Moving to Switzerland represents an important step, full of promises and adventures, but also responsibilities.
Among them, you must understand Swiss insurance to avoid problems but above all to protect yourself.
Let's take a look at the compulsory insurance to settle in Switzerland and those that we recommend you have. as an individual.
Health insurance in Switzerland: an obligation for residents
Understanding LAMal: compulsory basic insurance
In Switzerland, all residents must subscribe to thebasic health insurance, known as LAMal (Federal Health Insurance Law). This insurance covers essential care, including doctor visits, general ward hospitalizations, and prescription medications. It is important to note that this subscription must be made within three months of your arrival in Switzerland.
LAMal coverage and exclusions
Although the LAMal offers extensive coverage, certain services, such as dental care or optics, are little or not covered. It is therefore crucial to understand what is included or excluded from this basic insurance and to consider the possibility of taking out additional insurance for more extensive coverage.
Associated costs: premium, deductible and co-payment
Health insurance in Switzerland involves paying a monthly premium, the amount of which varies depending on the insurance fund, the chosen deductible and other personal criteria. The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket each year before insurance begins to reimburse your medical expenses. In addition to the deductible, a share of 10% is applied up to an annual maximum.
Insurance models to reduce costs
There are different insurance models such as the HMO model or the family doctor model, which can help reduce the amount of premiums. These models restrict the choice of healthcare provider but in return, offer a lower premium.
Compare and choose your health insurance
The importance of choosing a health insurance company
The choice of health insurer directly influences the amount of premiums. It is therefore essential to compare offers to find the fund that offers the best conditions according to your situation.
Go through a broker vs. use an online comparator
To help you choose your insurance, you can opt for the services of a broker, who will offer you personalized support, or use an online comparator. Be careful, however, to choose a reliable and independent comparator.
How to cancel your LAMal health insurance
The law provides specific termination windows, generally at the end of the year. It is important to know these deadlines and the cancellation conditions to adjust your coverage if necessary.
Supplementary health insurance: an option or a necessity?
The advantages of additional insurance
Since basic coverage is limited, additional insurance makes it possible to cover services not taken into account by LAMal, such as dental care, optics or the choice of a single room in the hospital. They therefore offer more complete protection.
International insurance and CFE for expatriates
For expatriates, it is sometimes interesting to take out international insurance or maintain an affiliation with the CFE (Caisse des Français de l’Étranger). These options can offer suitable coverage during temporary stays outside Switzerland or to maintain certain rights in the country of origin. However, they do not exempt you from the obligation to subscribe to LAMal.### Some special cases of health insurance in Switzerland
Health insurance for foreign students
Foreign students in Switzerland may be exempt from the obligation to take out Swiss health insurance (LAMal) if they demonstrate that they have insurance from their country of origin which offers equivalent benefits. To do this, an exemption request form must be completed and submitted, accompanied by supporting documents, to the competent cantonal authority. It is crucial to find out about the procedures upon arrival in Switzerland to avoid penalties or unexpected costs. Colomb monitoring the validity of your foreign insurance is required to guarantee continued coverage.
Health insurance for cross-border workers
Cross-border workers have the right to choose between Swiss health insurance (LAMal) and that of their country of residence. This choice, once made, is generally irrevocable and imposes specificities on health coverage and accessible services. It is advisable to consider this decision carefully, taking into account the differences in coverage, deductibles and premiums in the two systems before committing. The request to exercise the right of option must be submitted to the competent administration within three months following the start of activity in Switzerland.
Other insurance essential for settling in Switzerland
Car insurance: compulsory liability and comprehensive insurance
In Switzerland, civil liability (RC) insurance for vehicles is compulsory and covers damage caused to third parties in the event of a road accident. In addition, comprehensive insurance, although optional, is strongly recommended to protect your vehicle against theft, fire, or natural damage. Before choosing your insurance, compare the offers from different providers to find the plan that suits your needs and your budget.
Household and civil liability insurance: essential but not obligatory
These insurances, although not compulsory, offer important coverage to protect your home and your personal liability in the face of possible damage caused to third parties. They generally cover damage linked to fire, water damage, theft as well as domestic accidents involving third parties. Assess the risks and adjust your coverages for optimal protection.
Legal protection: protecting yourself from litigation
Legal protection insurance helps you cover procedural costs in the event of disputes in various areas such as labor law, contract law, or in the event of conflicts with neighbors. It offers financial support and assistance with legal procedures. Take the time to find out about the services included in the different offers to subscribe to the policy that best meets your needs.
Practical advice for getting good insurance in Switzerland
Establish your insurance needs before settling down
Before your arrival in Switzerland, take stock of your insurance needs based on your personal and professional situation. The coverage needed is not the same for everyone. Your status as a cross-border worker, foreign student, or permanent resident will influence your protection needs and the options available.
Provide comprehensive coverage: health, home, vehicle
Don’t downplay the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage. Health, home and vehicle are the fundamental pillars. A good assessment of your needs will allow you to optimize your insurance budget while benefiting from adequate protection against life's unforeseen events.
Pitfalls to avoid when purchasing insurance
- Not comparing offers can lead you to pay excessively high premiums for unsuitable coverage.
- Ignoring exclusion clauses and deductibles can lead to unpleasant surprises when asserting your rights to compensation.
- Failing to update your contract following a change in situation (moving, birth, new vehicle, etc.) may affect the validity of your coverage.