Welcome

Different countries have different health insurance systems. To ensure that you feel comfortable with us right from the start, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about your health. Here you will find important information for newcomers to Switzerland as well as tips on your health insurance.

Good to know

• If you choose a deductible for your basic insurance that is higher than the statutory minimum of CHF 300, you can save a great deal on premiums.
  
• At Helsana, families can take advantage of attractive discounts on supplementary insurance provided at least two people from the same household are insured under the same contract.
• If you are employed by the same employer for at least eight hours a week, you are insured against both occupational and non-occupational accidents. You can therefore exclude accident cover from the compulsory basic insurance, reducing your basic insurance premium by 7%.
• To take out supplementary insurance, you must complete a health declaration. This enables the health insurers to estimate your insurance risk and to decide whether they wish to accept or reject your application, or whether pre-existing conditions should be excluded from the insurance coverage. Important: if you want to take out a new supplementary insurance policy, do not cancel the policy from your current insurer until your application has been accepted by your new insurer.
• If you want to switch your insurance, you should allow sufficient time for this. The admissions procedure can take a little while. You should ensure that you comply with the notice period.

If you have any questions about insurance in connection with your country of residence, please contact our Client Services team directly so that we can take account of your situation and needs in the best possible way. First, here is some important information that applies to all cross-border commuters.

Treatment in your country of residence

We will send you form E-106 or certificate S1 for international mutual benefits assistance. You should forward these documents to a statutory insurance company in your country of residence. You will then receive a local insurance card for processing treatment costs there. Co-payments are always governed by the rules of your country of residence’s statutory health insurance. You are also subject to the law in your country of residence.

Treatment in Switzerland

For outpatient treatment, you have the option of visiting a doctor of your choice or a hospital from our list. If you receive benefits under compulsory health care insurance, you pay a fixed annual deductible of CHF 300, followed by a deductible of 10% per invoice (max. CHF 700 per year). Please always present your Helsana insurance card.

For inpatient treatment in a hospital, you are insured at most up to the tariff (according to the cantonal hospital list) of the canton in which you work. If you receive benefits under compulsory health care insurance, you pay a hospital cost contribution of CHF 15 per day.

Include family members in your insurance

If you are employed in Switzerland, your family members who are not gainfully employed are also subject to compulsory insurance. This includes minors, adults in education and non-working spouses.