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Health insurance in Switzerland: does cover start when you arrive or when your contract starts?

The obligation to take out insurance starts when you take up residence in Switzerland, not when your employment contract begins. If you enrol within 3 months, cover is backdated to your arrival, and premiums are due from that date.

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Work out your health insurance deadline

Enter your arrival date to see your deadline.

Two dates that often differ

Many people arrive a few weeks before their first day at work, or start working before they have found a home. For health insurance, only the date you take up residence in Switzerland counts: that is the date the insurer will ask you for when you enrol.

Backdated cover, and what it costs

If you enrol within 3 months, the insurance takes effect from the day you took up residence. In return, the premiums for that whole period are due retroactively. If you enrol at the end of the third month, you therefore pay three months of premiums at once.

Before you end your previous cover

If you stay insured in your previous country during your first weeks in Switzerland, you may end up paying two insurances for the same period: the Swiss one covers you, and bills you, from your arrival date. Before you leave, ask your previous insurer until when you are covered and how to end the contract.

Your employer does not insure you for illness

Basic health insurance is individual: every member of the household, children included, must be insured. If you work at least 8 hours a week for the same employer, they insure you against accidents, and you can suspend accident cover in your health insurance.

Cross-border commuters: different rules

If you live in a neighbouring country and work in Switzerland, this does not apply to you: the right of option lets you choose between Swiss insurance and that of your country of residence. See Cross-border.

Comparing premiums

You are free to choose your insurer among the authorised health insurers. Basic insurance premiums depend on the insurer, the region and the deductible: compare them on priminfo.admin.ch, the Confederation’s official calculator. CheckSwiss does not recommend any insurer.

Check the formalities and deadlines that apply to you

CheckSwiss keeps only the formalities that apply to you, based on your canton, job, family and vehicle, and works out your deadlines.

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Frequently asked questions

My contract starts a month after I arrive: from when must I be insured?

From the day you take up residence in Switzerland. If you enrol within 3 months, the insurance covers that period and premiums are due from your arrival.

Are premiums really due retroactively?

Yes. If you enrol within the 3-month deadline, you pay premiums from the day you took up residence, even if you only enrol at the end of the deadline.

Does my employer take care of my health insurance?

No. Everyone takes out their own health insurance. The employer insures people who work at least 8 hours a week for them against accidents.

What happens if I go past 3 months?

Cover only starts on the day you enrol, with no backdating, and a premium surcharge may apply. The details are on the page about late enrolment.

Sources

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