Choosing the right deductible can save you over CHF 1,000 in health insurance premiums each year. But the lowest monthly premium does not automatically mean the lowest total cost. If you rarely visit a doctor, the highest deductible of CHF 2,500 is often better value. If you have regular healthcare expenses, the lowest deductible of CHF 300 can be considerably cheaper.
The right deductible for you mainly depends on three factors: your expected healthcare costs, the actual premium saving and your financial reserves.
This guide uses practical examples to show when each deductible pays off and what to consider when choosing for 2027.
What is a health insurance deductible?
The deductible is the amount you pay towards covered healthcare costs each calendar year under Swiss basic insurance before your insurer contributes to further costs.
Adults can choose from six deductibles:
| Annual deductible | Maximum annual premium discount* |
|---|---|
| CHF 300 | CHF 0 |
| CHF 500 | CHF 140 |
| CHF 1'000 | CHF 490 |
| CHF 1'500 | CHF 840 |
| CHF 2'000 | CHF 1'190 |
| CHF 2'500 | CHF 1'540 |
*Statutory maximum discounts compared with the standard CHF 300 deductible. The actual discount may be lower. Source: Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly health insurance premium. In return, you pay more yourself if you become ill or have an accident, provided those costs are billed to your basic insurance.
Deductible and co-payment: what is the difference?
The deductible is not the only amount you pay yourself.
Once you have used up your deductible, you normally pay a 10% co-payment on further healthcare costs. For adults, this co-payment is generally capped at CHF 700 per calendar year.
This gives the following maximum standard cost sharing:
CHF 300 deductible
CHF 1'000
CHF 300 deductible + CHF 700 co-payment
CHF 2,500 deductible
CHF 3'200
CHF 2,500 deductible + CHF 700 co-payment
A possible hospital contribution of CHF 15 per day is additional. Special co-payment rules also apply to certain medicines.
CHF 300 or 2,500 deductible: which is cheaper?
Many people look at the monthly premium first when comparing health insurance. That is understandable, but it is not enough to choose the right deductible.
What matters is your total annual cost: health insurance premiums, deductible and co-payment.
Worked example: comparing two deductibles
Suppose you receive the following quotes for the same insurance model:
| 300 deductible | 2,500 deductible | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | CHF 500 | CHF 380 |
| Annual premium | CHF 6'000 | CHF 4'560 |
| Premium saving | – | CHF 1'440 |
With the CHF 2,500 deductible, you save CHF 120 per month in this example, regardless of whether you later need medical care.
But what happens when medical bills or other healthcare costs are added?
| Annual healthcare costs | Total costs with CHF 300 | Total costs with CHF 2,500 |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 0 | CHF 6'000 | CHF 4'560 |
| CHF 1'000 | CHF 6'370 | CHF 5'560 |
| CHF 2'000 | CHF 6'470 | CHF 6'560 |
| CHF 3'000 | CHF 6'570 | CHF 7'110 |
| CHF 5'000 | CHF 6'770 | CHF 7'310 |
| CHF 10'000 | CHF 7'000 | CHF 7'760 |
Simplified example with fictional premiums and services fully subject to the deductible and co-payment. Excludes hospital contributions and special rules.
The result is clear: a high deductible pays off when healthcare costs are very low. At higher costs, the advantage of the low deductible outweighs the premium saving.
In this example, the break-even point is CHF 1,900 in annual healthcare costs. Below that, the CHF 2,500 deductible is cheaper; above it, the CHF 300 deductible is cheaper.
The exact threshold varies because insurers and insurance models offer different premium discounts.
Who benefits from the CHF 2,500 deductible?
The highest deductible is particularly suitable for people who rarely need medical care and have sufficient financial reserves.
It may be the right choice if you:
- rarely visit a doctor and do not need regular treatment,
- do not need expensive long-term medication,
- expect your healthcare costs to stay low,
- can pay up to CHF 3,200 in standard cost sharing in an emergency.
Remember: even young, healthy people can become unexpectedly ill or have an accident. You should therefore not choose a high deductible solely for the lower monthly premium.
