Increase in Health Insurance Premiums by Over 25 Percent in Just Four Years
22.09.2025 | from Caritas Switzerland
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22.09.2025, For the fourth consecutive time, health insurance premiums will rise significantly in 2026. The federal government will announce the exact premium increase in the coming days. What is certain: Even more households with low incomes will come under pressure, especially as housing costs are also on the rise. Caritas is noticeably feeling this trend in their social counseling sessions.
With the foreseeable new premium surge, which will be announced by the federal government in the coming days, an ominous trend continues for households with low incomes. In 2026, insured individuals will have to pay over 25 percent more for health insurance than in 2022. This is horrendous, as wages have stagnated over the same period. For an increasing number of people with low incomes, this is unmanageable, especially since market rents continue to rise at the same time.
"This development greatly concerns us. Spending on housing and health now consumes about half of the gross income for poorer households on average. The latest premium increase is a shock for them," says Aline Masé, Head of the Social Policy Department at Caritas Switzerland.
The social and debt counseling services of the regional Caritas organizations in Switzerland have been experiencing very high demand for some time. "Healthcare costs are a central topic in almost every counseling discussion," says Aline Masé. A large portion of those affected have outstanding payments with the insurers. Many even forgo medical treatment because the deductible is too high. "Rising health insurance premiums are an important reason why people fall into poverty," says Aline Masé.
Cantons are required to address premium reduction.
The cantons must address these cost increases with higher premium reductions. The Federal Council holds the cantons accountable as part of the counterproposal to the premium relief initiative that failed at the ballot in 2024. "Premium reductions alone will not be enough to sufficiently relieve the affected households with low incomes. It is time to distribute healthcare costs more solidaristically," emphasizes Aline Masé.
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Caritas Switzerland
Caritas Switzerland prevents, alleviates, and combats poverty in Switzerland and worldwide in around 20 countries. Caritas Switzerland is an independent association based in Lucerne and a member of the international Caritas network, which comprises 160 organizations globally.
Together with the regional Caritas organizations, Caritas Switzerland is committed to people affected by poverty in Switzerland: families, single parents, the unemployed, the working poor. In the areas of poverty alleviation and asylum and integration, Caritas Switzerland offers a wide range of services.
Worldwide, Caritas provides emergency assistance during disasters and is involved in reconstruction. With its development cooperation projects, Caritas is active in the areas of income, climate, and migration for children and adults.
Caritas advocates for a solidaristic society and policies that consider socially disadvantaged people both domestically and abroad. It engages with analyses and statements on climate, social, migration, and development policy.
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Source: Caritas Switzerland, Press release
Original article published on: Anstieg der Krankenkassenprämien von über 25 Prozent in nur vier Jahren