Health insurance premiums set to rise
Premiums for mandatory health insurance in 2009 will cost on average 2.6 per cent more next year, the Federal Health Office announced on Friday.
The exact cost for buying into the country's basic insurance scheme - a requirement for anyone living in Switzerland - depends on factors such as place of residence and age. The increase is the highest in three years.
On average, monthly premiums will cost SFr322.86 ($284.92) per person with a SFr300 deductible. Young adults between 19-25 years old will see the greatest increases of any age group at 4.2 per cent on average.
Geneva residents will see premiums drop by 0.1 per cent on average. Even with the reduction, residents there still pay SFr418.37 a month, the second-highest rate in the country.
Basel city residents can expect to pay the most of all at SFr420.26 a month.
Policyholders have until the end of November to change health insurance companies for 2009.
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