Helsana Health Insurance: Complete 2025 Guide
One of Switzerland's largest health insurers, known for innovative digital services, comprehensive coverage options, and strong support for English speakers. Here's everything you need to know about Helsana.
Company Overview
Key Facts
- Founded: 1899
- Headquarters: Dübendorf, Zürich
- Insured Persons: 2.1 million
- Market Share: 14%
- Customer Rating: 4.3/5.0
Service Languages
Helsana offers comprehensive service in all listed languages, including documentation, customer support, and digital platforms. Their English-speaking staff are well-trained and can handle complex insurance matters.
Understanding Swiss Health Insurance Basics
Basic Insurance (KVG/LAMal)
Mandatory for all residents in Switzerland, providing essential medical coverage as defined by Swiss law.
- Identical benefits across all insurers
- Premiums vary by canton, age, model, and deductible
- No discrimination based on health status
- Must be obtained within 3 months of arrival
Supplementary Insurance (VVG/LCA)
Optional coverage for services not included in basic insurance, with varying benefits and premiums.
- Health check may be required
- Insurers can reject applicants
- Benefits vary significantly between plans
- Can be with a different insurer than basic coverage
Helsana Basic Insurance Models
Helsana 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 |
| BeneFit PLUS GP | Family doctor as first point of contact | Up to 15% | Those with a trusted family doctor |
| BeneFit PLUS HMO | HMO center as first point of contact | Up to 25% | Urban residents seeking maximum savings |
| PreMed-24 | Telemedical consultation first | Up to 20% | Tech-savvy individuals valuing convenience |
Understanding Deductibles (Franchise)
The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance starts covering costs. Helsana 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.
Helsana Supplementary Insurance Options
While basic insurance provides essential coverage, Helsana's supplementary plans offer enhanced benefits and services for more comprehensive protection.
COMPLETA
- Comprehensive outpatient coverage
- Alternative medicine treatments
- Fitness contributions
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Non-prescription medications
- Travel insurance
TOP
- Mid-tier outpatient coverage
- Alternative medicine
- Health promotion benefits
- Vision care contributions
- Emergency transport
HOSPITAL
- Private or semi-private hospital rooms
- Free choice of doctor
- Worldwide hospital coverage
- Comfort services during hospital stays
- Flexible options (HOSPITAL Flex)
DENTAplus
- Dental check-ups
- Fillings and treatments
- Orthodontic work
- Dental hygiene
- Various coverage levels available
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).
Helsana: Strengths and Limitations
Key Strengths
- Excellent digital services
- Comprehensive supplementary packages
- Strong preventive care focus
- Good English support
- Innovative health programs
- Wide provider network
Limitations
- Higher basic insurance premiums in some regions
- Limited physical office locations
- Some supplementary packages can be expensive
Digital Services
Digital Features
- User-friendly mobile app (myHelsana)
- Online claims submission
- Digital customer service
- Virtual doctor consultations
- Digital insurance card
- Health tracking integration
Benefits
- Easy policy management
- Quick claims processing
- 24/7 access to services
- Paperless communication
Helsana for English Speakers
English Services
Helsana offers comprehensive support for English speakers, making it a popular choice among international residents in Switzerland.
- English-speaking customer service representatives
- Documentation available in English
- English website and app interface
- Support for newcomers to the Swiss system
For Newcomers to Switzerland
If you've recently moved to Switzerland, Helsana offers several advantages:
- Streamlined application process
- Guidance through the Swiss insurance system
- Alternative insurance models to reduce costs
- International coverage options for travel
Helsana for Specific Groups
For Families
- Premium discounts for children
- Comprehensive maternity coverage
- Family-friendly supplementary options
- Preventive care benefits
For Students
- Cost-effective insurance models
- Digital-first approach
- International coverage options
- Flexible plans for temporary residents
For Professionals
- Premium hospital coverage
- Efficient digital services
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Wellness and prevention benefits
Premiums and Costs
Helsana's premiums vary based on several factors. While we can't provide exact figures (as they change annually and depend 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
How good is Helsana's English support?
Helsana offers comprehensive English support across all services, including customer service, documentation, and digital platforms. Their English-speaking staff are well-trained and can handle complex insurance matters, making them a popular choice among international residents in Switzerland.
Are Helsana's premiums competitive?
Helsana's basic insurance premiums vary by canton and model. While not always the cheapest, they often offer good value when considering their service quality and digital features. Their alternative insurance models (HMO, Family Doctor, Telmed) can provide significant savings compared to the standard model. Use our calculator to compare premiums for your specific situation.
What makes Helsana's supplementary insurance special?
Helsana is known for comprehensive supplementary packages with strong coverage for alternative medicine, preventive care, and international treatment. Their COMPLETA package is particularly popular, offering a wide range of benefits including alternative medicine, fitness contributions, vision care, and travel insurance. Their hospital insurance options also provide excellent flexibility and comfort.
How do I switch to Helsana from another Swiss insurer?
For basic insurance, you can switch to Helsana 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 Helsana for supplementary insurance before canceling your existing coverage. Our experts can guide you through this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Is Helsana a good choice for newcomers to Switzerland?
Yes, Helsana is often a good choice for newcomers due to their English support, user-friendly digital services, and range of insurance models to suit different needs and budgets. Their myHelsana app and online portal make managing your insurance straightforward, even if you're not familiar with the Swiss system. They also offer comprehensive guidance for those setting up insurance for the first time in Switzerland.
Ready to Explore Helsana Insurance?
Compare Helsana with other Swiss insurers, get personalized premium quotes, and receive expert guidance on choosing the right coverage for your needs.