Health insurance premiums are among the largest regular household expenses for families in Switzerland. Children in particular offer interesting ways to save: lower child premiums, family discounts, specific deductibles and public premium reductions. Comparing offers can save several hundred francs each year.
Contrary to what many people think, parents and children do not have to use the same health insurer. Siblings can also choose different insurers, deductibles and insurance models.
The cheapest solution for your family depends on where you live, your children’s ages, your chosen insurance models and any family discounts.
This guide explains how to insure your baby, which deductible makes sense for children, when grouping family policies is worthwhile and how to reduce your household’s health insurance costs.
Family health insurance at a glance
- Every child needs their own basic insurance. They are not automatically covered by their parents’ policy.
- Newborns must be registered within three months of birth. If registered on time, cover applies retrospectively from birth.
- Children generally have no deductible. Optional deductibles of up to CHF 600 are available.
- The co-payment is capped at CHF 350 per child per year. Additional limits apply when several children use the same insurer.
- Family members can use different health insurers.
- Some health insurers offer family discounts, particularly from the third child.
- Premium reductions can substantially reduce costs. Specific statutory rules apply to eligible families on low and middle incomes.
How much does health insurance for children cost in 2027?
Health insurance premiums continue to rise in 2027.
According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the average monthly premium for children in 2027 is CHF 128.10. This is CHF 5.70, or 4.6 %, more than the previous year.
For adults, the average premium is CHF 487.60 a month.
Actual premiums can differ considerably from these averages.
The main factors include:
- Location and premium region
- Health insurer
- Age of the insured person
- Chosen deductible
- Insurance model
- Any family discounts
Example: health insurance costs for a family of four
Consider a family with two adults and two children.
| Family member | Example monthly premium |
|---|---|
| Adult 1 | CHF 450 |
| Adult 2 | CHF 450 |
| Child 1 | CHF 120 |
| Child 2 | CHF 120 |
| Monthly total | CHF 1'140 |
| Annual total | CHF 13'680 |
These amounts are a hypothetical example, not actual offers.
However, the table shows why comparing premiums regularly is particularly worthwhile for families.
Even small savings across several family members can add up to a considerable amount over a year.
Must parents and children use the same health insurer?
No. In Switzerland, every family member can generally choose basic insurance independently of the others.
There is no legal requirement to register the entire family with the same insurer.
For example, you can use one health insurer, your partner another and your children a third.
Siblings can also use different health insurers.
Advantages of grouping family policies
It can still make sense to insure several family members with the same health insurer.
Possible advantages include:
- Family discounts on child premiums
- Managing policies together
- Fewer separate points of contact
- Easier overview of bills and policies
- Special rules for combined cost-sharing across several children
Advantages of different health insurers
If family members use separate policies, you can find the cheapest suitable basic insurance for each person.
This can be particularly useful if one insurer offers very low child premiums while another is more attractive for adults.
However, compare not only individual premiums but also any family discounts and combined cost-sharing rules.
Our tip: compare your household’s total annual costs with all children using the same insurer and with the cheapest individual offers.
Are there family discounts on health insurance?
Yes. Some Swiss health insurers offer additional premium discounts to families with several children.
However, these are not automatically available from every insurer.
Discounts are particularly common for the third and each subsequent child.
Other insurers offer discounts on certain supplementary policies or require several family members to be included in the same family policy.
When is a family discount worthwhile?
Suppose a health insurer charges CHF 120 a month for each child and offers a 50 % discount on the third child’s basic insurance premium.
| Child | Without discount | With family discount |
|---|---|---|
| First child | CHF 120 | CHF 120 |
| Second child | CHF 120 | CHF 120 |
| Third child | CHF 120 | CHF 60 |
| Monthly total | CHF 360 | CHF 300 |
The family saves CHF 720 a year in this hypothetical example.
However, another insurer can be cheaper overall even without a family discount.
A discount alone is therefore not enough to make your decision.
Important: always check the family discount conditions. Sometimes all children must use the same insurer, live in the same household or meet additional requirements.
Which deductible makes sense for children?
Different rules apply to children than to adults.
While adults have a standard deductible of CHF 300 in basic insurance, the standard deductible for children is CHF 0.
Parents can voluntarily choose a higher deductible to reduce the monthly premium.
Overview of child deductibles
| Deductible | Maximum annual premium discount |
|---|---|
| CHF 0 | CHF 0 |
| CHF 100 | CHF 70 |
| CHF 200 | CHF 140 |
| CHF 300 | CHF 210 |
| CHF 400 | CHF 280 |
| CHF 500 | CHF 350 |
| CHF 600 | CHF 420 |
These amounts show the maximum discounts permitted by law compared with the standard CHF 0 deductible. Not all insurers offer every level, and the actual discount may be lower.
