Your First 90 Days in Switzerland

Week 1: Register at your municipality

This is the single most important step. Within days of moving into your new home, visit your local municipality office (Gemeinde/Einwohnerkontrolle in German, commune/controle des habitants in French) to register your residence.

• Bring: Passport, rental contract (or proof of address), residence permit (or confirmation of application)
• Receive: A registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) — keep this document, it contains your official registration date
• Note your registration date: This is when the 90-day insurance clock starts. Write it down, set a calendar reminder for 60 days later as a warning

Weeks 2-3: Compare insurers and choose your plan

Now that you are registered, it is time to choose your health insurance. Do not rush into the first option you see — the differences in annual cost can be over CHF 2,000.

• Compare premiums: Visit priminfo.admin.ch (the official federal comparison tool) and enter your canton, municipality, age, and preferred franchise
• Choose your franchise: CHF 300 (lowest, highest premium) to CHF 2,500 (highest, lowest premium). If you are young and healthy, a high franchise often saves money overall. See our franchise guide for detailed calculations
• Choose your model: Standard, Hausarzt, HMO, Telmed, or Network. Alternative models save 10–25% on premiums. See our models guide
• Submit your application: Apply online, by post, or in person with your chosen insurer

Weeks 3-4: Find a GP (family doctor)

Finding a GP is essential, especially if you chose a Hausarzt, HMO, or Network model where you must have a registered primary care doctor. Even with a Standard or Telmed model, having a GP is strongly recommended.

• Search online: Use doctorfmh.ch or MedReg (BAG) to find GPs near you
• Call to confirm: Many GPs have closed patient lists. Call the practice and ask: "Nehmen Sie neue Patienten auf?" (Are you accepting new patients?)
• Book an initial appointment: Even if you are healthy, an introductory visit helps establish the relationship and ensures the practice has your records on file
• For Hausarzt/HMO models: Confirm that your chosen GP or HMO clinic is accepted by your insurer — check the insurer's online provider directory

Weeks 4-6: Receive your insurance card and verify coverage

After your application is processed, you will receive your insurance card (Versicherungskarte) by post. This typically takes 2–4 weeks from application submission.

• Check your card details: Verify your name, date of birth, insurer name, policy number, franchise amount, and model are all correct
• Carry it with you: You need your insurance card for every medical visit, pharmacy purchase, and hospital admission
• Keep a photo on your phone: In case you forget the physical card, a photo of the front and back is accepted by most providers for non-emergency visits
• Set up your insurer's app or portal: Most insurers have a digital app where you can submit claims, view your policy, and contact support

Months 2-3: First medical visits and understanding costs

With your insurance active and GP registered, it is time to understand how costs work in practice.

• Attend your first GP appointment: Bring your insurance card. The practice will bill your insurer directly (tiers garant) or you may receive an invoice to forward to your insurer (tiers payant — varies by canton and practice)
• Understand cost-sharing: You pay the franchise (deductible) first, then 10% of costs above the franchise (Selbstbehalt/quote-part) up to CHF 700/year for adults. After that, your insurer covers 100%
• Set up premium payment: Choose monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual billing. Annual payment often comes with a 1–2% discount. See our payment guide

Before day 90: Supplementary insurance and subsidies

While not urgent for the 90-day deadline, these two topics are best addressed early:

• Supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung): Covers things like dental care, private hospital rooms, glasses/contacts, and alternative medicine. Unlike KVG, supplementary insurers can reject you or exclude pre-existing conditions. Apply while you are healthy — waiting until you need it is too late. See our supplementary insurance guide
• Premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung): If your income is below certain thresholds, your canton may subsidise part or all of your premium. Apply as soon as possible after receiving your first Swiss tax assessment. See our subsidies guide

Summary timeline

• Day 1–7: Register at municipality, note registration date
• Day 8–21: Compare insurers at priminfo.admin.ch, choose franchise + model, submit application
• Day 15–28: Search for a GP, call practices, book initial visit
• Day 28–42: Receive insurance card, verify details, set up insurer app
• Day 30–90: First GP visit, understand cost-sharing, set up payment, check subsidy eligibility, consider supplementary insurance