The Swiss insurance glossary

Federal Health Insurance Act. The mandatory basic insurance for everyone in Switzerland; benefits are identical at every insurer.

Insurance Contract Act. Governs optional supplementals; the insurer may accept or refuse an application.

The monthly contribution you pay your insurer. It varies by insurer, region, age, deductible and model.

The annual amount of health costs you cover before any reimbursement. From CHF 300 to 2,500 for an adult: the higher it is, the lower your premium.

Your 10% share of costs above the deductible, capped (CHF 700/year for an adult, 350 for a child).

How you access care: free choice, family doctor, HMO or telemedicine (Telmed). Alternative models lower the premium.

Cantonal support that covers part of the premium based on household income and assets.

Individual pension savings. The 3a is tied and tax-deductible; the 3b is flexible.

The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. Insurance brokers are registered with it.

For basic insurance, you can switch insurer by cancelling, usually by 30 November, effective 1 January.