Hello to everyone!

My name is Meritxell, I'm 26 years old and I'm doing a PhD at EPFL from September 1st.

After doing lots of paperwork as a new person in Switzerland it's time to look for a health insurance provider in order to be legal in the country (and to be treated if necessary).

For the mandatory insurance we found some companies (Assura, Concordia, etc.) offering the cheapest prices (between 230 and 260 CHF with the highest franchise 2500 CHF). However, another PhD student told me that in our case we have a cheapest option with Swisscare (http://www.swisscare.com/en/all-plans/swiss-plans/student-insurance/student-health-insurance-switzerland/)

It seems that PhD students may have access to some reduction via an exemption form (which I don't know exactly what it is). The most surprising thing is the price (around 75 CHF per month) and the franchise (either 300 CHF or 500 CHF). 

Does anyone have this insurance and can tell me how it exactly works? I just want to be sure that if I take it I'm not going to have problems in case of emergency or medical visit.

Thanks for your help!

Meritxell