Minimum deductible CHF 400: what the planned increase means for you
Published 27.09.2026
The Federal Council wants to raise the minimum deductible in Swiss basic health insurance from CHF 300 to CHF 400. This affects around 45% of adults, who currently have the lowest deductible. Nothing has been decided yet: for 2027, the minimum deductible remains CHF 300.
What the Federal Council is proposing
On 13 March 2026, the Federal Council opened a consultation on an amendment to the Health Insurance Act (KVG). The minimum deductible for adults would rise from CHF 300 to CHF 400. A mechanism is also planned that would adjust the deductible automatically in future whenever policyholders' cost-sharing falls below 13.5% of gross benefits.
The last increase was in 2004, from CHF 230 to CHF 300. For children, the deductible stays at CHF 0. The maximum deductible of CHF 2,500 is not affected.
In the consultation, the FDP, the SVP and the insurers' association Prio.swiss supported the increase. The SP, consumer protection groups and municipal associations oppose it. A bonus.ch survey of 5,500 participants found 59% against. Parliament still has to approve the change in the law.
What the increase would cost you
If you currently have the CHF 300 deductible and more than CHF 400 in medical costs per year, you would pay up to CHF 90 more per year yourself: CHF 100 more deductible, offset by the 10% co-payment applying to CHF 100 less in costs. How much the premium for the new minimum deductible would fall is not yet known.
What each deductible costs today
The table shows the average 2026 monthly premium for adults in the standard model without accident cover, averaged across all 26 cantons and calculated from official FOPH premium data.
| Deductible | Premium per month | Premium per year | Lower premium vs. CHF 300 per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 300 | CHF 548 | CHF 6,578 | – |
| CHF 500 | CHF 538 | CHF 6,451 | CHF 127 |
| CHF 1,000 | CHF 510 | CHF 6,121 | CHF 456 |
| CHF 1,500 | CHF 483 | CHF 5,793 | CHF 785 |
| CHF 2,000 | CHF 455 | CHF 5,466 | CHF 1,112 |
| CHF 2,500 | CHF 428 | CHF 5,139 | CHF 1,439 |
On average, the lowest and highest deductibles are CHF 1,439 apart in annual premiums. Mathematically, this breaks even at around CHF 1,900 in healthcare costs per year: with lower costs, you pay less overall with the CHF 2,500 deductible; with higher costs, you pay less with CHF 300. You can change your deductible every year with effect from 1 January; both a higher and a lower deductible must be requested from your insurer by 30 November.
What you can compare before 30 November
The FOPH announces the official 2027 premiums on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
- Your premium with a different deductible at your current insurer
- The same basic insurance at a cheaper insurer (benefits are identical everywhere by law)
- An alternative model such as family doctor, HMO or Telmed
Frequently asked questions
Will the minimum deductible rise to CHF 400 in 2027?
No. The increase is only a proposal and still needs Parliament's approval. For 2027, the minimum deductible remains CHF 300.
How much more would I pay with a CHF 400 deductible?
At most CHF 90 more cost-sharing per year if your medical costs exceed CHF 400. The premium for the new minimum deductible is not yet known.
How much does a CHF 2,500 deductible save?
On average CHF 1,439 in premiums per year compared with CHF 300 (adults, standard model, 2026, average of all cantons). In return, you carry up to CHF 2,200 more deductible yourself.
When is the deadline to change my deductible?
For a change effective 1 January, your request must reach your insurer by 30 November.
Sources
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