Deductible: which one should you choose in 2026?

The deductible is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parameters of Swiss health insurance. Choosing well can save you hundreds of francs every year. Getting it wrong means paying much more in case of frequent illness or accidents.

What the deductible is and how it works

The deductible (in German Franchise) is the annual amount you pay yourself before the insurer starts covering medical expenses. In Switzerland you can choose between CHF 300 (minimum) and CHF 2,500 (maximum) for adults, with intermediate steps at CHF 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000. For children the maximum deductible is CHF 600.

Above the deductible, a share is still at your expense: 10% of the costs (so-called cost sharing), up to an annual maximum of CHF 700 for adults and CHF 350 for children. So, in the worst case, your total annual expense is: deductible + CHF 700 of cost sharing.

When the high deductible (CHF 2,500) pays off

The maximum deductible significantly lowers the monthly premium. For a healthy adult who rarely sees a doctor, the difference between the premium with a CHF 300 and a CHF 2,500 deductible can be CHF 100–200 per month. Over a year, that means CHF 1,200–2,400 saved in premiums. If you spend less than CHF 2,500 on medical care in a year, the high deductible is financially advantageous.

• You are young and healthy
• You see a doctor fewer than 2–3 times a year
• You have no chronic illnesses
• You have a cash reserve to cover the deductible if needed

When the low deductible (CHF 300) pays off

The minimum deductible is worthwhile if your annual healthcare expenses regularly exceed CHF 2,500. This is typically the case for those with chronic illnesses, who take expensive medication continuously, are pregnant, have small children with frequent paediatric visits, or have already scheduled surgery.

The breakeven calculation: how to find your threshold

The simplest way to decide is to calculate the breakeven. Take the difference in annual premium between the CHF 300 and the CHF 2,500 deductible. If this difference is lower than CHF 2,200 (that is, the difference between the two deductibles), and your medical expenses do not usually exceed that level, the high deductible is more convenient. The CassaOK comparison tool includes a calculator that shows you the breakeven point based on the real premiums in your canton.

Be careful: the deductible resets every year

A common mistake is to think of the deductible as a credit that accumulates. It does not work like that: the deductible resets on 1 January of every year. If in December you have already reached CHF 2,500, you get no advantage on January costs. Keep this in mind when planning treatments that can be scheduled, such as cosmetic procedures, dental treatments or specialist visits that you can choose when to have.