When is the CHF 0 deductible worthwhile?
The CHF 0 deductible is particularly attractive if a child regularly needs medical treatment.
This may apply to chronic illnesses, frequent doctor visits or longer-term therapies.
As there is no deductible, covered healthcare costs are generally paid from the outset, subject to the co-payment.
When can the CHF 600 deductible be worthwhile?
A higher deductible can pay off if your child rarely needs medical care and the annual premium savings are high enough.
However, an unexpected doctor visit or hospital stay means you must first pay the chosen deductible yourself.
Example calculation: deductible 0 or 600?
Suppose the same health insurer offers the following premiums:
| Deductible 0 | Deductible 600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | CHF 120 | CHF 90 |
| Annual premium | CHF 1'440 | CHF 1'080 |
| Annual premium savings | – | CHF 360 |
With annual healthcare costs of CHF 0, the high deductible saves you CHF 360.
If covered treatment costs reach CHF 1'000, however, the calculation changes:
| Deductible 0 | Deductible 600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual premium | CHF 1'440 | CHF 1'080 |
| Deductible | CHF 0 | CHF 600 |
| Co-payment | CHF 100 | CHF 40 |
| Total costs | CHF 1'540 | CHF 1'720 |
In this example, the CHF 0 deductible is CHF 180 cheaper despite a higher monthly premium.
Conclusion: a higher child deductible can save money but is not automatically the better choice. Actual premium savings and expected healthcare costs are what matter.
Further reading: Which deductible is right for you? CHF 300 or 2,500?
How much is the co-payment for children?
Even if you choose the CHF 0 deductible for your child, cost-sharing can still apply.
For children, the ordinary co-payment is 10 % of covered healthcare costs above the deductible.
The co-payment is generally capped at CHF 350 per child per calendar year.
With a CHF 0 deductible, the regular maximum cost-sharing is therefore CHF 350 per child.
With an optional CHF 600 deductible, it can reach CHF 950.
Special rule for families with several children
If several children in a family use the same health insurer, a statutory limit applies to their combined cost-sharing.
With the standard CHF 0 deductible, the following upper limits generally apply to a family:
| Number of children with the same insurer | Maximum regular cost-sharing |
|---|---|
| 1 child | CHF 350 |
| 2 children | CHF 700 |
| 3 or more children | CHF 1'000 |
Special calculation rules apply to higher optional child deductibles.
This family rule can be a reason to insure several children with the same insurer.
Good to know: children and adolescents do not have to pay the additional daily hospital contribution of CHF 15 that applies to adults under certain conditions.
Registering a baby for health insurance: what should parents know?
A child’s birth also creates the obligation to insure the baby with a health insurer.
In Switzerland, a newborn is not automatically covered by their mother’s or father’s health insurance.
Every child needs their own basic insurance.
When must I register my newborn?
You generally have three months from birth to register your child with a health insurer.
If registration takes place within this period, cover starts retrospectively from the child’s date of birth.
Premiums are also due retrospectively from birth.
For example, if a child is born on 20 May, only the corresponding proportion of the premium is due for the birth month.
Can I insure my baby before birth?
Yes. Many Swiss health insurers offer registration before birth.
This is particularly convenient because you can choose the basic insurance you want before birth.
After birth, you generally only need to confirm the child’s date of birth and name.
What happens if registration is late?
If you do not register your child within three months, cover may only start from the actual joining date.
An inexcusable delay may also result in a premium surcharge.
It is therefore advisable to arrange health insurance during pregnancy.
Which supplementary policies make sense for children?
Compulsory basic insurance already covers many medically necessary benefits for children.
However, optional supplementary insurance can cover additional costs in some areas.
Parents are often particularly interested in dental insurance, contributions towards glasses and additional hospital benefits.
Dental insurance and braces for children
Ordinary dental treatment is generally not included in Swiss basic insurance.
Examples include:
- Regular dental check-ups
- Professional dental cleaning
- Ordinary cavity treatment
- Braces and orthodontic treatment
Statutory exceptions apply, for example to certain serious illnesses or dental accidents.
Orthodontic treatment in particular can be expensive.
A suitable supplementary dental policy can therefore be of interest to families.
Important: supplementary insurers may assess health and can sometimes reject applications. Waiting periods, cover limits and restrictions also apply depending on the product.
Check early which benefits a dental policy actually pays for.
Glasses and contact lenses
For children and young people up to their 18th birthday, basic insurance provides an annual contribution of CHF 180 under the statutory conditions for prescribed spectacle lenses or contact lenses.
Additional benefits may be covered for certain medical conditions.
