Assura Health Insurance: In-Depth Review
A budget-focused Swiss health insurer known for competitive premiums and a no-frills approach. Here's a balanced assessment of Assura's strengths and limitations to help you make an informed decision.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1978
- Headquarters: Pully (near Lausanne)
- Insured Persons: 1.1 million+
- Market Share: 9.2%
- Customer Rating: 3.8/5.0
Service Languages
Assura's primary service languages are French, German, and Italian, with French being the strongest due to their headquarters in the French-speaking region. English support is notably limited compared to other major Swiss insurers, which can be challenging for non-Swiss language speakers.
Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Very competitive basic insurance premiums
- Significant savings potential
- Strong presence in French-speaking regions
- Simple, no-frills approach
- Transparent pricing structure
- Good value for budget-conscious customers
Limitations
- Limited English support
- Less developed digital services
- Tiers payant system (pay upfront, claim later)
- Slower claims processing
- Limited physical office locations
- Fewer supplementary options than competitors
Digital Services
Digital Features
- Basic customer portal
- Mobile app with limited functionality
- Online claims submission
- Digital insurance card
- Document upload capability
- Account management
Digital Limitations
- Less intuitive user interface
- Limited English language support
- Fewer advanced features than competitors
- Slower digital claims processing
Assura Basic Insurance Models
Assura offers several models for basic insurance, allowing you to save on premiums by choosing certain restrictions on your first point of medical contact.
| Model | How It Works | Potential Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Model | Free choice of doctors and specialists | None (base premium) | Those prioritizing maximum flexibility |
| Family Doctor Model | Family doctor as first point of contact | Up to 10% | Those with a trusted family doctor |
| Pharmacy Model | Pharmacy as first point of contact | Up to 12% | Those who prefer pharmacy consultations |
| Telmed Model | Telemedical consultation first | Up to 15% | Tech-savvy individuals valuing convenience |
Understanding Deductibles (Franchise)
The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. Assura offers various options:
- CHF 300: Standard deductible, highest premiums
- CHF 500, 1000, 1500, 2000: Intermediate options
- CHF 2500: Highest deductible, lowest premiums (up to 40% savings)
After your deductible is met, you pay a 10% co-payment on all costs up to CHF 700 per year.
Assura Supplementary Insurance Options
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, Assura's supplementary plans offer enhanced benefits, though they are generally more limited compared to other major insurers.
Complementa
- Basic outpatient coverage
- Limited alternative medicine
- Vision care contributions
- Preventive care benefits
- Medication coverage
- Emergency transport
Natura
- Alternative medicine focus
- Natural treatments and therapies
- Preventive care
- Health promotion benefits
- Limited fitness contributions
Hospita
- Semi-private or private hospital rooms
- Limited choice of doctor
- Hospital coverage in Switzerland
- Basic comfort services
- Limited flexibility compared to competitors
Dentaire
- Basic dental check-ups
- Dental treatments
- Limited orthodontic coverage
- Various coverage levels available
- Preventive dental care
Important Considerations
- Health Check: Unlike basic insurance, supplementary plans require a health questionnaire and may exclude pre-existing conditions.
- Timing: It's best to apply when you're in good health, as acceptance becomes more difficult with age or health issues.
- Cancellation Terms: Supplementary insurance typically has different cancellation terms than basic insurance (often 3 months' notice).
Assura for English Speakers
Limited English Support
Assura's English language support is notably limited compared to other major Swiss insurers, which can present significant challenges for non-Swiss language speakers.
- Few English-speaking customer service representatives
- Limited documentation available in English
- Website and app primarily in Swiss national languages
- Communication challenges for English-only speakers
For Newcomers to Switzerland
If you've recently moved to Switzerland and don't speak a Swiss national language, Assura may present some challenges:
- Very competitive premiums (main advantage)
- Language barriers in customer service
- Tiers payant system requires paying upfront
- Limited guidance through the Swiss system
Understanding Assura's Tiers Payant System
Pay First, Claim Later
Unlike many Swiss insurers that use the "tiers garant" system (where the insurer pays the provider directly), Assura primarily operates on a "tiers payant" system, which requires you to:
How It Works
- Pay medical bills upfront yourself
- Submit receipts to Assura for reimbursement
- Wait for processing (can take several weeks)
- Receive reimbursement after approval
Potential Challenges
- Requires sufficient cash flow to cover medical expenses
- More administrative work for policyholders
- Potential language barriers in claim forms
- Longer waiting periods for reimbursement
Important Consideration
This system can be particularly challenging for newcomers to Switzerland or those with limited financial resources, as medical bills can be substantial. You'll need to be prepared to pay for treatments upfront and wait for reimbursement.
Assura for Specific Groups
For Budget-Conscious
- Very competitive premiums
- Good basic coverage
- Significant savings potential
- No-frills approach
For French Speakers
- Strong presence in French regions
- Excellent French documentation
- French-speaking customer service
- Local understanding of needs
Not Ideal For
- English-only speakers
- Those seeking premium service
- People with cash flow limitations
- Those wanting advanced digital tools
Premiums and Costs
Assura is known for offering some of the most competitive basic insurance premiums in Switzerland. While exact figures vary based on individual circumstances, here are the key factors affecting your premium:
Premium Factors
- Canton of residence
- Age group
- Chosen insurance model
- Selected deductible
- Supplementary coverage options
Cost-Saving Strategies
- Choose an alternative insurance model
- Opt for a higher deductible if healthy
- Pay premiums annually for potential discounts
- Review supplementary coverage needs regularly
- Check eligibility for premium subsidies
Get Personalized Premium Quotes
For accurate premium information based on your specific situation, use our AI calculator or schedule a free consultation with our insurance experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Assura a good choice for English-speaking expats?
Assura may not be the best choice for English-speaking expats who don't speak a Swiss national language. Their English support is limited, documentation is primarily in Swiss languages, and their tiers payant system (requiring upfront payment and later reimbursement) can be challenging to navigate without strong language skills. While their premiums are very competitive, expats might find insurers like Helsana, SWICA, or Sanitas more accommodating with their stronger English services.
How does Assura's tiers payant system work?
Unlike many Swiss insurers that pay providers directly, Assura uses a "tiers payant" system where you must pay medical bills upfront and then submit claims for reimbursement. This means you need sufficient funds to cover medical expenses before receiving reimbursement, which can take several weeks. This system requires more administrative work from policyholders and can be challenging for those with limited financial resources or language barriers.
What are the main advantages of choosing Assura?
Assura's main advantage is their highly competitive basic insurance premiums, which can be significantly lower than other major insurers. They offer good value for budget-conscious customers who prioritize cost savings over premium service or digital features. They're particularly strong in French-speaking regions and can be a good option for those who speak a Swiss national language and are comfortable with their no-frills approach and tiers payant system.
How do Assura's digital services compare to other insurers?
Assura's digital services are more basic compared to leading Swiss insurers like Helsana, SWICA, or Sanitas. While they do offer a customer portal and mobile app, these have more limited functionality and are less user-friendly. Their digital tools are primarily available in Swiss national languages with limited English support. Claims processing through their digital channels can also be slower than competitors. If digital convenience is important to you, other insurers might be more suitable.
How do I switch to Assura from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to Assura by giving notice to your current insurer by November 30th for a January 1st change. For supplementary insurance, the notice period is typically three months, but check your current policy. It's important to secure acceptance from Assura for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. Be aware that Assura's supplementary options are more limited than some competitors, and their acceptance criteria may differ. Our experts can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Compare All Your Options
While Assura offers competitive premiums, it's important to compare all Swiss health insurers to find the best match for your specific needs, language preferences, and service expectations.