Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA)

Definition of Health Insurance Act (KVG/HIA)

Anyone who lives or works in Switzerland must have basic insurance by law. The purpose of this obligation is to ensure that all persons are financially insured in the event of illness, accident or maternity.

The Health Insurance Act provides a fair basis for this: every person should have access to the same medical services. That’s why all health insurers offering basic insurance have to deliver the same benefits. And they have to admit everyone without applying any restrictions.

When was the Health Insurance Act introduced?

The current Health Insurance Act was approved by the people of Switzerland in 1994 and has been in force since 1996. It replaced the old Health and Accident Insurance Act of 1911. The new KVG/HIA law is designed to

  • Strengthen solidarity among insureds
  • Ensure that everyone can afford a high level of medical care
  • Allow competition among health insurers within a defined framework in order to support moderate cost development.