Swiss Health Insurance Premiums 2026: Cantonal Differences and Last-Minute Savings Tips
Swiss health insurance premiums increase by 4.4% in 2026. Discover cantonal differences (Ticino +7.1%, Zug -14.7%) and our last-minute tips to save before November 30.
Swiss health insurance premiums are rising again in 2026 - by an average of 4.4 percent. For a typical household, this means around CHF 200 more per year. But the differences between cantons are enormous: while insured persons in Zug benefit from a historic premium reduction, those in Ticino face the steepest increase.
In this article, you'll learn everything about the new 2026 premiums, cantonal differences, and how to act now to save hundreds of francs.
⏰ Attention: Deadline November 30, 2025!
Since November 30, 2025 falls on a Sunday, your cancellation must reach your health insurer by Friday, November 28, 2025. Act now!
Key Figures for 2026
FINMA and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) have approved the new premiums for 2026. Here are the essential facts:
| Indicator | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average premium adults | CHF 378.70 | CHF 393.30 | +4.1% |
| Average premium children | CHF 105.20 | CHF 110.40 | +4.9% |
| Average premium young adults | CHF 285.60 | CHF 297.60 | +4.2% |
| Overall average | - | CHF 393.30 | +4.4% |
📊 Note: The average values shown are based on data from the FOPH and ElCom. Individual premiums vary depending on canton, age, deductible, and chosen insurance model. Source: priminfo.admin.ch, as of November 2025.
Cantonal Differences: Winners and Losers
Premium development varies significantly between cantons. Some regions face above-average increases, while others have positive surprises in store.
Cantons with the Highest Premium Increases in 2026
| Canton | Premium Increase 2026 | Average Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Ticino (TI) | +7.1% | CHF 456.80 |
| 🥈 Valais (VS) | +5.9% | CHF 382.40 |
| 🥉 Jura (JU) | +5.3% | CHF 401.20 |
| 4. Vaud (VD) | +4.9% | CHF 428.60 |
| 5. Neuchâtel (NE) | +4.7% | CHF 445.30 |
Cantons with the Lowest Premium Increases (or Decreases!)
| Canton | Premium Change 2026 | Average Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Zug (ZG) | -14.7% | CHF 298.50 |
| 2. Geneva (GE) | +3.0% | CHF 478.20 |
| 3. Fribourg (FR) | +3.4% | CHF 368.40 |
| 4. Appenzell Innerrhoden (AI) | +3.5% | CHF 312.80 |
| 5. Nidwalden (NW) | +3.6% | CHF 305.60 |
🎉 Historic Reduction in Zug
The canton of Zug records a historic premium reduction of 14.7%. This exceptional situation results from a combination of factors: healthy population, efficient healthcare system, and favorable reserve development. Zug residents will save an average of CHF 620 per year compared to 2025.
Why Are Premiums Rising in 2026?
The average increase of 4.4% can be explained by several factors:
1. Delayed Inflation Effects
Inflation from previous years has a delayed impact on the healthcare sector. Medication prices, medical equipment, and personnel costs increase with a time lag.
2. Outpatient Treatments
The trend from inpatient to outpatient treatments continues. Since outpatient costs are fully covered by basic insurance (without cantonal contribution), premiums rise accordingly.
3. Aging Population
With age, the need for medical services increases. Switzerland's demographic development continuously contributes to rising healthcare costs.
4. Medical Progress
New treatment methods and medications are often more expensive than traditional therapies but offer better results. This innovation comes at a price.
How to Save Now: Last-Minute Tips
Even though time is short, you can still act. Here are the most effective measures:
Tip 1: Switch Health Insurers
Basic insurance is identical at all insurers - only the price differs. Switching can save you several hundred francs per year.
| Action | Deadline | Important |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel basic insurance | November 28, 2025 | Receipt by insurer, not postmark! |
| Sign up with new insurer | Before cancellation | Wait for acceptance confirmation |
| Lower the deductible | November 30, 2025 | Request from current insurer |
| Raise the deductible | December 31, 2025 | Longer deadline available |
Tip 2: Optimize Your Deductible
Choosing the right deductible can make the biggest difference:
| Deductible | Suitable For | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | People with regular doctor visits, chronic conditions | Maximum cost security |
| CHF 500 - CHF 2000 | Middle options | Rarely optimal |
| CHF 2500 | Healthy people under 40, few doctor visits | Up to CHF 1,540/year |
💡 Rule of thumb: For expected healthcare costs below CHF 2,000 per year, the maximum deductible of CHF 2,500 is advantageous. For higher costs, the minimum deductible of CHF 300 is more economical. Middle deductibles (500-2000 CHF) are rarely worthwhile.
Tip 3: Choose an Alternative Insurance Model
With alternative insurance models, you can save an additional 10-20%:
| Model | How It Works | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Family Doctor Model | First contact always through your family doctor | 10-15% |
| HMO Model | Treatment in a group medical practice | 15-20% |
| Telmed Model | Phone consultation before doctor visit | 8-12% |
| Pharmacy Model | First consultation at pharmacy | 8-12% |
Tip 4: Take Advantage of Family Discounts
Many health insurers offer discounts for families:
- Children's discounts: 5-10% from the second child
- Family discounts: Up to 10% for the entire family
- Combination: Basic and supplementary insurance with the same provider
Premium Reduction: Are You Eligible?
Depending on your income and family situation, you may be entitled to a premium reduction (subsidies):
| Situation | Income Limit (approx.) | Where to Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | CHF 40,000 - 55,000 | Cantonal office |
| Couple without children | CHF 55,000 - 75,000 | Cantonal office |
| Family with 2 children | CHF 80,000 - 100,000 | Cantonal office |
⚠️ Note: Income limits vary significantly between cantons. Contact your cantonal compensation office for exact conditions.
Checklist: How to Proceed
Here's your last-minute checklist for the coming days:
✅ Health Insurance Switch Checklist 2026
- ☐Today: Compare premiums on priminfo.admin.ch
- ☐Today: Choose the cheapest insurer with your desired model
- ☐Tomorrow: Register online with the new insurer
- ☐After confirmation: Send cancellation by registered mail to old insurer
- ☐By Nov 28: Ensure cancellation has arrived
- ☐December: Receive new insurance card
Conclusion: Act Now!
Health insurance premiums are rising again in 2026 - but you have the power to limit their impact. With the right combination of switching insurers, optimal deductible, and alternative insurance model, you can save up to CHF 2,000 per year.
Key takeaways:
- Premiums increase by an average of 4.4%
- Large cantonal differences (Ticino +7.1%, Zug -14.7%)
- Cancellation deadline: November 28, 2025 (receipt, not postmark!)
- Deductibles of CHF 300 or CHF 2,500 are generally most advantageous
- Alternative models allow additional savings of 10-20%
Make use of the remaining days to optimize your health insurance for 2026!
📊 Compare Premiums Now
Use the official federal premium calculator for an independent comparison:
Go to Priminfo.ch →
Legal Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. The premiums and percentages mentioned are average values and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Please consult official sources such as priminfo.admin.ch or your health insurer directly for binding information. Status: November 2025. Sources: FOPH, FINMA, Comparis, Deloitte Health Insurance Report 2025.
Stay informed
Soon we will launch an interactive comparison tool that allows you to compare premiums directly.
Discover more articles