Can I take out basic and supplementary health insurance if I am HIV-positive?

Every resident in Switzerland is obliged to have health insurance. In return, insurance companies are obliged to include everyone in their basic insurance, regardless of their state of health. Basic insurance covers all costs necessary for the treatment of HIV.

Anyone who moves their place of work and/or residence to Switzerland must have a health insurance of their choice within three months of arrival.

In the case of supplementary insurance, which is voluntary, insurers are free to choose who they wish to insure in accordance with the principle of freedom of contract. People with HIV are generally not insured.

How much do I have to pay per year?

You should expect to pay the following costs per year:

• Franchise (fixed annual amount): For people with HIV who have regular medical check-ups and take antiretroviral medication, we recommend choosing the lowest franchise, i.e. CHF 300.
• Self-retention: This amounts to 10% of the costs that exceed the franchise. The annual retention fee is a maximum of CHF 700 for adults. If a generic version of a medicine (a copy with the same active ingredient) is available, the retention fee is 20%. Of this, 15% is deducted from the maximum of CHF 700. 5% is charged to the patient without limit.
• Health insurance premiums: Health insurance premiums vary depending on the health insurance company and premium region. Further information and a premium calculator can be found at www.priminfo.admin.ch (federal) or www.comparis.ch (private).

Can I choose a savings model such as a Telmed or GP model?

Most health insurance companies offer alternative insurance models as part of the compulsory basic insurance that allow you to save on premiums. For example, you undertake to always visit your family doctor first or to call a telephone advice centre of the health insurance company before every visit to the doctor. In principle, such savings models are also possible for people with a chronic illness. However, you should study the insurance terms and conditions very carefully before taking out a policy. The insurance companies have different procedures if insured persons do not fulfil their obligations, and some of these are very drastic (e.g. no coverage of the costs of the doctor's visit and the prescribed medication).

Detailed information and sample letters in the "Health insurance" chapter of our legal guide (PDF).