The canton of Zurich plans to spend around CHF 1.4 billion on health insurance premium relief in 2027, with approximately CHF 800 million earmarked for individual premium reductions for people on modest incomes, according to a cantonal announcement published on Tuesday.
The announcement comes as Swiss households prepare for another increase in compulsory health insurance premiums. The average monthly premium nationwide is set to rise by 5% in 2027, to CHF 412, although the increase varies by canton. Premium relief is intended to reduce the cost for eligible households rather than lower insurers’ published premiums.
Whether a Zurich resident qualifies and how much they receive depend on factors including income, taxable assets, household circumstances, and where they live in the canton.
SVA Zurich, which administers the individual reductions, says it will initially use earlier tax records to calculate provisional payments. Final entitlement will be determined once the 2027 tax information becomes available, potentially in 2028 or 2029.
Eligible applicants will be notified of their provisional reduction from December 2026. SVA Zurich pays the amount directly to the health insurer, which will deduct it from premium bills starting in January 2027. The agency says it initially transfers 80% of the calculated reduction; a later adjustment may result in an additional payment or a repayment once final tax figures are known.
Residents who did not receive an application form can apply through SVA Zurich’s online process. The deadline to submit an application for 2027 premium relief is March 31, 2028, according to the agency’s 2027 guidance. Anyone assessing their eligibility should use the 2027 rules rather than the income thresholds published for 2026.
