Health Insurance (Basic Insurance)
All Swiss residents are obligated to individually obtain health insurance (Grundversicherung|assurance de base). Persons moving to Switzerland must do so within three months. Costs of illnesses that arise before this three month period will be retroactively covered. Basic insurance is offered by numerous private health insurances (Krankenkassen|caisses-maladies privées) and may be chosen freely. Health insurances must accept all Swiss residents. Those insured pay a monthly premium. Premiums vary according to insurance company and insurance model. Comparing offers is recommended. Changing insurance companies is possible only once a year (November). Basic insurance covers the costs of illness as well as pregnancy and childbirth. Benefits are legally bound. Attention: costs for dental care or glasses are generally not covered.