Health premiums set to rise next year

Health insurance premiums are likely to climb sharply next year – and analysts say it’s the government’s fault.

Forecasts by the Comparis website suggest premiums for basic level insurance will certainly rise by 5% - but some could see a 10% increase. 

The reason is twofold – health care costs last year will be up 7.3% when the rise was expected to be just over 1%.

Before the pandemic, the federal government demanded insurance companies reduce the reserves they were holding – amounting to several billion francs. That kept premiums artificially low – and even some people had their fees cut. 

But now the reserves are too low and need to be built up again – which will be painful next year.

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