When you take out Switzerland’s compulsory health insurance policy (BVG / LaMal), you have to choose the amount of your annual deductible (also called ‘franchise’) — ranging from the lowest, 300 francs, to the highest, which is 2,500 francs. (There are various other amounts in between as well, but these two are the most common).
Whichever amount you choose, you will have to pay it yourself before you can claim benefits from the insurance provider.
The lower deductible you choose, the higher your premium will be, and vice-versa.
Currently, about 44 percent of Switzerland’s population have the lowest, 300-franc deductible, but now the Federal Council is considering two motions from right-wing MPs to have this minimum amount raised — to 400 or possibly even 500 francs.
Why is there a move to increase the deductible?
The idea behind this move, instigated by right-wing MPs from the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), is that since the Federal Health Insurance Act came into force in 1996, the costs shouldered by health insurance companies have increased by more than three times.
A higher deductible would therefore reduce the burden on premiums, deputies said.
If patients have to spend more money out of pocket before being able to have their bills paid by insurance, they would seek medical help less often for minor ailments, and healthcare costs would be curbed, these deputies argue.
However, a study carried out earlier this year by the University of St. Gallen in collaboration with Groupe Mutuel insurance, has shown that most people with low franchise do not rush to the doctor after having exceeded their deductible.
But many in Switzerland are speaking out against the proposed hike
If a higher deductible is enforced, the measure “would disadvantage people of modest economic means and those with chronic illnesses,” deputies from the Liberal-Radical Party argued in a motion they filed in early September.
“Such a measure would restrict their access to care, which would have negative consequences for public health. Delays in treatment could lead to a worsening of their health, which would only increase costs. In addition, without screening, the frequency of communicable diseases could increase,” they claimed.
What is likely to happen next?
The parliament will discuss this motion during either the autumn session that is underway from this week until September 27th, or during the next one, from December 2nd to 20th, and then vote on it.
If it is turned down, nothing will change.
In case it passes, it won’t be immediately implemented.
As a new law, it would likely be subject to a mandatory referendum — that is, it would have be put to a nationwide vote.
And if you are still confused about which deductible is best for you (as many foreign nationals not accustomed to Swiss health insurance are), this article will help:
READ ALSO: Which Swiss health insurance deductible makes most sense?
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