I am a PhD student and have been with TradiConsult since 2 years and 5 months now. So far so good. They are pretty reachable via E-Mail or telephone. They have English-speaking staff (with some French accent, I guess because they are based in Lausanne), relatively friendly as well.

For CHF 960/year, the franchise of CHF 300 is quite low (up to the age of 31). If you are 32 or older, than the franchise will be CHF 1500. Usually I had to pay the medical bills first, and then send the bill and proof of payment to TradiConsult for reimbursement.

Earlier this year, my institute send me a letter informing that Swisscare is not an acceptable health insurance provider in kanton Aargau (I'm not sure if this is only for PhD student or a general ban).

If one gets TradiConsult, then s/he will need to ask for exemption from compulsory health insurance in Switzerland. In my case, TradiConsult sent me a partially filled form and after signing it I sent it to the address written on the form (Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG, Aargau). The exemption is valid for 3 years stay. After that, I have to change to a compulsory health insurance (more expensive).

Hope this helps,
Grey