The first 90 days are decisive
Anyone who moves to Switzerland must take out compulsory LAMal health insurance within three months of taking up residence. Each member of the family is insured individually, including children.
If affiliation is made within the deadline, coverage takes effect retroactively upon arrival, and premiums are due from that date. In the event of a delay, the canton may automatically enroll and an additional premium may apply.
Assurance maladie LAMal
- Mandatory: for any person domiciled in Switzerland, unless specific exemption accepted by the competent authority.
- Identical services: basic coverage is defined by law, but premiums vary depending on fund, canton, deductible and model.
- Accident: if you work at least 8 hours per week with the same employer, the accident is generally covered via the LAA; otherwise it must be included in the LAMal.
- Additional: they are optional and subject to a health questionnaire. It is better to request them early, especially for hospitalization, dental, complementary medicine or care abroad.
Cross-border commuters: pay attention to the right of choice
Cross-border commuters holding a G permit must in principle be insured from the start of the employment contract. For residents of certain neighboring countries, notably France, a right of choice allows them to choose between the Swiss LAMal regime and the regime of the country of residence.
This choice must be made formally within three months with the competent cantonal authority. In practice, it is difficult to subsequently modify, unless there is a change in the situation provided for by the applicable rules. You must therefore compare before signing, not after the deadline.
Accommodation: Private RC and household
Private civil liability is not mandatory at the federal level, but it is almost always required by the authorities. For example, it covers damage caused to a third party, to the rented accommodation or to a neighbor.
Household insurance protects your furniture, personal effects and objects against risks such as fire, water damage, theft or natural events depending on the contract. In certain cantons, fire and natural element coverage is mandatory.
Car, licenses and plates
If you import or register a vehicle in Switzerland, motor vehicle liability is mandatory before obtaining plates. Depending on the value of the vehicle, a partial or complete comprehensive insurance can be useful to cover theft, hail, collision, vandalism or broken glass.
The foreign driving license must generally be exchanged within 12 months of arrival. The exact procedures depend on the canton and your situation.
Pension and income
- Employee in Switzerland: AVS/AI, LAA and LPP apply according to the rules of your employment.
- Independent : several protections become optional and must be actively organized.
- 3rd pillar: useful for reducing taxes and preparing for retirement if you have income subject to AVS.
- Death or incapacity to earn insurance: to consider if your family depends on your income or if you have a mortgage.
Priorities according to your profile
- Salaried resident: quickly choose the LAMal, withdraw the accident if the employer LAA covers it, secure the lease with private liability and household, then analyze LPP and 3a.
- Border: compare LAMal and the regime of the country of residence before exercising the right of choice, then check accident, insurance and taxation according to the canton of work.
- Independent : organize loss of earnings, accident, pension and professional liability yourself, because several automatic employee protections do not apply.
- Family : insure each member individually under LAMal, check child deductibles, useful supplements and protection of the main income.
Practical checklist
- Report to the municipality and check your residence permit.
- Compare and subscribe to the LAMal before the 3 month deadline.
- Check whether the accident should remain within the LAMal or pass through the employer.
- Take out private liability and cleaning before handing over the keys.
- Insure the car before Swiss registration.
- Analyze LPP, 3a, family insurance and protection once income has stabilized.
Common errors
- Wait until the end of the three months to choose the health insurance fund.
- Keeping the accident under LAMal when the employer already covers it.
- Sign a lease without private liability or appropriate household insurance.
- Forget the right of border option or treat it as a simple formality.
- Compare only the health premium without looking at deductible, model and access to care.
- Postpone foresight while the first tax choices begin upon arrival.
Our support
Finwise supports you in your insurance choices at the time of installation: LAMal, supplementary, private liability, household, car, accident, insurance and right of cross-border option. You save time, avoid oversights and obtain coverage consistent with your family, your job and your budget.
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