New Swiss Health Insurance Models for 2027: What PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM and FLEX Mean – and What They Cost
Published 04.10.2026
Starting with the 2027 premiums, the federal premium calculator groups alternative insurance models into four new categories: PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM and FLEX replace the old Hausarzt (family doctor) and HMO labels. Basic insurance benefits stay the same in every model. Our analysis of the 2027 premiums shows alternative models cost about CHF 60 a month less than the standard model with a CHF 300 deductible – a little over CHF 700 a year.
Why the federal government changed the categories
According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG), insurers' products have evolved so much that the old categories could no longer be clearly separated. From the 2027 premiums onward, the calculator on priminfo.admin.ch therefore uses four new categories, defined by where you go first with a health question.
Your insurer can keep its own product names (for example a brand name containing ‘Telmed’ or ‘family doctor’). The new grouping mainly makes offers from different insurers easier to compare side by side.
The four new categories at a glance
This is how the FOPH describes the new categories. What they share: you agree to contact a set first point of contact, and in return you pay a lower premium.
| Category | First point of contact | Often previously called |
|---|---|---|
| PRAXIS | A designated medical practice, e.g. a family doctor or health centre | Family doctor (Hausarzt) or HMO model |
| TEL_DIG | By phone or digitally, e.g. a telemedicine centre or an app | Telmed model |
| PHARM | A partner pharmacy of the insurer | Pharmacy model |
| FLEX | Several points of contact you can choose between | – |
The standard model still gives you free choice of doctor. Covered benefits are identical in every model, because the Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal) sets the same basic coverage for all insurers.
What each model costs in 2027: our analysis
We analysed all 2027 offers for adults without accident cover and calculated the average monthly premium per model across all Swiss premium regions:
| Model (adults, no accident cover) | CHF 300 deductible | CHF 2,500 deductible |
|---|---|---|
| Standard model | CHF 568.10 | CHF 448.15 |
| PRAXIS | CHF 507.65 (−10.6%) | CHF 389.70 (−13.0%) |
| TEL_DIG | CHF 508.35 (−10.5%) | CHF 390.85 (−12.8%) |
| FLEX | CHF 508.85 (−10.4%) | CHF 390.75 (−12.8%) |
With a CHF 300 deductible, the gap to the standard model averages about CHF 60 a month, or CHF 711 to CHF 725 a year. With a CHF 2,500 deductible it is about CHF 57 to CHF 58 a month. Example, Zurich city (premium region 1, CHF 300 deductible): standard model CHF 634.05 on average, PRAXIS CHF 564.90, TEL_DIG CHF 566.20, FLEX CHF 558.45 a month.
Differences between insurers are larger than these averages: according to Comparis, the maximum saving from switching insurer within the same model in 2027 reaches up to CHF 2,370.60 a year in the family doctor model, CHF 1,307.70 in the Telmed model and CHF 1,274.40 in the HMO model (extreme cases).
What the restrictions mean in practice
The FOPH describes the lower premium as compensation for the restricted choice of provider. The exact rules are in each insurer's policy conditions. Points that typically differ between products:
- Whether you must always contact the practice, telemedicine line or pharmacy before seeing a doctor
- Which exceptions apply, for example emergencies, gynaecology check-ups or eye doctors
- Whether you need a referral before seeing a specialist
- What happens if you do not follow the model's rules
What you can compare before 30 November
Insurers must send you your 2027 premium by the end of October. You can switch basic insurance every year until 30 November; your cancellation must reach your insurer by that date. The switch takes effect on 1 January 2027.
- Your 2027 premium in the standard model versus PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM and FLEX
- The same model at other insurers in your premium region
- Combinations of model and deductible (CHF 300 to CHF 2,500)
- The model's conditions: first point of contact, exceptions and referral rules
Frequently asked questions
What do PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM and FLEX mean in Swiss health insurance?
They are the new model categories in the federal premium calculator from the 2027 premiums. PRAXIS: first contact is a medical practice. TEL_DIG: first contact by phone or app. PHARM: a partner pharmacy. FLEX: several points of contact to choose from.
Do family doctor (Hausarzt) and HMO models still exist in 2027?
The products still exist, but the federal government groups them differently: family doctor and HMO offers generally fall under PRAXIS. According to the FOPH, the old categories could no longer be clearly separated.
How much cheaper are alternative models in 2027?
With a CHF 300 deductible, PRAXIS, TEL_DIG and FLEX average about CHF 508 a month in 2027, versus CHF 568 for the standard model – about CHF 60 a month or just over CHF 700 a year less (our analysis of 2027 premium data).
Is coverage worse in an alternative model?
No. Basic insurance benefits are identical by law in every model and at every insurer. Only the choice of first point of contact is restricted.
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We compare and inform — we do not provide advice.