Standard model: free choice of physicians
In the standard model you go directly to any authorised doctor in Switzerland, including specialists, without a detour. In return it is the most expensive model with every insurer. In Zurich in 2027, the median monthly premium for adults with a CHF 300 deductible in the standard model was CHF 677.00, and CHF 597.00 in the flex model (median, FOPH data).
How the Standard model works
The standard model is ordinary basic health insurance: for outpatient treatment you choose freely among all authorised service providers (Art. 41 para. 1 KVG). You need no referral, no call beforehand and no notification afterwards.
Only in the standard model with the standard deductible can you also switch insurer at the end of June, with your notice received by 31 March (Art. 7 para. 1 KVG, Art. 94 and 100 KVV). All other combinations switch at the end of the year.
The benefits are the same in all models. In the standard model you are therefore not paying for more benefits, but for free choice.
What you pay compared with the standard model
| City | Standard (free choice of physicians) | GP/HMO | Telemedicine/digital | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 677.00 | CHF 598.42−11.6 % | CHF 597.05−11.8 % | CHF 597.00−11.8 % |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 699.75 | CHF 617.95−11.7 % | CHF 622.95−11.0 % | CHF 603.30−13.8 % |
| Lausanne (VD) | CHF 720.80 | CHF 637.60−11.5 % | CHF 639.00−11.3 % | CHF 624.30−13.4 % |
| Lugano (TI) | CHF 764.00 | CHF 684.40−10.4 % | CHF 689.55−9.7 % | CHF 687.45−10.0 % |
| City | Standard (free choice of physicians) | GP/HMO | Telemedicine/digital | Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich (ZH) | CHF 549.75 | CHF 470.45−14.4 % | CHF 471.50−14.2 % | CHF 472.20−14.1 % |
| Bern (BE) | CHF 571.45 | CHF 490.10−14.2 % | CHF 494.60−13.4 % | CHF 475.00−16.9 % |
| Lausanne (VD) | CHF 592.50 | CHF 512.00−13.6 % | CHF 511.00−13.8 % | CHF 496.00−16.3 % |
| Lugano (TI) | CHF 635.70 | CHF 556.10−12.5 % | CHF 561.40−11.7 % | CHF 562.50−11.5 % |
Our own calculation: median of all tariffs per model in the city municipality (premium region 1), percentage compared with the median of the standard model. “Telemedicine and other models” is the FOPH tariff type “DIV” up to 2026; besides telemedicine it also includes other models. Source: FOPH, health insurance premiums 2027, as at 15.10.2026, opendata.swiss. Methodology: How we calculate.
What do I need to do before seeing a doctor?
Standard · Emergency
In an emergency you go straight to the nearest emergency department or call 144. You do not have to inform anyone before or afterwards.
Important: The insurance conditions of your tariff are binding. You will find them in your policy or on your insurer’s website.
Legal basis: Art. 41 para. 1 KVG
Suits you if …
- you see many different specialists directly
- you do not want to follow any rules before seeing a doctor
- free choice matters more to you than a lower premium
Watch out for
- You pay more than with the same insurer’s savings models, every month.
- In the standard model too, the treatment must be a compulsory benefit and the service provider must be authorised.
More in the glossary
Frequently asked questions
Who is the standard model worth it for?
For people who are often treated by different specialists and do not want to follow rules such as referrals or calling first. If you rarely see a doctor, you usually pay more than necessary in the standard model.
Are the benefits worse in a savings model?
No. The statutory benefits of basic health insurance are the same in every model. Only the route to treatment is restricted: the insurer only has to pay for what the chosen service providers carry out or arrange (Art. 41 para. 4 KVG).
When can I change my model?
You can switch from the standard model to a model with restricted choice at any time. Returning to the standard model or switching to another model is only possible at the end of a calendar year; your notice must reach the insurer one month in advance, i.e. by 30 November (Art. 100 KVV, Art. 7 KVG).
Sources
- Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG), Art. 41Art. 41 KVGfedlex.admin.ch
- Health Insurance Ordinance (KVV), Art. 99–101aArt. 99–101a KVVfedlex.admin.ch
- FOPH: Health insurance, special types of insurancebag.admin.ch
- FOPH: health insurance premiums, opendata.swissopendata.swiss
Calculation based on the 2027 premiums approved by the FOPH, as at 15.10.2026, source: FOPH, health insurance premiums, opendata.swiss. Only the insurer’s quote or policy is binding. The model descriptions and rules are general information, not individual advice; your insurer’s insurance conditions are binding. Methodology: How we calculate.