One of the first financial decisions you will make as an international student in Switzerland is choosing a health insurance plan. The options can seem confusing at first, particularly when you encounter terms like KVG, franchise, and Selbstbehalt. This guide breaks it all down clearly.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Switzerland for Students?
The cost varies significantly depending on what type of plan you choose:
Standard Swiss KVG Insurance
This is the general public health insurance that Swiss residents use. Monthly premiums for adults vary by canton and insurer, but typically range from CHF 250 to CHF 450 per month for the minimum deductible option. For most international students, this is the most expensive path.
KVG-Equivalent International Student Plans
These plans are specifically designed for international students in Switzerland. They offer the same legal coverage as KVG, at a fraction of the cost, because they are tailored to students (generally under 35, studying temporarily).
Evasan Swiss Studies starts at CHF 66 per month with a CHF 1,500 deductible, or CHF 89 per month with a CHF 0 deductible. These figures make it one of the most affordable compliant options available.
What Is a Deductible (Franchise)?
The deductible, known in Switzerland as the franchise, is the amount you pay out of pocket for medical costs before your insurance starts covering expenses. Once you exceed your deductible in a given year, your insurer covers the remaining costs (subject to the co-payment rule explained below).
Choosing the right deductible is one of the most important decisions when selecting your plan.
Deductible Options: CHF 0 vs CHF 300 vs CHF 1,500
CHF 0 Deductible
With a zero deductible, your insurance covers eligible medical costs from the very first franc. Every doctor visit, prescription, and hospital treatment is covered without any initial out-of-pocket payment.
This is the best choice if:
• You have a known health condition or expect to use healthcare regularly
• You want complete financial predictability
• You prefer not to manage reimbursement calculations
Monthly premium: from CHF 89/month (Evasan Swiss Studies).
CHF 300 Deductible
A moderate option. You pay the first CHF 300 of medical costs per year yourself. After that, insurance takes over. For a healthy student who visits the doctor once or twice a year, this strikes a reasonable balance between premium savings and coverage.
CHF 1,500 Deductible
The highest deductible available on Evasan's student plans. You pay the first CHF 1,500 of medical costs per year before insurance activates.
This is the best choice if:
• You are generally in good health and do not expect to need regular care
• You want to minimize your monthly premium cost
• You are comfortable covering smaller medical expenses yourself if they arise
Monthly premium: from CHF 66/month (Evasan Swiss Studies).
The 10% Co-Payment Rule
In addition to the deductible, Swiss insurance operates with a co-payment (Selbstbehalt) rule. Once you have paid your full deductible, you continue to contribute 10% of remaining medical costs. This co-payment is capped at CHF 700 per year for adults.
Important: Evasan Swiss Studies plans do not apply the 10% co-payment. Once your deductible is met, your covered costs are fully reimbursed. This is a significant advantage over standard KVG plans.
A Practical Example
Let's say you visit a specialist and the total bill is CHF 400:
With CHF 0 Deductible (Evasan Swiss Studies):
• You pay: CHF 0
• Evasan covers: CHF 400
With CHF 1,500 Deductible (Evasan Swiss Studies):
• If you have not yet spent CHF 1,500 that year: you pay CHF 400 yourself
• If you have already exceeded your deductible: Evasan covers CHF 400
Which Plan Is Right for You?
A useful rule of thumb:
• Choose CHF 0 deductible if you have any regular healthcare needs, including chronic conditions, ongoing prescriptions, or planned medical procedures.
• Choose CHF 1,500 deductible if you are generally healthy and primarily want to meet the legal insurance requirement at the lowest monthly cost.
• Choose a middle option if you want a balance and are uncertain about your healthcare usage.
Are There Additional Costs?
Beyond the monthly premium and deductible, you may encounter:
• A daily contribution for hospital stays (CHF 15 per day under standard KVG, not applicable to Evasan student plans in the same way)
• Costs for services not covered by your plan (dental, optical, alternative medicine)
Supplementary insurance to cover these extras is available separately and is worth considering if, for example, you wear glasses or have dental treatment planned.
How to Purchase
Evasan Swiss Studies can be purchased directly online at evasan.com. The process takes a few minutes. Once confirmed, you receive your policy documentation, which you use to apply for your KVG exemption with the cantonal authorities.
If you have questions about which plan suits your situation, contact us at info@evasan.com or call +41 22 929 52 51.