Why should I usually pick either the CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 franchise and avoid CHF 1,000 or CHF 1,500?

Under KVV Art. 93, the maximum premium discount is 70% of the extra franchise risk (CHF 1,540/year for CHF 2,500 vs. CHF 300). Across all medical cost scenarios from CHF 0 to CHF 10,000+, either CHF 2,500 (low medical spend) or CHF 300 (high medical spend) almost always yields the lowest total annual cost.

By what date must I change my health insurance franchise or insurer in Switzerland?

To switch your KVG basic insurer for 1 January, your cancellation letter must reach the current insurer by the last working day of November (30 November). To lower your franchise with the same insurer, notify them by 30 November; to raise it, by 31 December.

Are maternity costs subject to the franchise and 10% retention?

No. From the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after birth, medical benefits under KVG basic insurance are exempt from both the franchise and the 10% retention.

Health insurance franchise comparison

Compare all 6 adult KVG basic health insurance franchises (CHF 300 to CHF 2,500) including the 10% retention up to CHF 700.

Expected medical costs this year (CHF)

Replace with your monthly quotes from your insurer or priminfo.admin.ch.

Franchise CHF 300Franchise CHF 500Franchise CHF 1000Franchise CHF 1500Franchise CHF 2000Franchise CHF 2500

Cheapest for you

CHF 2500

Franchise	Total / yr	Worst case
300	CHF 5'370.00	CHF 5'980.00
500	CHF 5'418.00	CHF 6'048.00
1000	CHF 5'532.00	CHF 6'212.00
1500	CHF 5'376.00	CHF 6'376.00
2000	CHF 5'040.00	CHF 6'540.00
2500	CHF 4'644.00	CHF 6'644.00

Direct answer

Adult basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) in Switzerland offers six annual franchise levels: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500. Because insurers discount the CHF 2,500 franchise by up to CHF 1,540 per year and intermediate franchises rarely beat the extremes, either CHF 300 (if expected bills exceed ~CHF 1,800/year) or CHF 2,500 (if expected bills are below ~CHF 1,800/year) is almost always cheapest.

Key statutory figures & facts

•Adult KVG franchise options: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 2,500
•Retention (Selbstbehalt): 10% of costs above the franchise, capped at CHF 700/year
•Maximum out-of-pocket medical cost: CHF 1,000/yr (at CHF 300) or CHF 3,200/yr (at CHF 2,500)
•Break-even medical spend between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500 is typically ~CHF 1,700–1,900/yr

How it's calculated

Yearly premiums = monthly premium × 12.
You pay medical costs up to the chosen franchise, then 10% of remaining bills (retention), capped at CHF 700 per year for adults.
Total = premiums + franchise paid + retention. Worst case = premiums + franchise + 700.

Assumptions

Adults (age 26+). Children (0–18) have a CHF 0–600 franchise and CHF 350 retention cap.
Hospital daily contribution (CHF 15/day) and maternity exemptions are not included.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I usually pick either the CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 franchise and avoid CHF 1,000 or CHF 1,500?: Under KVV Art. 93, the maximum premium discount is 70% of the extra franchise risk (CHF 1,540/year for CHF 2,500 vs. CHF 300). Across all medical cost scenarios from CHF 0 to CHF 10,000+, either CHF 2,500 (low medical spend) or CHF 300 (high medical spend) almost always yields the lowest total annual cost.
By what date must I change my health insurance franchise or insurer in Switzerland?: To switch your KVG basic insurer for 1 January, your cancellation letter must reach the current insurer by the last working day of November (30 November). To lower your franchise with the same insurer, notify them by 30 November; to raise it, by 31 December.
Are maternity costs subject to the franchise and 10% retention?: No. From the 13th week of pregnancy until 8 weeks after birth, medical benefits under KVG basic insurance are exempt from both the franchise and the 10% retention.