Swiss health insurance premiums and model complexity rise

In Switzerland, health insurance policyholders are seeking ways to reduce costs following significant premium increases. Alternative insurance models, such as HMO, Telmed, and family doctor models, offer discounts in exchange for specific requirements, such as contacting a central telephone station or a primary physician first during medical incidents.

However, the complexity of these models has increased, with various providers using different labels like 'Smart', 'Basic', or 'Plus', making direct comparisons difficult. In some instances, the telephone-based models have become more expensive than traditional doctor-based models. The discounts offered are tied to proven cost savings compared to standard models with free doctor choice. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) monitors these models to ensure that the discounts provided by insurers correspond to actual cost savings.