What is the health insurance deductible?
The deductible is the amount of health costs you pay yourself each year before your insurer starts reimbursing. In 2026 an adult chooses between CHF 300 (minimum) and CHF 2,500 (maximum). The higher the deductible, the lower the monthly premium — but the more you pay out of pocket when you need care.
Deductible + co-payment: how it really works
After reaching your deductible you still pay a 10% co-payment on the remaining costs, capped at CHF 700 per year for an adult (CHF 350 for a child). Example: with a CHF 300 deductible and CHF 2,000 of costs, you pay 300 + 170 (10% of 1,700) = CHF 470; the insurer covers the rest.
Available deductibles (adult and child)
For an adult the legal deductibles are CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 and 2,500. For a child (up to 18) it ranges from CHF 0 to 600 in steps of 100, with a strongly reduced premium.
Which deductible to choose? The break-even rule
Compare the annual premium savings (between the 300 and 2,500 deductible) to the maximum extra cost if you need care. In practice: if you expect few medical costs (under ~CHF 1,500-2,000/year), the CHF 2,500 deductible almost always wins. Keep CHF 300 if you expect regular care (chronic illness, pregnancy, ongoing treatment).
How to change your deductible
A deductible change takes effect on January 1. To raise it (and lower your premium), tell your insurer before the end of November. Use the occasion to also compare insurers — premiums vary widely for the same deductible.