Obligation and deadline
Everyone resident in Switzerland must take out LAMal (mandatory health insurance) within 3 months of arrival. Coverage is backdated to the day of arrival. No registration = the commune signs you up automatically, often with the most expensive insurer.
Key elements
- Monthly premium: CHF 250–700+ depending on canton, age, deductible, insurer
- Annual deductible: CHF 300–2,500 (adults), CHF 0–600 (children)
- Co-payment: 10% after deductible, capped at CHF 700/year (adults) or CHF 350 (children)
- Insurance models: family doctor, HMO, telemedicine, free choice
- Identical coverage for basic LAMal — only price differs
Comparing insurers
The official comparator priminfo.admin.ch lists premiums by canton, commune and age band. Private tools: Comparis, Bonus.ch, Moneyland. Possible savings: 30–40% by changing insurer, up to 8% more with an alternative model.
Subsidies
Cantons grant premium reductions (subsidies) based on income. In Geneva up to 40% of households qualify. Always ask the cantonal AVS/SAM office, especially for families, students, cross-border workers.
Sign-up steps
- Compare 3–4 offers on priminfo.admin.ch
- Choose deductible and model
- Complete the insurer's form (online)
- Attach permit and registration certificate
- Confirm within 3 months
Switching insurer
Switching is possible yearly with notice by 30 November for effect on 1 January. Steps: cancellation by registered letter, new policy. Important: get confirmation from the new insurer before cancelling the old.
Cross-border workers
EU/EFTA cross-border workers have 3 months from their first day of work to choose between LAMal in Switzerland or insurance in the country of residence (option right). Irrevocable until a major life event. Compare dental, optical and hospital coverage.
