Premium reduction

People in Switzerland on a low income are entitled to a rebate on their health insurance premiums. This contribution is known as a premium reduction.

Eligibility criteria for a premium reduction

You must live in Switzerland and pay for mandatory basic insurance.
Your place of residence for tax purposes as at 1 January must be in Switzerland.
You must be living in modest financial circumstances. The authorities of the canton in which you live will determine your eligibility on the basis of your most recent definitive tax assessment.

Here’s how to apply

Contact the information office in your canton of residence. This is determined by the place where you were registered as living on 1 January.
Stick to the deadline. This varies from canton to canton. The authorities can turn down your application if you submit it too late.
Your canton will review your application and let you know. If you do receive a premium reduction, we will reduce your premiums by the corresponding amount.

Information office in your canton of residence

Further details about health insurance rebates

We cannot factor a premium reduction into your premium statement until your legal place of residence has notified us of the amount of the reduction. Until then, our hands are tied.

Premium reductions are governed by Art. 65 of the Federal Health Insurance Act (HIA)
Premium reduction contributions are passed on from all cantons to health insurers directly, and deducted from the premium statement