would restrict their access to care, which would have negative consequences for public health.
Delays in treatment could lead to a worsening of their health, which would only increase costs. In addition, without screening, the frequency of communicable diseases could increase,” they claimed.
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What will happen next?
The new measure won’t be immediately implemented.
First of all, deputies have to decide on the amount of the new deductible — 400 and 500 francs had been suggested previously.
As a new law, it would likely be subject to a mandatory referendum — that is, it would have be put to a nationwide vote. It would be implemented only if voters approve the measure, and even then, it would take a while before it goes into effect.
And if you are still confused about which deductible is best for you (as many foreign nationals not accustomed to Swiss health insurance are), this article will help:
READ ALSO: Which Swiss health insurance deductible makes most sense?
