Swiss Romands oppose higher health insurance deductible

A bonus.ch survey of more than 5,500 insured people finds broad resistance to the Swiss federal plan to raise the minimum health insurance deductible to CHF 400, with opposition especially strong in Romandy and among younger adults. The same study shows fewer people switched insurers for 2026, but more than a quarter are considering a change for 2027 as premium pressure continues.

Why it matters: - The federal proposal would raise the minimum deductible in basic health insurance from CHF 300 to CHF 400, increasing out-of-pocket costs for insured people. - The survey suggests the plan faces clear public resistance, especially in Romandy and among younger adults. - The findings also point to continued pressure on the health insurance market, with many people still open to switching insurers.

What happened: - bonus.ch surveyed more than 5,500 insured people in May 2026 about health insurance, deductibles, premium increases, insurer switching and the value-for-money of the Swiss health system. - 59% of respondents opposed the proposed increase in the minimum deductible to CHF 400. - Opposition reached 64% in French-speaking Switzerland and 69% among people under 30. - Women were more negative than men, with 64% opposed versus 56%.

The details: - Opposition was also high in Italian-speaking Switzerland, where 58% rejected the change, compared with 55% in German-speaking Switzerland. - In last year’s survey, 51% of respondents said the current CHF 300 minimum deductible was the ideal level. - 35% then supported a higher deductible, while 14% preferred a lower one. - Only 10% of insured people changed health insurer for 2026, down from 17% a year earlier. - The average premium increase slowed to 4.4% for 2026, after a 6.0% rise in 2025. - Switching remained highest in Italian-speaking Switzerland at 13% in 2026, after 21% in 2025. - In German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy, the switching rate fell from 17% to 10%. - Among age groups, people under 30 and people in their 40s posted the highest switching rate at 18%. - People aged 80 and older were the least mobile, with only 9% switching insurers. - In May, when 2027 premium increases were estimated at 3% to 5%, 27% of respondents said they were considering changing insurer. - In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 61% said they planned to switch for 2027. - In German-speaking Switzerland, 86% did not plan to cancel their current policy. - In Romandy, 71% said they expected to stay with their current insurer in 2027. - Among 40- to 49-year-olds, 62% were considering a switch for 2027, compared with 10% among people aged 80 and older. - 76% of respondents said they would consider changing insurer once annual premiums rose by CHF 100 or more. - 10% would switch after a CHF 1 increase, and 42% would switch after a CHF 50 increase. - Only 24% would wait for at least a CHF 150 increase before considering a change. - 9% said they would wait for a CHF 300 increase. - In Romandy, 80% would consider switching after a rise of CHF 100 or less. - In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 78% would do so at CHF 100 or less. - In German-speaking Switzerland, that share was 69%. - In Romandy, 46% set their threshold at CHF 50. - In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 17% would react to the first franc of increase. - Among 40- to 49-year-olds, 69% would switch after a CHF 1 or CHF 50 increase. - Among people aged 80 and older, 45% would switch at that threshold. - Seniors were the most tolerant of premium increases, with 30% waiting for at least CHF 150 before considering a switch, versus 12% among people in their 40s. - 54% of respondents said the Swiss health system offers satisfactory value for money. - 46% said the costs are not justified by the benefits. - Only 13% gave a fully positive assessment, while 41% were only partly convinced. - In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 51% rated the system positively and 16% were fully negative. - In German-speaking Switzerland, 54% gave a positive assessment. - In Romandy, 53% did so. - People aged 80 and older were the most satisfied with the system at 67%. - Among people in their 40s, satisfaction dropped to 33%. - Men were slightly more positive than women, at 55% versus 49%. - Overall satisfaction with health insurers averaged 5.12 out of 6 in 2026, up 0.03 point from the prior year. - In German-speaking Switzerland, 82% rated their insurer as good or very good. - In Romandy, that share was 73%. - In Italian-speaking Switzerland, it was 47%. - Appenzell Outer Rhodes and Glarus led the canton ranking with a score of 5.4. - Basel-Landschaft, Thurgau and Valais followed at 5.3. - Ticino ranked last at 4.7, alongside the canton’s 6.9% premium increase for 2026. - Valais still ranked among the best-rated cantons despite a 5.8% premium increase. - The lowest satisfaction score by age group came from people aged 40 to 49, at 4.9. - Satisfaction then rose to 5.0 for ages 50 to 59, 5.1 for ages 60 to 69 and 5.2 for people 70 and older. - Aquilana and SWICA tied for first place in the 2026 insurer ranking with a score of 5.4 and a “good” rating. - EGK-Gesundheitskasse and OEKK followed with 5.3. - Agrisano, Atupri, Concordia, CSS, Groupe Mutuel, Helsana, Sanitas, sodalis, Sympany and Visana shared third place with 5.2. - The survey results and insurer ratings are available through bonus.ch’s survey page, ratings page and premium comparison.

Between the lines: - The data suggest premium hikes are still shaping consumer behavior, but slower increases may be reducing the urge to switch insurers. - Romandy stands out as both more resistant to a higher deductible and more willing than German-speaking Switzerland to react to premium increases. - Satisfaction with insurers remains relatively high even as many people criticize the broader health system’s value for money.

What's next: - The federal debate over the CHF 400 minimum deductible is likely to remain contentious if public opposition stays near current levels. - More insured people may revisit their policies ahead of 2027 if premium notices confirm another increase. - bonus.ch said it will continue tracking insurer satisfaction, switching behavior and views on premium pressure in future surveys.