What is a Deductible (Franchise)?

A franchise (deductible) is a central term in the Swiss healthcare system – it refers to the fixed annual amount that an insured person must pay out of pocket for mandatory health insurance (basic insurance) before the health insurer covers costs.

Simply explained:

The franchise is the deductible you pay yourself each year before your health insurer starts contributing to healthcare costs.

Example:

You have a deductible of CHF 2,500.

• During the year you visit the doctor and receive treatments and medications worth CHF 1,200 → You pay everything yourself, as you are below your deductible.
• The next year you receive treatments worth CHF 3,500:
  • You pay the first CHF 2,500 (deductible) yourself.
  • Of the remaining CHF 1,000, the health insurer covers 90%, you still have to pay 10% as co-payment (i.e. CHF 100).

Which deductible can I choose?

As an adult insured person (from 18 years) you can generally choose a deductible between:

• CHF 300 (minimum deductible)
• and CHF 2,500 (maximum deductible).

Children have reduced deductible levels (e.g. from CHF 0).