Health insurance for doctoral students

Doctoral students can take out their health insurance with a student insurance company and be exempted from the statutory insurance obligation.

Offers

The following insurances offer doctoral students favorable conditions.

You are free to choose the health insurance and the model. To compare other offers we recommend the platforms external pagecomparis.ch or external pagepriminfo.ch (in German).

Please note: Recognition of a student insurance depends on the place of residence

In the canton of Zurich the mentioned student insurances are recognized.

If you live in another canton, please check with your cantonal health office whether student insurance is accepted. Some cantons have exemptions. In addition, some cantons have a salary cap (gross monthly salary) for student insurance.

Exemption from compulsory insurance

After you have signed the contract for student insurance, you submit an application for exemption from the external pagecompulsory health insurance.

The exemption is granted for a period of three years. It can be extended for another three years. Periods of exemption prior to the doctorate, e.g. during previous studies in Switzerland, are credited.

In the event of a change of status, e.g. through subsequent employment as a post-doctoral researcher, the entitlement to exemption expires, even if the six years have not yet been exhausted.

Cancellation of health insurance

Your eligibility for health insurance with a student insurance company is valid until you defend your thesis.

Check with your insurance company regarding cancellation periods if

your status changes (e.g. if you are subsequently employed as a postdoc)
you start a new job
the exemption period expires before the end of your doctorate.

Remember to cancel your health insurance before you leave for abroad.

Deregister with the relevant municipal administration and request a deregistration confirmation. Deregistration is possible a maximum of 30 days before departure.
Inform your insurance company of the planned departure date and submit the deregistration confirmation in order to be refunded the premiums for already paid, unused and whole months.
Reimbursement will be made to your Swiss bank or postal account. Do not close your account until all refunds have been made. If a refund is made to a foreign account, you will be responsible for the transfer fees.