When you move to Switzerland, you have 90 days to sign up for mandatory KVG health insurance, the basic coverage every resident must have. One of the first choices is the insurance model: standard, family doctor, HMO or Telmed. Before comparing them, make sure you separate the model from the deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket each calendar year before insurance starts paying. Our Swiss health insurance franchise guide explains that part in detail.
The four KVG models at a glance
- Standard model
- You go straight to any recognized doctor or specialist; no gatekeeper and no premium discount.
- Family doctor model
- You choose a named GP as your first point of contact; they refer you to specialists. Typical premium discount around 10% (varies by insurer).
- HMO model
- You choose one medical centre or group practice as your first point of contact; referrals come from that network. Typical discount around 10.5% or more.
- Telmed model
- You call or use an app to consult a medical professional before seeing a doctor; some cases are settled remotely. Typical discount around 8%.
The percentage discounts above are typical ranges from Swiss insurers, not fixed prices. Discounts vary by insurer, canton and tariff, and the exact amount is applied to your personal premium. When you compare offers, look at the final premium after discount, not just the percentage.
Same coverage, different route
All four models are part of the same compulsory KVG basic insurance. The statutory benefits are identical across models, the model only changes who you call first and how much premium discount you get. A cheaper model does not mean worse coverage.
Standard model: free choice of doctor
The standard model gives you full free choice. You can book any recognized doctor or specialist without a referral. That flexibility comes at full price: no premium discount. If you already have a doctor you trust or a chronic condition that needs direct specialist access, many people value that freedom. But the coverage itself is exactly the same as every other model.
Family doctor model: a named GP as your gatekeeper
In the family doctor model, you pick one general practitioner as your first point of contact. If you need a specialist, that GP arranges the referral. In exchange, insurers typically reduce your premium by around 10%, though the exact discount varies by insurer and canton. This model works well if you like the idea of one doctor who knows your history.
HMO model: one medical centre, usually the largest discount
An HMO model ties you to one medical centre or group practice. You receive care from that team, and any referrals to outside specialists go through it. Because the insurer can coordinate care more tightly, HMO models often carry some of the largest premium discounts, often around 10.5% or more. The trade-off is less flexibility: you generally stay inside that centre for first contact.
Telmed model: a phone call first
Telmed is the telemedicine option: before you see a doctor, you call a hotline or use an app to talk through your symptoms. In many cases, the consultation is settled remotely; if not, you get referred onward. The typical discount is around 8%. Telmed is convenient for people who don't mind starting with a conversation and want a quick triage before spending time in a waiting room.
Model vs. deductible: two separate decisions that stack
The model and the deductible are two different levers, and you can combine any model with any deductible. The deductible, called the franchise in Switzerland, is the amount you pay yourself each calendar year before insurance starts paying. Adults can choose a deductible from CHF 300 up to CHF 2,500; children's deductible is CHF 0. A family doctor model with a CHF 2,500 deductible is one of the cheapest possible combinations, while a standard model with a CHF 300 deductible is among the most expensive. The model determines who you call first; the deductible determines how much you pay first.
- Deductible (franchise): CHF 300–2,500 for adults, CHF 0 for children.
- Co-insurance after deductible: 10% of costs, capped at CHF 700 per year for adults and CHF 350 for children.
- Model: your first point of contact, any doctor, a named GP, one medical centre, or a telemedicine line.
What the model does to your premium
Swiss KVG premiums are rising again: the average monthly premium increases 5.0% to CHF 412 in 2027, with the adult average at CHF 487.60. Because the model discount is applied to your premium, the model choice is one of the few levers you can actually pull to offset that rise. A 10% family doctor discount on a CHF 487.60 adult premium saves roughly CHF 49 a month. But exact savings depend on your insurer, canton and tariff. For the full 2027 picture, see Swiss Health Insurance Premiums Rising 5% in 2027: What Americans Need to Know.
US tax angle: the model choice has zero effect
Here's the part that matters if you file US taxes while living in Switzerland: your KVG model choice does not change your US tax treatment at all. Whether your KVG premium is deductible on your US return depends on whether you are self-employed and can claim an above-the-line deduction on Form 7206, subject to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credit interplay, not on whether you picked Telmed or HMO. If you are an employee, the premium is generally not deductible on your US return. So choose the model on Swiss grounds: access, convenience and premium. For the underlying mechanics, see Are Swiss KVG Health Insurance Premiums Deductible on Your US Tax Return?. If your specific FEIE or foreign tax credit position needs analysis, that's the moment to get personal cross-border advice.
Switching models later
Yes, you can change both your insurer and your model once a year. The cancellation deadline is the end of November, November 30, for changes that take effect the following January. If you realize your HMO centre is inconvenient or your Telmed calls feel rushed, you can adjust. Don't let the deadline pass; the process and tax-relevant details are in Swiss Health Insurance 2027: The November 30 Deadline and Your US Taxes.