The Swiss Federal Council is planning to increase the minimum health insurance deductible for the first time in 20 years, affecting nearly 44% of the population.

Currently set at 300 Swiss Francs, the proposed increase aims to better reflect the rising healthcare costs.

The initiative, backed by SVP parliamentarians Diana Gutjahr and Esther Friedli, suggests a new deductible of 400 Francs, with future periodic adjustments.

The rationale is to alleviate insurance premiums and encourage personal responsibility by reducing minor medical visits.

However, this move has faced criticism from the Swiss Trade Union Federation, which argues it further burdens citizens already paying high out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

The proposal excludes children's deductibles from these changes and awaits parliamentary approval.