Supplementary insurance can offer further contributions towards vision aids.
Supplementary hospital insurance for children
Compulsory basic insurance pays for medically necessary hospital treatment provided for by law.
Depending on the contract, supplementary hospital insurance can offer additional choices, comfort benefits or broader hospital cover.
Whether this supplementary policy is worthwhile depends on your family’s needs and the actual benefits offered.
Take out supplementary insurance before birth?
Basic insurance has a statutory acceptance requirement.
Supplementary insurance is different: insurers may require health assessments and reject certain applications.
Some health insurers therefore offer selected supplementary policies before birth without a health assessment.
However, the specific conditions vary considerably.
Parents should enquire early and check in particular whether cover for congenital conditions can be restricted.
Further reading: Basic and supplementary insurance: what is the difference?
Are children automatically insured against accidents?
Parents’ accident insurance through their employer does not automatically cover their children.
Children therefore normally need their own accident cover in compulsory basic insurance.
Under the statutory conditions, this covers medical treatment after accidents, for example injuries on the playground, during sports or at home.
Ordinary school accident insurance does not automatically replace compulsory accident cover through health insurance.
Children should therefore normally keep accident cover included unless another legally sufficient insurance cover exists.
Premium reduction for children and families
For families on low or middle incomes, individual premium reduction is one of the most important ways to lower health insurance costs.
The federal government and cantons contribute to compulsory basic insurance premiums under certain conditions.
How much is premium reduction for children?
Under federal law, cantons must reduce children’s health insurance premiums by at least 80 % for families on low and middle incomes.
For young adults in education or training, the required minimum reduction is 50 %.
This is not a flat-rate discount for all families.
Whether a family qualifies and how much relief it receives depend on statutory requirements and the rules of its canton of residence.
The premium used for the calculation does not necessarily match the premium of your chosen insurance.
Who is entitled to premium reduction?
Depending on their rules, cantons consider factors including:
- Income
- Assets
- Family size
- Number of children
- Education or training status
- Household financial circumstances
Some cantons assess entitlement automatically. Others require an application.
Deadlines also differ.
Example: relief for a family
Suppose a family receives a premium reduction of CHF 100 a month per child according to the cantonal calculation.
With two children, this provides relief of CHF 200 a month or CHF 2'400 a year.
This example is hypothetical. The actual amount depends on the canton of residence and personal circumstances.
Our tip: check your entitlement to premium reduction even if you have not received support before. Changes in income or family composition can affect eligibility.
Further reading: Premium reduction
Which health insurance model suits children?
Besides the deductible and insurer, the insurance model also affects premiums.
Different forms of basic insurance are generally available, depending on the insurer’s offering.
Standard model with free choice of doctor
With the standard model, you can generally freely choose which authorised doctors your child visits.
This offers considerable flexibility but is often more expensive.
Family doctor model
With the family doctor model, you choose a specific practice as your first point of contact.
For children, this could be their existing paediatrician’s practice if it is recognised under the relevant insurance model.
Before taking out the policy, make sure your existing paediatrician can participate.
HMO model
With an HMO model, care is provided through a specific practice or network of doctors.
The model can be attractive if a suitable paediatric practice or medical centre is nearby.
Telmed model
A Telmed model normally requires an initial telephone or digital consultation.
Some offers provide special rules and exceptions for children.
The specific conditions vary by insurer.
New model categories from 2027
From the 2027 premium year, alternative models in the federal government’s official premium comparison are grouped into four new categories: PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM and FLEX.
The models actually available still depend on the insurer.
For families, what matters most is that care from a trusted paediatrician fits easily with the rules of the chosen model.
Further reading: HMO, family doctor, Telmed or standard model: what are the differences?
How families can lower health insurance premiums
For a family with several insured people, combining different ways to save is worthwhile.
1. Compare premiums for each family member
The cheapest health insurer for adults is not necessarily the cheapest for children.
Compare premiums separately for every family member, then calculate the total household costs.
2. Consider family discounts
Family discounts can be relevant, particularly from the third child.
A low individual price does not necessarily mean the total family premium is also the lowest.
3. Choose suitable deductibles
For adults, higher deductibles can lead to substantial premium savings.
For children, however, the CHF 0 deductible is often attractive when regular medical costs arise.
Check the total cost of premiums, deductible and co-payment for each person.
4. Compare insurance models
A family doctor, HMO or Telmed model can be cheaper than the standard model.
Make sure the rules suit everyday family life and your existing medical care.
5. Check premium reduction
Cantonal premium reduction can provide substantial relief, particularly with several children.
Enquire in good time about your canton’s eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
6. Review supplementary policies
Not every supplementary policy is necessary for every family member.
