Key findings from Deloitte’s premium analysis
Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise again in 2026, but a new Deloitte analysis suggests the increase will be stronger in several regions than the official forecast. Deloitte examined costs by premium tier and canton, drawing on a survey of about 1,300 insured individuals. While the official figure cited by authorities is a 4.4% average jump, the study shows that for the most affordable adult plans, regional increases average around 7.1%. In practical terms, the cheapest monthly premium could rise by roughly CHF 23. Beyond the headline figure, the Deloitte project highlights how regional policy frameworks influence the final price paid by households.
Official estimates published in mid-September by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) put the 2026 premium increase at 4.4% on average, with the monthly premium expected to reach CHF 393.30.
Regional disparities shaping the price changes
The Deloitte analysis uncovers notable cantonal differences. The Tessin region could see prices up to CHF 52 higher per month for the cheapest adult plan, while Valais faces an increase of CHF 35. In the French-speaking cantons, Neuchâtel could see an additional CHF 10, Geneva CHF 19, and Vaud as much as CHF 33 per month.
In contrast, Zug is the exception to the trend, recording a decrease of CHF 46 thanks to the canton’s 99% coverage of hospitalization costs. This regional dynamic highlights that premium growth is not only a function of healthcare costs but is also shaped by cantonal policies and funding structures.
The broader implications for households
Marcel Thom, head of insurance at Deloitte Switzerland, notes that the observed patterns make clear: the financial burden of health insurance premiums is driven not only by evolving healthcare costs but also by regional policy settings. The narrowing gap between the most expensive and the cheapest premiums over the past nine years is a positive trend, yet it does not eliminate the pressure on household budgets in many cantons. Deloitte’s data suggest that the affective response from consumers will be to seek the cheapest available option where feasible.
Looking ahead, the study estimates that between 7% and 10% of insured individuals are likely to switch providers in 2026 to secure lower premiums. This expected churn underscores the importance of active comparison shopping and plan evaluation, including the trade-offs between monthly premiums and cost-sharing features such as deductibles and hospital coverage.
Context, methodology and what to watch
The Deloitte assessment analyzes premium costs by plan type and canton, based on a sample of around 1,300 insured individuals. The results complement the OFSP’s official projection, highlighting that regional design choices and policy parameters can significantly affect what households ultimately pay. Since 2017, the Swiss health insurance market has faced a cumulative average price increase of about 3.2%, with the current analysis suggesting that next year’s charges may outpace that trend in several regions.
Practical guidance for the coming year
For consumers, the key takeaway is straightforward: don’t assume the official average is the best guide for your situation. Shop around, compare quotes across providers, and carefully assess the complete cost, not just the monthly premium. In cantons seeing sharper increases, a switch to a cheaper plan could yield meaningful savings, particularly if it aligns with your healthcare usage and hospital network preferences.
Overall, Deloitte’s findings emphasize that premium dynamics in Switzerland remain a blend of healthcare cost evolution and the diverse, region-specific policy environment. As households prepare for 2026, proactive enrollment decisions will be essential to mitigate the financial impact of the next round of premiums.
