03.12.2025

Health insurance: a common cause of over-indebtedness in Switzerland

In Switzerland, health insurance debts affect a majority of over-indebted people. Between late payments, strict reminders and legal consequences, these arrears weigh heavily on the budget. Focus on the causes, risks and ways to regain control effectively.

 

Why health premiums are a cause of debt

In Switzerland, when a financial situation becomes tense, the first deferred expenses are often... health insurance. And for good reason: the amounts are high, recurrent, and not very flexible.

According to various studies, nearly 60% of indebted households are indebted in part because of unpaid health insurance premiums. Even more striking: 72% of indebted people with a job have debts related to health insurance.

A sudden drop in income – for example, a transition to unemployment – can cause a salary to drop from CHF 3,500 to CHF 2,500. With an already tight budget (rent, leasing, subscriptions, insurance, taxes, etc.), a difference of CHF 1,000 quickly becomes critical.

 

Strict reminders... and little tolerance

Health insurers don't mess around with delays. Unlike other creditors, they quickly trigger reminders, orders to pay, or even prosecution.
These procedures often lead to a file with the debt collection office, which then complicates access to housing or credit.

That's why health insurance premiums should be treated as a priority when reorganizing your finances. Even in the event of difficulty, it is better to contact your insurer as soon as possible to discuss an arrangement than to let the situation deteriorate.

 

Finding concrete solutions to get out of debt

In the event of temporary difficulties, some insurers agree to spread payments over several months. But these arrangements remain limited: reminders or interest may continue to accumulate, and it is necessary to react before the procedure is initiated.

For many households, the use of a personal loan can be a practical solution. allows debts — including unpaid premiums — to be grouped into a single and often lower monthly payment. This type of financing offers the opportunity to quickly clean up the situation, avoid lawsuits and restore a smooth budget balance.

Of course, a loan must remain well thought out and adapted. The objective is not to add an additional burden, but to regain control, to regain financial stability and, in the long term, serenity.

 

Act before it's too late

When debt piles up, it's often hard to know where to start. However, simple solutions exist.
Personalized support, budget reorganization or a consumer credit option can be enough to get things back on track before the situation becomes too heavy.

At Milenia, we believe in humane, transparent and sustainable approaches — so that each person can move forward serenely, at their own pace.

 

 

 

 



Loan illustration: loan of CHF 10'000. Effective annual interests rates between 4.9% and 9.95% over a 12 month period lead to total interests of between CHF 264.20 and CHF 523.40. Duration: 6-120 months; Maximum annual interest rate (including all loan handling costs) 9.95%. Loans approval are prohibited if they lead to excess debt for the consumer. (Art. 3 LCD)