Newcomer guide
Swiss health insurance (LAMal): what newcomers need to know
Who must join, the three-month deadline, what basic cover includes, how deductible and models work, and how to compare insurers without paying extra.
Swiss Financial Advice, Carouge. Reviewed 19 September 2026. Sources: FOPH, Priminfo, Fedlex.
Key takeaways
LAMal is Switzerland's mandatory basic health insurance. Anyone domiciled in Switzerland must join within three months of the start of the insurance obligation, usually when they take up residence. Basic cover is identical across approved insurers; premium, deductible, model and service differ.
Three months after the insurance obligation starts, usually residence. Details in the 3-month deadline guide.
Adult deductible CHF 300–2,500; 10% coinsurance up to CHF 700; CHF 15/day hospital contribution.
Request a comparison via this site (insurer, deductible, model), then join before your deadline.
What is LAMal and who must join?
LAMal is the Federal Health Insurance Act. If you are domiciled in Switzerland, you must take out basic health insurance with an approved insurer, or be insured by your legal representative. Insurers cannot refuse basic cover or apply medical exclusions to it.
Short stays, posted workers, some students and cross-border cases can follow special rules. When in doubt, check with your canton and use this guide as a starting point only.
How long do newcomers have to join?
You generally have three months from the start of the insurance obligation. For most movers, that is when you take up residence. If you join on time, cover and premiums are retroactive. If you are late, cover usually starts on affiliation, the canton may assign an insurer, and a surcharge may apply.
Full detail: LAMal 3-month deadline for newcomers. Broader arrival steps: moving to Switzerland checklist.
What does basic LAMal cover include?
The benefits catalogue is the same for every approved insurer. The table below summarises typical newcomer questions. It is indicative; official rules prevail.
| Service | Basic LAMal | Note |
|---|---|---|
| GP consultation | Yes | After deductible and 10% coinsurance |
| Specialist | Yes | May require referral depending on model |
| Hospital (general ward) | Yes | Approved hospitals + CHF 15/day contribution |
| Listed medicines | Yes | Higher coinsurance possible on some originals |
| Maternity benefits | Yes | No deductible/coinsurance for maternity benefits |
| Routine dental care | No | Except accident, serious disease or recognised congenital condition |
| Emergencies abroad | Partial | EU/EFTA/UK local rules, or Swiss-tariff limits elsewhere |
Source: FOPH benefit rules. Complementary LCA cover may fill gaps (dental, private room, non-physician therapists).
How do deductible and models affect your premium?
Adults choose a yearly deductible from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500. A higher deductible usually lowers the monthly premium but raises what you pay out of pocket before insurance contributes. Models (standard, family doctor, HMO, telmed) also change the premium while keeping the same benefit catalogue.
- Compare total yearly cost, not premium alone.
- Children usually have a CHF 0 ordinary deductible.
- Accident cover may already be included via your employer: say so when comparing.
How should newcomers compare insurers?
Compare approved insurers on premium for your canton and age band, model constraints, and service. Official premium data are published by the FOPH (Priminfo) once approved. For a personalised comparison for your arrival profile, request one through this site. Swiss Financial Advice advises free of charge.
Planning arrival around the 2027 cycle? See LAMal premiums 2027 for newcomers.
Frequently asked questions
What is LAMal?
LAMal is the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act. Anyone domiciled in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance with an approved insurer. Insurers must accept every application for basic cover, with no medical underwriting.
How long do newcomers have to join LAMal?
You must join within three months of the start of the insurance obligation, usually when you take up residence. If you meet the deadline, cover is retroactive. Details on late affiliation are in the 3-month deadline guide.
Can I switch LAMal insurer mid-year?
For a change on 1 January, notice must reach your insurer by 30 November at the latest. A mid-year switch on 1 July is only possible with the standard model and ordinary deductible (CHF 300 for adults), with notice received by 31 March, according to the FOPH.
Do all insurers reimburse the same LAMal benefits?
Yes. Basic cover is identical across approved insurers. What changes is mainly the premium, the model (standard, family doctor, HMO, telmed) and service quality.
Which deductible should I choose?
Adults can choose CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 2,500. Compare total yearly cost (premium plus likely care, deductible and coinsurance), not only the deductible level.
Are children covered under LAMal?
Each child needs their own policy. The ordinary child deductible is CHF 0 and the annual coinsurance cap is CHF 350. Parents have three months after a birth in Switzerland to insure a newborn.
What is the difference between LAMal and supplementary LCA cover?
LAMal is mandatory, with the same catalogue and no medical selection. LCA is optional (private hospital room, dental, non-physician therapists). The supplementary insurer may refuse or apply waiting periods.
Is Swiss Financial Advice free?
Yes. Remuneration comes from regulated insurer commissions, with no fee or surcharge for you. These pages provide general information, not personalised advice.
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