If you cannot cover the maximum cost sharing from your own reserves, a CHF 2,500 deductible carries a substantial financial risk.
When is the CHF 300 deductible the better choice?
The lowest deductible is often advisable if you already know that you will have higher healthcare costs next year.
Examples include chronic conditions, regular doctor visits, expensive medication or planned treatment covered by basic insurance.
With a CHF 300 deductible, your standard deductible and co-payment expenses are generally capped at CHF 1,000 a year. This makes your healthcare costs easier to plan.
However, you pay higher monthly premiums. If you stay healthy and need little medical care, a low deductible can be considerably more expensive overall.
Are intermediate deductibles from CHF 500 to 2,000 worthwhile?
There are four other deductible levels between the two extremes. They offer a compromise between premium savings and your own financial contribution.
Whether an intermediate deductible pays off depends on the specific premium discounts and expected healthcare costs. If your main aim is the lowest total cost, first compare CHF 300 and CHF 2,500, then check whether an intermediate level is cheaper still.
An intermediate deductible may also make sense if you want to take less financial risk but find the premium for the lowest deductible too high.
How do you find the best deductible for 2027?
The ideal deductible cannot be determined simply from your age or health. Comparing your total expected annual costs is the most reliable approach.
- Estimate healthcare costs: review your medical bills, medication and treatment from previous years. Include any treatment planned for 2027.
- Compare annual premiums: compare premiums for different deductibles with the same insurer and insurance model.
- Calculate cost sharing: add your expected deductible and co-payment to the annual premium for a more realistic estimate of your total costs.
- Assess financial risk: consider whether you could comfortably pay the maximum possible cost sharing with a high deductible.
Also check whether a cheaper family doctor, HMO or telemedicine model would suit you. Changing your insurance model or insurer may bring additional premium savings.
Compare health insurance premiums for 2027
Swiss health insurance premiums rise by an average of 5.0% in 2027. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, the average monthly premium is CHF 412. For adults, it averages CHF 487.60.
This makes reviewing your insurance each year even more important. Actual premiums vary by where you live, insurer, age, deductible and insurance model.
Compare health insurance premiums for 2027 with K-Check now and find out which offers are available where you live.
Frequently asked questions about health insurance deductibles
At what level of healthcare costs does the CHF 300 deductible pay off?
It depends on the premium saving with the higher deductible. In our example with CHF 1,440 in annual premium savings, the threshold is CHF 1,900 in covered healthcare costs. The actual threshold can vary considerably.
How much can I save with the CHF 2,500 deductible?
The maximum legally permitted premium discount is CHF 1,540 per year compared with the CHF 300 deductible. The actual saving depends on the insurer and tariff.
Can I change my deductible during the year?
No. You can generally only change your deductible at the start of a new calendar year.
To switch to a lower deductible, your notice must reach your insurer by 30 November at the latest. An increase is generally possible until the end of December. It is advisable to notify changes early in writing.
Can I lower my deductible if I have a chronic condition?
Yes. Under compulsory basic insurance, you can choose a lower deductible even with an existing condition, provided you meet the deadlines. No health assessment is required.
Does the CHF 300 deductible also apply to children?
No. For children up to age 18, the standard deductible is CHF 0. Depending on the insurer, parents can voluntarily choose a higher deductible of up to CHF 600 to save on premiums.
Do I have to pay the deductible if I do not visit a doctor?
No. The deductible is not a fixed annual fee. You only pay it to the extent that relevant healthcare costs arise. Monthly health insurance premiums are payable regardless of doctor visits.
Conclusion: the right deductible can save several hundred francs
The highest deductible of CHF 2,500 is particularly attractive for people with low healthcare costs and sufficient financial reserves. People who regularly need medical care often pay less with the CHF 300 deductible.
What matters is the sum of all costs over the year, rather than just the lowest monthly premium.
Before deciding, compare current premiums, estimate your healthcare costs and consider your personal financial risk. This will help you find a deductible that is affordable and suits your circumstances.