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First 30 Days in Switzerland: Register Your Health Insurance Correctly
Just arrived in Switzerland? Congratulations on your new chapter in life! Now it's important that you register your health insurance correctly and on time. Our 30-day plan guides you step by step through all necessary steps.
Important Deadlines and Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Deadline | 3 months after entry (recommended: first 30 days) |
| Retroactive Coverage | From entry date, even with later registration |
| Late Payment Penalty | Premiums from entry + 5% default interest |
| Required Documents | Residence permit, passport, employment contract |
| Insurance Start | Latest the day after registration |
| First Premium Bill | 4-6 weeks after registration |
Immediate Answers for the Urgent
What must I do in the first 3 days?
Register with the municipality and apply for your residence permit. You need this for health insurance registration.
Am I immediately insured after registration?
Yes, insurance begins at the latest the day after your registration. Retroactively you are insured from the entry date.
What happens if I register too late?
You must pay back all premiums from entry plus 5% default interest. Additionally, a fine can be imposed.
Which deductible should I choose as a newcomer?
Choose a medium deductible (CHF 1,000-1,500) initially, until you understand the system and can estimate your health costs.
Day 1-7: Create the Foundation
Day 1-3: Official Registration
Your first step leads you to the resident registration office of your new municipality. Bring your passport, employment contract or confirmation from your employer, as well as proof of your residential address. Registration is mandatory and must be completed within 14 days of entry.
During registration you receive a registration confirmation, which you immediately need for health insurance. Ask explicitly for this confirmation, as it is not automatically handed out. At the same time you can inform yourself about local particularities and services.
Day 4-7: Research Health Insurance
Use the first days to inform yourself about health insurers in your canton. Premiums vary considerably between providers, with identical basic insurance benefits. Use official comparison portals like priminfo.ch or bag.admin.ch for neutral information.
Consider not only premiums, but also service. Large insurers like CSS, Helsana or Swica have German-speaking customer service and are represented in all cantons. Smaller regional providers can be cheaper, but may have fewer service locations.
First Week Checklist:
Day 8-14: Decision and Registration
Day 8-10: Final Insurer Choice
Based on your research, you now make the decision for a health insurer. Consider not only premiums, but also practical aspects: Is there a branch office near you? Is customer service German-speaking? How are the online services?
Choose your deductible strategically. As a newcomer, a medium deductible between CHF 1,000 and CHF 1,500 is recommended. It's a compromise between low premiums and manageable self-costs. After the first year you can optimize based on your actual health costs.
Day 11-14: Complete Registration
Most insurers offer online registrations that are quick and uncomplicated. Alternatively, you can register by phone or in person at a branch office. Have all necessary documents ready: registration confirmation, passport, employment contract and possibly health documents for supplementary insurance.
Fill out the registration form carefully. Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to delays. Pay special attention to the correct spelling of your name and address. For supplementary insurance, answer health questions truthfully – false information can later lead to denial of benefits.
Second Week Checklist:
Day 15-30: Security and Optimization
Day 15-21: Insurance Card and First Steps
Your insurance card should arrive within 10-14 days after registration. This card is your most important proof during doctor visits and in pharmacies. Always keep it with you and make a copy for your records.
At the same time you receive your first premium bill. Swiss health insurances bill monthly, the bill usually comes at the end of the month for the following month. It's best to set up a standing order or use direct debit to ensure timely payments.
Day 22-30: Long-term Planning
Use the last days of the first month to inform yourself about long-term optimization possibilities. Note November 30th as an important date – until then you can change your basic insurer annually if you find cheaper offers.
Inform yourself about premium reduction. Many Germans don't know that they can also receive support with appropriate income. Applications must usually be submitted by the end of September for the following year. Income limits vary by canton, but often lie at CHF 50,000-70,000 for individuals.
Third and Fourth Week Checklist:
Support for Your Complete Switzerland Start
Health insurance is only one aspect of your Switzerland start. For a completely successful beginning, we recommend proven partners who support Germans in all aspects of settling in.
For Comprehensive Settlement Help:
ReloFinder.ch connects you with over 500 verified experts who help you with housing search, bank accounts, school registration and many other aspects. Their AI assistant answers questions around the clock and helps you find the right service providers for your specific needs.
ReloFinder.ch →For Personal Support:
PrimeRelocation.ch offers individual service for your Switzerland start. With over 17 years of experience, they support you with orientation tours, official procedures and integration into your new environment. Particularly valuable are their local contacts and understanding of German expat needs.
PrimeRelocation.ch →The perfect combination: While these partners take care of housing, bank account and integration, we ensure that your health insurance is optimally set up. Many of our customers use this combination for a stress-free start in Switzerland.
Important Emergency Information
Medical Emergencies Before Receiving Insurance Card:
If you need medical help before receiving your insurance card, show your registration confirmation. Keep the receipt and submit it after receiving the card.
Emergency Numbers:
Important Documents to Always Have With You:
- Insurance card (after receipt)
- Registration confirmation (until card arrives)
- ID or passport
- Emergency contacts
Avoid Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Too late registration
Many Germans underestimate the urgency of health insurance registration. The 3-month deadline must be absolutely met. Our tip: Register in the first 30 days to avoid stress.
Mistake 2: Wrong deductible choice
Newcomers often choose the lowest deductible out of uncertainty. This is usually more expensive. A medium deductible (CHF 1,000-1,500) is optimal for most.
Mistake 3: Postponing supplementary insurance
Supplementary insurance becomes more expensive and harder to obtain with age. Decide early, even if you don't need it immediately.
Mistake 4: Overlooking premium reduction
Many Germans don't know they may be entitled to premium reduction. Inform yourself early about the requirements in your canton.
Common Questions of the First 30 Days
What do I do if I get sick before I have the insurance card?
Show your registration confirmation to the doctor. You are insured from registration, even without the card. Keep all receipts.
How quickly do I get the insurance card?
Normally 10-14 days after registration. If delayed, contact your insurer.
Can I still change the deductible?
Yes, until November 30th you can change the deductible for the next year. For the current year it is fixed.
What happens if I don't pay the first premium bill on time?
After 30 days delay you receive a reminder. After another 30 days the insurance can report you to the authorities.
Do I have to choose a family doctor?
No, in basic insurance you have free choice of doctor. Family doctor models are cheaper, but optional.
Can I go directly to a specialist?
Yes, in basic insurance you don't need a referral. With family doctor models you do.
Essential Information at a Glance
Germans must get health insurance within 3 months after Switzerland entry. Recommended: registration in first 30 days. First week: municipality registration and insurer research. Second week: choose insurer and register. Medium deductible (CHF 1,000-1,500) optimal for newcomers. Insurance card comes after 10-14 days. First premium bill after 4-6 weeks. For emergencies before card receipt: show registration confirmation. Important deadlines: November 30th for insurer change, September for premium reduction. Retroactive coverage from entry, even with later registration.
Need Immediate Help?
Don't wait until the last minute. Get professional support for your first 30 days in Switzerland.