Which Swiss cantons will see the biggest increase in health insurance premiums?
Swiss health insurance premiums will rise by 6.6 percent in 2023, the government announced on Tuesday, but the hikes will be higher in certain parts of the country.
After four years of relatively stable premiums, the rates on the Switzerland’s obligatory basic health insurance (KVG / LaMal) will jump by 6.6 percent on average, Health Minister Alain Berset announced at a press conference.
This means the average premium will amount to 334.70 francs for an adult per month.
“All categories combined, this represents an increase of 20.70 francs per month, or nearly 250 francs more per year. A family of four will therefore have to spend nearly 1,000 francs more per year to pay their premiums", the Federal Office of Public Health said in a statement.
While premiums will go up throughout Switzerland, residents of some cantons will have to pay more for healthcare than their counterparts in others.
The highest, above-national-average premiums will hit Neuchâtel (+9.5 percent), Appenzell Innerrhoden (9.3 percent), and Ticino (9.2 percent).
Residents of Zurich will see their premiums increase by 7 percent.
In Vaud and Valais, the rates will hover just below the national average, at 6.1 percent, and in Bern by 6.4 percent. Geneva and Basel, on the other hand, will see their premiums rise by a relatively ‘low’ 4.2 and 3.6 percent, respectively.
"Premiums are calculated in advance using estimates”, FOPH said. “The pandemic has made this exercise particularly difficult. It now appears that the premiums paid during the years 2021 and 2022 proved insufficient to cover the costs. In accordance with the law, a catch-up is essential in 2023”.
You will be informed of your exact premiums before the end of October.
You could then switch to a less expensive option, notifying your current carrier of the change by November 30th at the latest.
READ MORE: How to save money by changing your Swiss health policy
Rising healthcare costs
Higher premiums reflect the general trend in healthcare costs that have been soaring in Switzerland in the past several years.
The reasons include more expensive technology, higher spending during the Covid pandemic, longer life expectancy, and overcharging for patient services.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: Why are Swiss health insurance premiums set to rise?
The government has proposed several concrete measures to curb the costs, but they still have to be approved by MPs.
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After four years of relatively stable premiums, the rates on the Switzerland’s obligatory basic health insurance (KVG / LaMal) will jump by 6.6 percent on average, Health Minister Alain Berset announced at a press conference.
This means the average premium will amount to 334.70 francs for an adult per month.
“All categories combined, this represents an increase of 20.70 francs per month, or nearly 250 francs more per year. A family of four will therefore have to spend nearly 1,000 francs more per year to pay their premiums", the Federal Office of Public Health said in a statement.
While premiums will go up throughout Switzerland, residents of some cantons will have to pay more for healthcare than their counterparts in others.
The highest, above-national-average premiums will hit Neuchâtel (+9.5 percent), Appenzell Innerrhoden (9.3 percent), and Ticino (9.2 percent).
Residents of Zurich will see their premiums increase by 7 percent.
In Vaud and Valais, the rates will hover just below the national average, at 6.1 percent, and in Bern by 6.4 percent. Geneva and Basel, on the other hand, will see their premiums rise by a relatively ‘low’ 4.2 and 3.6 percent, respectively.
"Premiums are calculated in advance using estimates”, FOPH said. “The pandemic has made this exercise particularly difficult. It now appears that the premiums paid during the years 2021 and 2022 proved insufficient to cover the costs. In accordance with the law, a catch-up is essential in 2023”.
You will be informed of your exact premiums before the end of October.
You could then switch to a less expensive option, notifying your current carrier of the change by November 30th at the latest.
READ MORE: How to save money by changing your Swiss health policy
Rising healthcare costs
Higher premiums reflect the general trend in healthcare costs that have been soaring in Switzerland in the past several years.
The reasons include more expensive technology, higher spending during the Covid pandemic, longer life expectancy, and overcharging for patient services.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: Why are Swiss health insurance premiums set to rise?
The government has proposed several concrete measures to curb the costs, but they still have to be approved by MPs.
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