Complete advice · DE ↔ CH

All insurance for cross-border commuters from a single source

You live in Germany and work in Switzerland? Then special rules apply to you – for health insurance, provision, taxes and liability. We have been looking after cross-border commuters in the Lörrach region for more than 30 years and put your insurance together so that nothing is paid twice and nothing is forgotten.

Allves – cooperation partner for Switzerland

Everything Swiss via our cooperation partner Allves

For all topics on the Swiss side – in particular KVG basic insurance – we work with our cooperation partner Allves. Through Allves we can handle all relevant KVG providers (e.g. SWICA, Sympany, Helsana). We look after the German components such as supplementary insurance, provision, liability and property insurance directly.

KVG · GKV · PKV

The right health insurance for cross-border commuters

If you work in Switzerland and live in Germany, you must decide within 3 months: Swiss KVG basic insurance or exemption in favour of German GKV/PKV. This choice is generally final – we help you make it correctly.

KVG vs. GKV vs. PKV – the key differences

Criterion Swiss KVG German GKV German PKV
Contribution (monthly, single)~ 240–390 CHF (2027, depending on insurer and accident cover)~ 14,6 % of Swiss salary~ 350–1.200 € (depending on age and state of health)
Children covered without contribution❌ own premium⚠️ possible in principle, for cross-border commuters usually maximum contribution❌ extra per child
Treatment in CH✅ standard⚠️ limited✅ depending on tariff
Treatment in DE✅ via E106/S1✅ standard✅ standard
Switching possible laterannuallyrarelyrarely

Figures for guidance only – the actual calculation is made individually. KVG premiums 2027 according to the BAG premium overview for insured persons resident in Germany (adults, deductible CHF 300).

SWICA, Sympany & Allves

For Swiss KVG we work with established partners. Our exclusive cooperation partner is Allves – through Allves we can handle all relevant KVG providers. Detailed premium overviews, applications and benefit comparisons can be found on the overview page Cross-border commuters Switzerland.

Overview

Which insurance cross-border commuters really need

1. Health insurance (mandatory)

Choice between Swiss KVG basic insurance (e.g. SWICA, Sympany) and German GKV/PKV with an exemption application. Including supplementary insurance for dental, hospital and alternative practitioners (Heilpraktiker).

→ KVG details

2. Provision & retirement provision

Swiss 1st + 2nd pillar plus German private provision. Optimisation of pillar 3a/3b, Riester alternatives and tax-efficient components for cross-border commuters.

→ Cross-border commuter provision

3. Occupational disability & accident

The Swiss SUVA covers occupational accidents – but not everything. German occupational disability insurance protects your standard of living if you can no longer do your job in Switzerland.

4. Personal liability & home contents

German contracts – with abroad/Switzerland clauses. We make sure that damage on the way to work and at the Swiss workplace is also covered.

5. Motor & mobility

Commuting to Switzerland requires tariffs with a high mileage allowance and properly arranged cover abroad – including breakdown cover (Schutzbrief) for Switzerland.

6. Travel & travel abroad

Travel health insurance valid in Switzerland, trip cancellation and, if needed, annual travel cover for business travellers.

How we proceed

The right cross-border commuter solution in 3 steps

  1. Review: We check your Swiss employment contract, existing contracts and family situation.
  2. Comparison KVG vs. GKV/PKV: We calculate both options, including supplementary insurance and provision, down to the last cent – the Swiss side together with Allves.
  3. Conclusion & support: We take care of applications and cancellations and are your permanent contact – also in the event of a claim.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is cross-border commuter insurance?
As a cross-border commuter, you work in Switzerland and live in Germany. The most important insurance is health insurance – you can choose between Swiss KVG basic insurance and German GKV/PKV. On top of that come provision, liability, property and occupational disability.
Which insurance is mandatory for me as a cross-border commuter?
Health insurance is mandatory (KVG basic insurance in Switzerland or exemption in favour of German GKV/PKV). Personal liability insurance, occupational disability insurance and additional private provision are strongly recommended.
Am I required to have health insurance as a cross-border commuter to Switzerland?
Yes. You must either insure yourself under Swiss KVG or submit an exemption application (right of option) in order to stay in German GKV or PKV. The deadline is 3 months from starting work – the decision is generally final.
What does cross-border commuter health insurance cost in 2027?
For 2027, the KVG premiums of the insurers in our overview (Sympany, SWICA, Helsana) for adults range from around 244 to 385 CHF per month – depending on the insurer and accident cover. Children pay a reduced premium. Optional supplementary insurance (dental, hospital, alternative practitioners) comes on top. You can find all figures in our premium overviews; we are happy to send you a current overview at no cost.
KVG or GKV – which is cheaper?
There is no blanket answer. Young, healthy singles often do better with KVG plus supplementary cover. For families it depends on the individual case, because most cross-border commuters pay the maximum contribution in GKV. We calculate it individually for you.
Mandatory or voluntary – which is better?
If you work as a cross-border commuter long-term and are healthy, KVG plus German supplementary insurance is often cheaper. Since most cross-border commuters would have to pay the maximum contribution in GKV, it is worth looking into this and checking it.
Which KVG providers do you work with?
For KVG insurance we work with Allves – through them we can handle all relevant KVG providers.
By when do I have to cancel my KVG to switch as of 1 January?
The cancellation must reach your current insurer by 30 November at the latest. You will be informed of the new premium by 31 October. We take care of the cancellation, the new application and support for the switch for you.
What about the family – are children covered?
Under KVG, each family member pays their own premium (children less). In German GKV, contribution-free family insurance for children is possible in principle – however, most cross-border commuters have incomes at the contribution assessment ceiling and pay the maximum contribution there. Whether GKV is cheaper for your family therefore depends on the individual case.
Where can I find advice for cross-border commuters in the Lörrach area?
KiS – Kontor im Schwarzwald in Steinen advises cross-border commuters in Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, Rheinfelden and the entire region – personally on site or online by video.

Personal advice for cross-border commuters

Whether first-time contract, optimisation or switching as of 1 January: we calculate KVG, GKV and PKV individually for you – including supplementary insurance and family optimisation. Without obligation and with no additional fee for you – we are paid by the insurers.

Request personal advice

Insurance advice in Lörrach & the Landkreis Lörrach – also for cross-border commuters

Looking for personal insurance advice in Lörrach, Weil am Rhein, Rheinfelden, Schopfheim, Steinen or elsewhere in the Landkreis Lörrach? As an insurance broker in the tri-border region, we specialise in cross-border commuters working in Switzerland – from health insurance for cross-border commuters to retirement provision and property and liability cover. Book your appointment now – in person, by phone or online.