Statutory health insurance for cross-border commuters in Switzerland / Liechtenstein under the KVG

Grenzgänger - Versicherung & Service | Gesetzliche Grenzängerkrankenversicherung in der Schweiz - Liechtenstein nach KFG

Details on statutory basic health insurance for cross-border commuters in Switzerland / Liechtenstein under the KVG

Statutory basic insurance under the KVG (Health Insurance Act) in Switzerland or Liechtenstein is the least popular health insurance option for cross-border commuters.

There are numerous reasons for this. Firstly, the scope of cover provided by basic insurance under the KVG only corresponds to a minimum standard, similar to statutory insurance in Austria. In many cases – e.g. for dental services – it is even significantly worse. Although the scope of cover can be improved with supplementary packages, you have to dig deep into your pockets to do so.

In addition to the high premiums and all the additional tariffs, some of which are really necessary, there is also the excess (deductible), which is between SFR 300 and SFR 2,500 per year. This means that up to the selected deductible amount, all benefits in a calendar year are borne by the insured person. Insurance cover only comes into effect once the deductible has been paid.

Both statutory health insurance in Austria and health insurance under the KVG offer the option of co-insuring dependents free of charge. However, the Austrian solution does not provide for a general deductible, has slight advantages in terms of cover and is generally cheaper. Therefore, when choosing between these two options, the decision is always made in favor of the Austrian option.

Advantages:

Free co-insurance for family members who are not gainfully employed

No health check – everyone receives insurance

Disadvantages:

A high level of benefits can only be achieved through supplementary tariffs

Deductible from SFR 300,- to SFR 2.500,- (fixed annual cost sharing. The health insurance benefits only start once you have paid in)

Max. 90% assumption of costs. 10% is always a deductible

Compulsory basic insurance only covers dental treatment costs in exceptional cases and for particularly serious illnesses

In Switzerland, the doctor will inform you whether the treatment is covered by basic insurance or not. In Austria, this is not possible, which can result in high unexpected costs.