Last year, Swiss health insurance premiums rose by an average of 6%. It is expected that premiums in 2024 will experience a similar increase. According to the online price comparison portal Comparis, some premiums could see an increase of up to 10%.
The federal health ministry reported that general healthcare costs rose by 2.6% last year. The increase in the first quarter, as published by the federal health ministry, is higher than that of the previous quarter, as stated in the Comparis overview.
“Without the politically enforced reduction in reserves, premiums would have only risen by around 2.5% per year and per person in recent years, and they would currently continue to rise within this range,” commented health insurance expert Felix Schneuwly, as quoted in the Comparis release.
Reasons for cost increase
Reasons for the cost increase include the Covid-19 pandemic, higher bureaucracy, the increased non-availability of affordable medicines, increased psychotherapies, the implementation of the nursing initiative, as well as an increase in treatments for uninsured individuals.
However, these cost fluctuations are expected to stabilise. According to Schneuwly in the Comparis release, the cost of medical services covered by basic insurance will settle at around 3% in the coming years.
The definite price increase for health insurance premiums in 2024 will be announced in September.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
Swiss LGTBIQ helpline: attacks more than doubled in 2023
This content was published on
Three organisations jointly operating a helpline have called for more awareness, action and funding to address discrimination.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2024
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
Swiss food staples up to 20% more expensive from last year
This content was published on
Inflation continues to hit Swiss consumers, with the price of some food staples, such as margarine and cooking oils, rising by 20% in March on an annual basis.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.