Swiss health insurance franchise calculator
Keep the CHF 300 deductible or switch to CHF 2'500? Enter your expected health costs and premiums to see which franchise costs less, and where they break even.
At expected costs of CHF 1'500, the CHF 2'500 franchise is cheaper by CHF 240 per year.
The two break even at about CHF 1'775 of annual health costs. Below that, the higher franchise is cheaper; above it, the lower franchise.
Above the franchise you pay a 10% Selbstbehalt, capped at CHF 700 a year for adults. Figures are estimates for planning; check your insurer's actual premiums. Not insurance advice.
Track your health costs all year
hopli logs premiums and medical spending so next year's franchise choice is easy.
How the Swiss franchise works
In Swiss basic health insurance you choose an annual franchise (deductible) between CHF 300 and CHF 2'500. You pay all costs up to that amount yourself. Above it, you pay a 10% retention fee (Selbstbehalt), capped at CHF 700 per year for adults. A higher franchise lowers your monthly premium, so the choice is a bet on how much healthcare you will use.
When a high franchise pays off
If you rarely see a doctor, the CHF 2'500 franchise usually wins: the premium you save each year outweighs the extra you might pay out of pocket. The most you can pay yourself is the franchise plus the CHF 700 Selbstbehalt. Healthy years reward the high deductible.
When the low franchise is better
If you expect regular treatment, medication or a planned procedure, the CHF 300 franchise often costs less overall, because your out-of-pocket spending climbs faster than the premium you saved. The break-even point above tells you exactly where the two cross for your numbers.
What about the Selbstbehalt?
The Selbstbehalt is the 10% you pay on costs above your franchise, up to CHF 700 a year for adults (CHF 350 for children). It applies whatever franchise you choose, so the real difference between deductibles is mostly the franchise amount itself plus the premium gap.
Frequently asked questions
Which franchise is cheaper, 300 or 2500?
It depends on your expected health costs and the premium difference. Enter both above: the calculator shows the total cost of each and the break-even spend where they are equal.
What is the Selbstbehalt?
After your franchise is used up, you pay 10% of further costs as a retention fee, capped at CHF 700 per year for adults and CHF 350 for children. It applies to every franchise level.
What is the maximum I can pay out of pocket?
Your franchise plus the CHF 700 Selbstbehalt. With the CHF 2'500 franchise that is CHF 3'200 a year; with CHF 300 it is CHF 1'000, before premiums.
When can I change my franchise?
You can change your franchise for the next calendar year by notifying your insurer, usually by the end of November. Premiums and franchises reset on 1 January.
Does a higher franchise reduce my coverage?
No. Your medical coverage is identical at every franchise level. Only how much you pay yourself before insurance kicks in, and your premium, change.