Swiss health insurance deductibles to rise automatically

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Today, Switzerland’s parliament decided to bring in a system of regular increases in the deductibles for basic compulsory Swiss health insurance, according to the newspaper Le Matin.

However, a plan to raise the the minimum deductible to CHF 500 was rejected by a clear majority.

Between 1996 and 2004, the minimum deductible went from CHF 150 to CHF 300. Higher deductibles up to a maximum of CHF 2,500 can be selected in return for a premium discount.

The plan adopted will see the minimum deductible rise by CHF 50 francs whenever the average premium exceeds 13 times the minimum deductible amount. The next CHF 50 rise will occur when the average premium hits CHF 3,900.

Many of those supporting the plan argue that higher deductibles will reduce costs, not only by passing them onto the insured, but by encouraging people not to race to the doctor with minor ailments. Those opposing the plan argue this logic is flawed and that most of the additional cost will be borne by the chronically sick.

The new deductible rules will not effect policies for children.

Some politicians are unhappy with today’s result. The Socialist and Green parties were against it and the Socialist party had already announced that it planned to try to overturn the change with a referendum.