Health Insurance Premium Subsidies 2027: Deadlines and Figures by Canton

What changed with premium subsidies in 2026

Since 1 January 2026, the indirect counter-proposal to the Premium Relief Initiative has been in force. Every canton must now pay a minimum contribution towards premium subsidies. It is calculated as a percentage of the gross costs of basic insurance in the canton and rises the more heavily premiums weigh on the lowest-earning 40% of insured people. Each canton must also set the maximum share of disposable income that premiums should take up.

The federal government continues to contribute 7.5% of the gross costs of basic insurance. In 2024, a total of CHF 6.6 billion was paid out in premium subsidies, roughly CHF 3.3 billion each from the federal government and the cantons. For low- and middle-income families, cantons must reduce children's premiums by at least 80% and those of young adults in education by at least 50%.

2027 deadlines and figures in selected cantons

Each canton sets its own eligibility rules, procedure and deadlines. The details below come from official cantonal announcements and cantonal social insurance offices (as of 1 October 2026):

In the canton of Zurich, the 2027 income limits for families are CHF 71,200 (minor children only) and CHF 94,900 (with young adults in education), with an asset limit of CHF 300,000. The self-contribution rises to 11.8% of relevant income for married couples and 9.4% for single people. People receiving supplementary benefits or social assistance get the subsidy automatically, without applying, for example in Aargau and St. Gallen.

Subsidies and choice of insurer: two separate levers

The subsidy is paid directly to your health insurer and reduces your bill. In Zurich it is not based on your actual premium but on a reference premium of 70% of the regional average. Separately, insurers charge very different premiums for identical basic cover. Our analysis of the official 2027 premium data (adults, standard model, CHF 300 deductible, without accident cover, average of the premium regions in each canton):

Whether you are entitled to a subsidy, and how much, is decided solely by your canton of residence. How switching insurer affects the subsidy depends on the cantonal calculation model; the responsible cantonal office can tell you.

What you can compare before 30 November

Your insurer must send you your personal 2027 premium by 31 October 2026 at the latest. You can cancel your basic insurance until Monday, 30 November 2026, with effect from 1 January 2027; what counts is that your insurer receives the notice by then. Basic insurance benefits are identical at every insurer by law.

• The subsidy application deadline in your canton (in Lucerne as early as 31 October 2026)
• Your 2027 premium with your current insurer compared with the other insurers in your premium region
• Your premium with a different deductible between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500
• An alternative model such as family doctor, HMO or telemedicine