Magazine date:
Nov 2007 Swiss citizens will, henceforth, have to spend an average 8.7% more for their private health insurance plan. The health premium has doubled since 1996. The Swiss health system requires every individual to underwrite a baseline health insurance run by one of the 90 private funds. The latter calculate premiums according to age groups, regardless of the income. This calculation depends on the capitalized funds per district. Once the tariffs are validated by the Federal office, each insured member is free to change management fund. The price gaps between the different funds may amount to 45%.