Hi,

I started looking for a basic health insurance in Zurich (KVG) through www.comparis.ch.

Can you recommend a few of them and the proper model of this basic insurance (TELMED/HMO/GP) taking the following into consideration:

1. I would like to have an option to call and book for GP appointment and then to be referred to see a specialist etc.

2. I would be looking for the cover where I can book and use GPs who speak English in Zurich area.

3. The possibility to get as low franchise as possible (300CHF?).

4. I would like to have the cover where my visits and costs will be shared between insurers and the bills will be paid directly by them (no invoices paid by me and then getting the reimbursement).

5. The insurer can provide English version of the health insurance agreement to sign by me etc. and I can contact them in English and get all relevant docs in English too.

Can you recommend any insurers with a matched or quite similar profile or you have used them in the past and you are happy with?

Thank you for your valuable help in advance.

Hi, we have good experience with Groupe Mutuel's Basic Plus insurance (HMO) at the Medix Gruppenpraxis in Zurich:

http://www.medix-gruppenpraxis.ch/praxis-aerzte.php

All doctors there speak English, and refer us to specialists they cooperate with if necessary.

This model with them has actually the cheapest contribution for my husband who needs extensive medical care and thus a 300CHF franchise in Zurich this year. Bills for visits and medication are paid directly by Groupe Mutuel and we get a bill for our contribution.

Groupe Mutuel's website

http://groupemutuel.ch/content/gm/en/accueil.html

starts in English, but continues in German/French/Italian - maybe you can call them to see if they can offer materials in English - as we speak German too this wasn't necessary for us.

BTW with this model you can choose from a long list of GPs based in Zurich apart from the Medix practice. You can look for them on this website based on your postal code.

1. all health insurance provide this. I had this option but i don't recommended it. I think basic is better than HMO/GP. With basic, you can see the specialist without referral. The yearly price difference is almost the same with the price to visit a GP to ask for a referral. And from my experience the waiting time (availability of the specialist) is the same.

2. all provide this, but you have to search for the english speaking GP by yourself.

3. all provide this

4. that depend on the doctor and lab (except for assura, with them you have to pay first). Each have different policy. My GP offered me this option. My Obgyn didn't offered this option. Hospital visit and stay sent the invoice directly to the insurance.

5. SWICA, but their price is higher than others

I don't think so: my husband saves 600CHF/yr with HMO compared to the classical insurance at Mutuel. Considering a 300CHF franchise always spent and the 10% contribution he would have to spend 6000CHF/yr for the 'extra' GP visits to make up for the price difference. Moreover the GP is also providing a service by coordinating care through different specialists and providing them all necessary information automatically.

I found Mutuel prices higher as well..now that I am using CSS.

Well, it all depends on your Kanton, if you're m/f, your age and franchise of course. Comparis.ch should give you the best deal for your specific situation.

While websites like comparis.ch are, no doubt, useful, I have used the services of Inswift.ch for a variety of insurances for myself and my spouse, and have been completely amazed by their professionalism and promptness. It takes them only a few days to respond with a wide range of appropriate insurances, highlighting their important features. I have sent them numerous queries, which have always been answered almost immediately and comprehensively. Jelena especially goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable. A truly invaluable service provided by truly great people! Strongly recommended!!

Re InSwift:
this sounds great! I assume there are charges for their services. Do they charge a commission? A fee for service? Other?

Thanks in advance.

No! They render their services totally for free! Truly amazing for such a professional service!

Health Insurance company AVANEX is ok.
In our case, We chose basic insurance for two audults.
We pay 500 CHF. I heard AVANEX is good price for young people compare to old (mean over 50 age this is what the guy said to me )
Hope this is helpful for you.

Jin