Plan separate policies, child premiums and coordinated start dates when your family moves to Switzerland.
Each family member needs their own cover
Swiss basic insurance is organised per person. A parent’s policy does not automatically insure a spouse or child, and moving together does not require everyone to choose the same insurer. Make a list of each person’s arrival date, age, employment and existing foreign cover. Where family members arrive at different times, their insurance start dates may differ.
An exemption or foreign coordination arrangement for one person does not establish the position of every dependant. Ask the canton about each family member. Under ordinary enrolment rules, timely applications bring cover and premiums retroactively from each person’s obligation start date.
Children and young adults have different rules
Children have lower basic premiums and a standard deductible of CHF 0; ordinary annual co-payment is capped at CHF 350. Optional child deductibles increase the amount you must be ready to pay. Young adults aged 19–25 have their own premium category but adult deductible and co-payment rules. Compare everyone individually rather than reuse a parent’s profile.
Do not remove accident cover from a child’s policy merely because a parent has employer accident insurance. Check each person’s own protection. For a baby born after the move, the ordinary enrolment deadline is three months after birth, with cover from birth if enrolled on time.
Prepare care and the household budget
Bring vaccination records and relevant paediatric reports. Check whether a chosen restricted model allows the planned paediatrician and how specialist referrals work. Basic dental treatment is not generally covered simply because the patient is a child; verify the relevant benefits before assuming reimbursement.
Calculate total family premiums plus reserves for each person’s treatment costs. Ask the canton about premium reduction and its application deadlines. Our existing family guide provides more detail on children’s deductibles, newborn enrolment and dental insurance choices.
Frequently asked questions
Must we all use the same insurer?
No. Compare cost and practical administration for each person before deciding.
What if one parent arrives later?
Assess each person’s obligation and start date separately; do not automatically use one date for the whole family.
Related guides
- How much does health insurance cost in Switzerland?
- Deductible vs. franchise: understanding Swiss healthcare costs
- Basic vs. supplementary health insurance in Switzerland
Detailed resident guides
Official sources
Information checked: 9 October 2026