The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) announcedExternal link on Tuesday that the average monthly health insurance premium for 2022 would cost CHF315.30 ($339). Depending on the canton, the cost of a premium is expected to vary between a decrease of 2.1% and an increase of 1.4%.
This represents an average reduction of 0.2% compared with 2021 and the first decrease since 2008. Over the past ten years health insurance premiums have risen annually by an average of 2.4%.
“The fall in the health insurance premium is very good news for the Swiss population,” Interior Minister Alain Berset told reporters in Bern.
Basic health insurance is compulsory for every resident in Switzerland, and many people opt to buy supplementary coverage.
Reducing reserves
Next year’s lower premiums are partly the result of health insurance companies reducing the financial reserves that they have built up over the years.
“The measures taken by the Federal Council (executive body) to encourage insurers to lower the level of reserves have proved to be effective,” the FOPH said on Tuesday.
A legal revision that came into force in June 2021 makes it easier for insurers to resort to voluntary reductions in reserves, the health office said.
“It also encourages them to calculate premiums as accurately as possible in order to avoid excessive reserves,” it added.
For 2022 the FOPH has approved a voluntary reduction in reserves worth CHF380 million. But this is just a small slice of insurers’ accumulated reserves, estimated at CHF12.4 billion.
“The Federal Council is of the opinion that it is possible and necessary to continue reducing reserves over the next few years without harming the solvency of insurance companies,” the FOPH said.
Pricey healthcare
Santésuisse, the umbrella organisation for health insurers, said it welcomed the lower premiums for 2022 but warned that healthcare costs would have to be trimmed to ensure premiums remain affordable.
Controlling Switzerland’s expensive healthcare system is a major issue. Due to demographic change and technical progress, healthcare costs will continue to increase, the government says.
Overall, the Swiss healthcare system is known for its excellent level of care, but it is also among the most expensive in the world. Switzerland spends about 12% of gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare.
More
More
Swiss spend record 12% of GDP on health
This content was published on
Switzerland spends more on healthcare than any other European country, according to Eurostat.
Hundreds of Saint Bernard dogs gather in Switzerland for world competition
This content was published on
Over a hundred Saint Bernards have descended on Martigny, in canton Valais to kick off the World Union of Saint Bernard Clubs competition.
Giacometti lamp tops million-franc mark in Geneva auction
This content was published on
A “Tête de femme” floor lamp by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti topped the million-franc mark at a Piguet auction in Geneva.
UN rights expert criticises Swiss pressure in trade negotiations
This content was published on
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food has accused EFTA countries of pressuring Thailand and Malaysia in trade deals.
Switzerland gives CHF60 million to Ukraine for digitalisation
This content was published on
The Swiss government has agreed to give war-ravaged Ukraine CHF58.7 million ($65.5 million) towards the digitalisation of its public administration.
Three people arrested in Switzerland in international drug gang crackdown
This content was published on
International co-operation led to 17 people being arrested in six European countries and large quantities of drugs also being seized.
Federal Council banks on R&D to strengthen Swiss solar industry
This content was published on
The Swiss government opposes the deployment of special industrial policy or measures to help boost the domestic photovoltaic industry.
Swiss president envisions follow-ups to peace summit
This content was published on
Swiss President Viola Amherd hopes the first Ukraine peace conference will build trust and seek solutions for safety and security issues.
This content was published on
With use of drugs such as crack on the rise, the government wants to invest in additional facilities for people suffering from addiction.
Alleged French spy tied to Swiss NGO arrested in Russia
This content was published on
The man, who Russia has claimed was trying to obtain information about the Russian military, was confirmed to be a French citizen working for a Geneva-based NGO.
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.
Read more
More
Price watchdog demands action over expensive Swiss medicines
This content was published on
Generic drugs are now two and a half times more expensive in Switzerland than in other European countries, according to the Swiss price watchdog.
This content was published on
Swiss health insurance premiums are to go up again in 2021, but at 0.5% the average hike is milder than the norm over the past decades.
This content was published on
The Swiss healthcare system is costly, and the financial burden – especially for private households and the cantons – is increasing.
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.