Review benefits and costs regularly, but do not cancel existing supplementary policies hastily. Taking out a new policy later may require a health assessment.
7. Compare again every year
Health insurance premiums change every year. Family discounts, insurance offers and your children’s needs can also change.
An annual comparison helps you avoid unnecessary extra costs.
How much can a family save by changing health insurers?
Consider a family of four with two adults and two children.
By comparing, the family finds cheaper basic policies that suit their needs.
| Family member | Previous monthly cost | New monthly cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 | CHF 480 | CHF 430 | CHF 50 |
| Adult 2 | CHF 460 | CHF 410 | CHF 50 |
| Child 1 | CHF 140 | CHF 120 | CHF 20 |
| Child 2 | CHF 140 | CHF 120 | CHF 20 |
| Total | CHF 1'220 | CHF 1'080 | CHF 140 |
The family saves CHF 1'680 a year in this hypothetical example.
The statutory benefits of basic insurance generally remain unchanged.
It is important that the compared models, deductibles and other conditions actually suit your family members’ needs.
Further reading: Switching health insurer in 2027: deadlines, cancellation and steps
What changes in health insurance when my child turns 18?
Important health insurance rules change with the transition to adulthood.
Children move into the young adult age group. Premiums can then rise considerably.
Different deductible and co-payment rules also apply to adults.
The standard deductible then becomes CHF 300 instead of CHF 0, and the maximum ordinary co-payment rises to CHF 700.
Health insurers often offer separate premium rates for young adults aged 19 to 25.
Premium reduction during education or training
Young adults in education or training can continue to benefit from a higher premium reduction under certain conditions.
Cantons must reduce premiums for young adults in education or training by at least 50 % for eligible families on low and middle incomes.
The specific eligibility requirements differ by canton of residence.
Tip: review your child’s insurance before they move into a new age group. A different insurer or an adjusted model may partly offset the higher premiums.
Compare health insurance premiums for the whole family
As each family member is insured individually, consider premiums for everyone in your household when comparing.
Particularly important factors include children’s ages, available models, possible family discounts and the desired deductible.
A good comparison shows more than the cheapest monthly premium for one person: it also helps assess your household’s total annual costs.
Compare health insurance premiums now: on K-Check you can compare basic insurance premiums for where you live and find good-value offers for adults and children.
Frequently asked questions about health insurance for children and families
Is health insurance compulsory for children in Switzerland?
Yes. Every child generally needs their own compulsory basic insurance. Children are not automatically covered by their parents’ health insurance.
What is the deadline for registering my baby for health insurance?
Within three months of birth. With timely registration, cover starts retrospectively from the date of birth.
Must children use the same health insurer as their parents?
No. Parents and children can choose different health insurers. Siblings can also use different providers.
Which deductible is cheapest for children?
This depends on premium savings and expected healthcare costs. With regular treatment, the CHF 0 deductible can be cheaper. With very low healthcare costs, a higher deductible may be worthwhile.
What is the maximum co-payment for children?
The ordinary co-payment is capped at CHF 350 per child per year. Special family rules apply when several children use the same insurer.
Is there free health insurance for children?
Compulsory basic insurance generally also requires premiums for children. However, cantonal premium reductions can substantially lower the costs you actually bear.
Are there family discounts on basic insurance?
Yes, some insurers offer family discounts, often from the third child. Amounts and conditions vary between insurers.
Does basic insurance pay for children’s braces?
Ordinary orthodontic treatment is generally not covered. Statutory exceptions apply to certain serious illnesses or other special medical conditions.
Are children protected by their parents’ accident insurance?
No. An employer’s compulsory accident insurance does not automatically cover children. They therefore normally need their own accident cover through basic insurance.
Do children need supplementary insurance?
Not necessarily. Basic insurance already provides comprehensive medical care regulated by law. A supplementary policy can cover additional benefits such as dental treatment or extended hospital benefits.
Which health insurer is cheapest for a family?
There is no universal answer. The cheapest combination depends on location, age groups, deductibles, models and any family discounts.
Can I change only my child’s health insurer?
Yes. As every family member is insured separately, you can change a child’s basic insurance without also changing their parents’ or siblings’ policies.
Conclusion: families should compare health insurance individually
There is no health insurance solution for children and families that is equally cheap for every household.
Children benefit from lower premiums and special deductible and co-payment rules. Family discounts and cantonal premium reductions can also substantially lower household costs.
As family members do not have to use the same insurer, an individual comparison is worthwhile.
With several children, also consider possible family discounts and the statutory limit on combined cost-sharing.
Our tip: compare basic insurance for all family members every year and consider total annual costs rather than individual monthly premiums.
On K-Check you can find current health insurance premiums for where you live and see where your family could save.