Premiums for young adults: what changes at 26 — and how to save

Three age groups determine the premium

The premium of compulsory basic insurance (OKP) depends on five factors: place of residence (canton or premium region), age, deductible, insurance model and accident cover. For age, basic insurance has three groups: children (0–18), young adults (19–25) and adults from 26. Children pay considerably lower premiums; young adults have their own rate.

For context: the benefits of basic insurance are identical by law at every insurer — the differences lie in premium, model and service. Comparing premiums in the right model therefore pays off in every age group.

What changes at 26

From 26 you count as an adult in basic insurance: your insurer sets your premium anew at the adult rate — the separate rate for young adults no longer applies. Your benefits do not change; the transition is purely a change of rate.

Two further points depend on age and education: the hospital contribution of CHF 15 per day of stay is only waived for children and young adults in education — adults pay it. And for premium subsidies, the cantons must reduce the premiums of young adults in education on low and middle incomes by at least 50% — this minimum rate no longer applies from 26. Around your 26th birthday it is therefore worth taking a fresh look at your insurer, deductible and model — and if you are thinking about supplementary insurance: it pays to take it out in your young, healthy years, because the insurer may ask health questions and impose reservations.

Saving tip 1: choose your deductible deliberately

Adults choose between the ordinary deductible of CHF 300 and optional deductibles up to CHF 2'500. Once the deductible is used up, a 10% co-payment follows, up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year. Rule of thumb: if you rarely see a doctor — as is the case for many young adults — a high deductible often works out cheaper; if you have regular costs, the low one does.

The calculation behind it: between 300 and 2'500 there is CHF 2'200 of additional personal risk, and the premium discount for it is limited by law to 70% of this risk — a maximum saving of CHF 1'540 per year. So only choose the 2'500 deductible if, in the worst case, you could bear cost sharing of CHF 3'200 in one year; otherwise the low deductible is the safe choice. Also submit all invoices, including those below the deductible — this is the only way your deductible balance is recorded correctly.

Saving tip 2: a cost-saving model instead of standard

Besides the standard model with free choice of doctor, there are cost-saving models: family doctor (always your chosen family doctor's practice first), HMO (a group practice as the first point of contact) and telemedicine (telephone or digital advice first). They give a discount on the premium but oblige you to follow the treatment pathway — if you bypass it, you risk a reduction in benefits. Emergencies are exempt, as are usually gynaecology and eye doctors, depending on the insurer's regulations. If you rarely need medical services, a cost-saving model costs you little freedom and saves you premium on an ongoing basis.

Saving tip 3: exclude accident cover

If you are employed by one employer for at least 8 hours a week, you are insured against accidents through your employer (UVG) and can exclude accident cover from basic insurance — this lowers the premium. Self-employed and non-employed persons, such as students without a job, need accident cover included in basic insurance (OKP).

Careful if you lose your job: UVG cover continues for 31 days after the employment relationship ends. Before these 31 days end, you can extend it by up to 6 months with interim accident insurance (Abredeversicherung). Otherwise accidents are then automatically covered by your health insurer again; report this to your insurer.

Premium subsidies: the underrated lever

People on lower incomes are entitled to an individual premium reduction (IPV, Art. 65 KVG). Your canton of residence is responsible; the application and requirements differ from canton to canton — the cantonal compensation office (Ausgleichskasse) or the tax office can provide information. For young adults in education, the cantons must reduce premiums on low and middle incomes by at least 50%; have proof of your education ready for this.

If your income falls significantly — for example when you start your studies — it is worth looking into this straight away: on request, many cantons take your current financial situation into account. Switching insurer does not cost you your entitlement; simply report the switch to the responsible cantonal office. A small additional lever: many insurers give a discount, often 0.5–2%, if you pay your premium in advance for six months or a full year.

Deadlines and sample letter for switching

Mind the order: first apply to the new insurer — acceptance into basic insurance is guaranteed and your cover continues without interruption — then cancel. Sample letter (send by registered mail): “[First name Last name], [Address] — to [Health insurer], [Address]. Subject: Cancellation of compulsory basic insurance, insured person number [number]. Dear Sir or Madam, I hereby cancel my compulsory basic insurance as of 31 December [year]. Please confirm the cancellation to me in writing. Yours faithfully, [Place, date, signature]”. If you switch via easyall, you don't have to write the letter yourself: the cancellation letter is created automatically with your application.

The key dates if you want to optimise for the new year:

• 29 September 2026: the FOPH published the 2027 premiums; the switching season is now under way.
• By the end of November: the cancellation of your basic insurance must reach your current insurer — what counts is receipt, not the postmark.
• Special cases: with the standard model and a CHF 300 deductible, a switch as of 1 July is also possible (three months' notice); if your premium rises, the special right of cancellation applies (Art. 7 para. 2 KVG) — the cancellation must arrive one month before the new premium takes effect, so for the usual increase as of 1 January, by 30 November.
• Without switching insurer: from the standard model you can switch to a cost-saving model at any time (Art. 100 para. 2 KVV), and most insurers accept a higher deductible until the end of December. Report a lower deductible or a model with fewer restrictions by the end of November.
• Unpaid premiums: amounts you received a reminder for by 30 November must be paid, including debt collection costs, by 31 December; otherwise the cancellation has no effect (Art. 105l KVV). Arrears from the time before you came of age do not block a switch at the end of the calendar year (Art. 64a para. 7bis KVG).