For newcomers to Switzerland
Swiss health insurance (LAMal) made clear
Join mandatory basic cover within three months of becoming resident. Compare deductible, model and canton with free multilingual advice from Swiss Financial Advice.
Swiss Financial Advice, Carouge, Geneva. Sole proprietorship. General information, not personalised advice.
Key takeaways
Anyone domiciled in Switzerland must generally join LAMal within three months of the start of the insurance obligation, usually when they take up residence. Basic cover is the same with every approved insurer; premium, deductible and model vary.
In principle, join LAMal within three months of taking up residence. Cover is retroactive if you meet the deadline.
Basic benefits are identical across approved insurers. What changes: premium, deductible, model and service.
Share your canton, age and situation. An adviser compares options free of charge, without obligation.
Why LAMal comes first when you move to Switzerland
Health insurance is not optional once you live in Switzerland. LAMal is the federal basic scheme: every approved insurer must accept you for the same benefit catalogue. Your monthly premium still depends on where you live, your age, your deductible and the care model you choose.
For most newcomers, the critical clock is the three-month affiliation deadline after residence begins, not the November switch date used by people already insured. Missing it can mean late cover, a canton-assigned fund and a possible premium surcharge.
- Register with your municipality promptly: the receipt often dates your LAMal clock.
- Compare insurers on premium and model, not on basic benefits.
- Request a comparison via this site before your three months run out.
Where should a newcomer start?
Start with the LAMal guide for newcomers, then check the three-month deadline. If you are planning the full move, use the moving-to-Switzerland checklist. Arriving around the 2027 premium cycle? See LAMal premiums 2027 for newcomers.
How Swiss Financial Advice helps
Swiss Financial Advice is a sole proprietorship based in Carouge, Geneva. Advisers compare approved insurers for your canton and profile, in French, English, German or Spanish. Remuneration comes from regulated commissions: there is no surcharge for you.
Official premium tables are published by the FOPH. For a personalised comparison tailored to your arrival case, use the request form on this site.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to get health insurance after arriving in Switzerland?
You generally must join LAMal within three months of the start of your insurance obligation, usually when you take up residence in Switzerland. If you meet that deadline, cover and premiums are retroactive. If you miss it, the canton may assign an insurer and a premium surcharge may apply.
Which deductible should I choose for Swiss health insurance?
The minimum adult deductible is CHF 300. A higher deductible (up to CHF 2,500) usually means a lower monthly premium. If you are healthy and rarely see a doctor, a higher deductible is often cost-effective. Always compare total annual cost, not premium alone.
Is advice from Swiss Financial Advice really free?
Yes. Advice is free of charge. Swiss Financial Advice is remunerated by insurers through regulated commissions, with no extra fee for you.
What is the difference between LAMal and LCA?
LAMal is the mandatory basic health insurance for anyone living in Switzerland. The benefits catalogue is the same with every approved insurer. LCA refers to optional supplementary policies (hospital room, dental, alternative medicine) that can refuse applicants or apply exclusions.
What happens after I request a comparison?
You complete a short form. A Swiss Financial Advice adviser usually contacts you within one business day to clarify your situation and prepare a comparison based on your canton, age and deductible. Follow-up is free and without obligation.
Can I get help if I do not speak French?
Yes. Swiss Financial Advice supports clients in French, English, German and Spanish. A dedicated adviser is assigned for personal follow-up in your preferred language.
Personal advice
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