Changing health insurance provider can save up to 633 francs (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• First switch: 563 francs per year on average
• Subsequent switch: 383 francs per year on average
• Ticino: 633 francs per year for the first switch
• 2027 premiums: announcement expected tomorrow

Key facts

• What → regularly switching basic insurer
• First switch → 563 francs per year on average
• Further switch → 383 francs per year on average
• 2027 premiums → announcement expected tomorrow
• Analysis → switches over the past four years among customers with supplementary insurance

A few hours before the publication of the new premiums for 2027, whose announcement is expected tomorrow, Axa released an analysis this morning of the potential savings. According to the study, regularly switching insurer for mandatory basic insurance is more worthwhile in the long term than remaining with the same health insurer for a long time.

The research comes as the study forecasts a substantial increase for next year as well. The issue highlighted by Axa is the relationship between the first switch and the changes that follow, not only the initial choice of insurer.

With the first switch, policyholders save an average of 563 francs per year. In the event of a further switch, the indicated average saving is 383 francs per year. The figure is lower than that of the first switch, but the study still considers regularly switching worthwhile in the long term.

«Many policyholders believe that after a first switch, the potential for savings is practically exhausted», said Alexandra Gmür, head of health insurance provision at Axa, quoted in the statement released this morning.

Scope of the survey

The Keystone-ATS report situates the analysis in the hours preceding the publication of the 2027 premiums. The document, released by Axa, accompanies the wait for tomorrow's expected announcement with an estimate of the potential of repeated switches.

To conduct the study, Axa examined all switches in basic insurance made over the past four years by customers who also had supplementary insurance. The stated scope therefore includes both the first switch and subsequent ones, according to the distinction adopted to calculate the two average savings.

The group also specifies that it does not directly offer basic insurance. The analysis is thus presented as an assessment of the savings potential observed in the switches considered, and not as a proposal for an Axa basic insurance product.

For those who keep the same insurer for a long time, the source therefore points to possible savings left on the table; for those who have already switched, the review is not described as concluded. These are the two situations that Axa compares on the eve of the new announcement.

Key points

Put the comparison in your calendar

Axa recommends that policyholders note the comparison of premiums in their calendar every year. The immediate reference is the publication of the premiums for 2027, scheduled for tomorrow: the appointment can become the moment to reopen the comparison, without considering the savings exhausted after a single choice.

The operational sequence

1. Mark an annual time in your calendar dedicated to comparing premiums, as suggested by Axa. 2. When the new 2027 premiums are published, check the compulsory basic insurance again and the possibility of changing insurer. 3. Include in the same comparison the savings-oriented insurance models indicated in the source: family doctor, telemedicine and HMO. 4. Also assess alternative deductibles, without stopping at the name of the health insurer alone.

The first step should not be treated as a conclusive check. The same analysis also takes subsequent changes into consideration and links regular checking to long-term cost-effectiveness. The procedure indicated is therefore an annual habit, to be reopened when the new premium data arrive.

The scope of the study should be kept in mind when reading the results: Axa examined the changes made over the last four years by customers who also had supplementary insurance. The group also clarifies that it does not directly offer basic insurance. The reported figures therefore describe the analysis of the changes considered by Axa.

In the comparison, basic coverage remains the starting point. The alternatives mentioned concern the insurance model and the deductible; these are the items that the recommendation invites one to reconsider every year together with the premium. To link this item to monthly availability, use calcolatore stipendio.

Source: swissinfo.ch