Insurers' capital income: no obligation to use it for premiums
Date of the event: 14.10.2026
What changed
On 14 October 2026, the Federal Council adopted its report in response to postulate 22.3930 Feller, which asked that all income from the capital health insurers invest on the financial markets be used to reduce premiums. It concludes that the current optional system is sufficient and that there is no need for now to introduce a mandatory mechanism.
What it means in practice
Today, insurers can deduct a share of their capital income from the costs financed by mandatory health insurance, which reduces premiums. According to the Federal Council, most do so when their solvency is good, and the optional nature lets them use this income to build reserves where necessary. Nothing changes for policyholders.
Who is concerned
Everyone covered by basic health insurance (LAMal/KVG).
Sources: Revenus du capital des assureurs pour réduire les primes maladies : le système facultatif actuel est suffisant (external link) (Conseil fédéral)
Flu, COVID-19, RSV: the vaccination recommendations for the winter
Date of the event: 13.10.2026
What changed
On 13 October 2026, the Confederation published the vaccination recommendations for the winter. Against flu: people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and children born prematurely aged 6 to 24 months. Against COVID-19: since September, people aged 65 and over and those with certain pre-existing conditions; there is no longer a general recommendation for pregnant women without a pre-existing condition. Against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): everyone aged 75 and over, people aged 65 and over with certain pre-existing conditions, and people aged 18 and over with serious pre-existing conditions.
What it means in practice
The best time to be vaccinated against flu starts in mid-October; the flu wave usually arrives in Switzerland from the second half of December. Some flu vaccines are being delivered late this year, as in every European country. Against RSV, vaccination during pregnancy or immunisation after birth protects newborns during their first winter. The National Vaccination Weeks take place from 2 to 7 and from 23 to 28 November 2026. The release says nothing about who covers the costs.
Who is concerned
People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and parents of newborns, and people with chronic or pre-existing conditions.
Sources: Vaccination contre la grippe, le COVID-19 et le VRS (external link) (Conseil fédéral)