LAMal: the obligatory basis
Any person domiciled in Switzerland must take out compulsory LAMal health insurance within three months of their arrival. Basic benefits are defined by law and are identical regardless of the health insurer chosen.
What changes are the premiums, the canton, the premium region, the age, the deductible, the insurance model and the inclusion or not of accident risk. In 2026, the average Swiss premium for compulsory insurance will increase further, which makes comparison essential.
Deductible, co-payment and expenses
- Adult deductible: from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 per year. The higher it is, the lower the premium, but the more you pay for initial medical costs yourself.
- Child deductible: from CHF 0 to CHF 600 depending on the parents' choice.
- Co-payment: after the deductible, you pay 10% of the costs, capped at CHF 700 per year for an adult and CHF 350 for a child.
- Hospitalization: a contribution of CHF 15 per day may apply, with exceptions in particular for children, certain young people in training and maternity.
- Maternity: statutory maternity benefits are not subject to cost participation.
Models that lower the premium
The standard model offers free choice of doctor, but is often more expensive. Alternative models reduce the premium in exchange for a defined care pathway.
- Family doctor: you first consult your referring doctor.
- Telmed: you call a medical center before consulting.
- HMO or network: you go through a partner center or network.
- Standard: more flexible, but generally more expensive.
Accident: avoid double coverage
If you work at least 8 hours per week with the same employer, you are in principle covered by LAA accident insurance for professional and non-professional accidents. In this case, you can ask your fund to suspend accident cover under LAMal.
If you do not work, work less than 8 hours per week, are self-employed without accident coverage or are a student, the accident must often remain included in your basic health insurance.
Supplementary insurance: to decide early
LCA supplementary insurance are not compulsory and insurers can ask health questions, refuse a request or express reservations. They can cover private or semi-private hospitalization, complementary medicine, dental care, glasses, travel or certain treatments not covered by basic insurance.
It is often best to study them upon arrival, before a health problem makes acceptance more difficult.
Cross-border commuters: LAMal or regime of the country of residence
A cross-border worker holding a G permit must act quickly. Depending on the country of residence, a right of choice may allow you to choose between the Swiss LAMal and the regime of the country of residence, such as the CMU/PUMa in France. The choice must be made within three months and in practice becomes difficult to modify afterwards.
For a cross-border worker insured under the LAMal, the rules may differ from a Swiss resident: deductible often set at CHF 300, premium per person, access to care according to the chosen system and specific formalities. The right choice depends on income, family, usual place of care and planned duration in Switzerland.
How to choose correctly
- Compare health insurers for the same basic benefits, because the coverage is identical but the premiums vary greatly.
- Choose the deductible according to your probable health expenses and your ability to pay for an unforeseen event.
- Check the model of care before looking only for the lowest premium.
- Check if the accident is already covered by the employer.
- Study cantonal subsidies if your income or family situation allows it.
- Evaluate supplementary insurance before canceling or changing funds.
Common errors
- Thinking that basic benefits vary depending on the health insurer even though they are set by law and identical.
- Choosing a high deductible without sufficient financial reserve.
- Forgetting to remove the accident from the LAMal when the employer LAA already covers it.
- Waiting too long to request a supplement.
- Miss the 3-month cross-border deadline for the right of choice.
- Compare only the premium without looking at the care network, telemedicine or medical habits.
Our support
Finwise compares health insurers, deductibles, models and supplements according to your canton, your family, your budget, your care habits and your resident or cross-border status. We help you reduce the premium without creating unpleasant surprises when it comes time to treat you.
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