Swiss Health Insurance Deductible Optimizer
Optimize your Swiss health insurance franchise (300 vs 2500) based on expected medical costs.
Swiss Health Insurance (KK) Franchise Optimizer
Compare total annual costs across all 6 Swiss health insurance franchise levels (CHF 300–2,500) to find the most cost-effective deductible for your medical spending.
💊 Your Health Profile
📊 Total Annual Cost by Franchise Level
Swiss Health Insurance (Krankenkasse): Franchise Optimization Guide
Under KVG (Federal Health Insurance Act), every Swiss resident must carry mandatory basic health insurance (Grundversicherung). Choosing the right franchise (deductible) is one of the most impactful financial decisions you make each year.
Swiss Franchise Break-Even Rules of Thumb
| Franchise (CHF) | Best If Annual Expenses | Premium Savings vs CHF 300 | Out-of-Pocket Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | Above CHF 2,500+ | — | CHF 1,000 (300 + 700) |
| CHF 1,000 | Moderate CHF 1,000–2,000 | ~CHF 600–800/yr | CHF 1,700 |
| CHF 2,500 | Below CHF 500 (healthy years) | ~CHF 1,500–2,000/yr | CHF 3,200 (2,500 + 700) |
What is the 10% co-insurance (Selbstbehalt) in Swiss health insurance?
Beyond your franchise amount, Swiss basic insurance requires you to pay 10% of remaining medical costs yourself — up to a maximum cap of CHF 700 per year for adults. This means your maximum total annual out-of-pocket cost (franchise + co-insurance) is CHF 1,000 for CHF 300 franchise, or CHF 3,200 for CHF 2,500 franchise.
Should healthy young adults always choose the CHF 2,500 franchise?
Generally yes — if you expect annual medical expenses below CHF 500 (typical for healthy adults under 30), the CHF 2,500 franchise typically saves CHF 1,500–2,000 per year in premiums. However, this strategy requires having the cash reserves to cover a high-expense year up front.
Can I change my Swiss health insurance franchise once per year?
Yes! You can switch your franchise level once per year — changes must be communicated to your Krankenkasse insurer by October 31st to take effect the following January 1st.
Educational Purpose Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational and educational estimation purposes only. All calculations and projections are based on standard mathematical formulas and assumed inputs. The output values should not be considered professional financial, legal, tax, or medical advice. ProCalc is not a registered financial advisor or licensed practitioner. Always consult a qualified professional (such as a Chartered Accountant, certified planner, or physician) before making major decisions.
What is the Swiss Health Insurance Deductible Optimizer?
The Swiss Health Insurance Deductible Optimizer helps residents in Switzerland evaluate monthly premium costs and select the optimal health insurance deductible (franchise).
Under Swiss federal law (KVG/LaMal), basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) is compulsory for all residents. When selecting a policy, you must choose an annual deductible (franchise) ranging from the minimum of CHF 300 to the maximum of CHF 2,500 (for adults).
Choosing the optimal franchise depends on your expected annual medical expenses:
- The CHF 2,500 Franchise: Optimal if you expect very low medical costs (under CHF 2,000/year). It offers the lowest monthly premiums.
- The CHF 300 Franchise: Optimal if you expect high medical costs (over CHF 2,000/year) due to ongoing treatments, prescriptions, or planned procedures.
In addition to the franchise, Swiss health insurance requires a 10% co-insurance (Selbstbehalt) on all expenses exceeding the franchise, capped at a maximum out-of-pocket amount of CHF 700 per year.
As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid selecting intermediate franchises (CHF 500, CHF 1,000, CHF 1,500, CHF 2,000) because they are mathematically sub-optimal in almost all scenarios. You should choose either the absolute minimum (CHF 300) or the absolute maximum (CHF 2,500) based on your health profile.
This calculator compares the total annual costs (premiums + out-of-pocket expenses) for both the CHF 300 and CHF 2,500 options, helping you select the deductible that minimizes your total healthcare costs. Remember to always secure a financial buffer equal to your chosen franchise to cover unexpected hospital visits or medical emergencies in Switzerland.
How Does the Swiss Health Insurance Deductible Optimizer Work?
1. Enter Expected Annual Medical Expenses. 2. Input Monthly Premium for CHF 300 franchise. 3. Input Monthly Premium for CHF 2500 franchise. 4. View which option is optimal and your annual savings.
Formula & Calculation Method
Total Cost = Annual Premiums + Out of Pocket (Franchise + 10% co-insurance up to CHF 700). Compares total annual costs for both options.
Example Calculation
With CHF 1,000 medical costs. Franchise 300 total cost = Premium + 300 + (700 * 10%) = Premium + 370. Franchise 2500 total cost = Premium + 1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Cost = Annual Premiums + Out of Pocket (Franchise + 10% co-insurance up to CHF 700). Compares total annual costs for both options.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided for informational and calculation purposes. Output values are estimates based on standard user inputs.