You are comparing 2027 premiums and you come across four new words: PRAXIS, TEL_DIG, PHARM, FLEX. They are not product names. They are the categories that the official Priminfo calculator uses from 2027 to classify the models of LAMal (compulsory basic health insurance) (Federal Office of Public Health, FOPH).
First, the principle
The model and the deductible are two separate choices, which you can combine (Priminfo). The deductible sets what you pay yourself. The model sets your first point of contact when you have a medical question.
- No particular model (standard insurance): you choose your doctor freely.
- A model with a limited choice of providers: you commit to going first through a defined point of contact. In return, your health insurer can reduce your premium.
Source: FOPH, models with a limited choice.
The four categories
PRAXIS — the medical practice. Your first point of contact is a designated practice: your family doctor’s practice or a medical centre. If needed, it refers you to a specialist. This category brings together the former “family doctor” and “HMO” (medical centre) models.
TEL_DIG — telephone or digital. Your first contact is always by telephone or online: a telemedicine centre or an app. This category replaces the former “other models” box.
PHARM — the pharmacy. Your first point of contact for a medical question is a pharmacy that partners with your health insurer.
FLEX — several entry points. You choose between several first points of contact, for example a family doctor’s practice or a telemedicine centre.
Source: FOPH, models with a limited choice, and the factsheet of 29.09.2026 for the names: PRAXIS (medical practice), TEL_DIG (telephone/digital), PHARM (pharmacy), FLEX (flexible).
What the category does not tell you
The category tells you who your first point of contact is. It does not tell you everything. The precise rules (how to report a consultation, which exceptions apply, what happens if you do not follow the set pathway) are laid down in each health insurer’s insurance conditions. The FOPH recommends reading them carefully before you choose.
The dates for changing model
- Leaving a model with a limited choice for another model or for free choice: in writing, by 30 November 2026 at the latest, for 1 January 2027.
- Moving from free choice to a model with a limited choice (with a CHF 300 deductible or an optional deductible): possible at any time of the year.
- Good to know: with a model with a limited choice, you cannot switch health insurer on 1 July. The switch takes place on 1 January.
Sources: FOPH, factsheet of 29.09.2026; Priminfo, frequently asked questions.
Three questions to ask yourself
No model is better for everyone. Before comparing premiums, the FOPH advises choosing the model that suits your needs. To see clearly:
- Do you already have a family doctor you want to keep?
- Are you comfortable with a first contact by telephone or through an app?
- Are you ready to follow the set pathway for every medical question, apart from the exceptions set out in the conditions?
The answers do not choose for you. They tell you which boxes to look at on priminfo.admin.ch. For the dates and the cancellation letter, read Switching health insurer: the exact timetable and a template letter.
Sources
- FOPH — “Health insurance: models with a limited choice”, accessed 22.10.2026 (in French)
- FOPH — factsheet “Changing health insurer: what policyholders need to know”, 29.09.2026 (in French)
- Priminfo (FOPH) — 2027 premium calculator, accessed 22.10.2026 (in French)
- Priminfo (FOPH) — frequently asked questions, accessed 22.10.2026 (in French)
