Legal deadline
LAMal 3-month deadline: what happens after you move to Switzerland?
When the clock starts, what retroactive cover means, and what late affiliation can cost. A focused guide for newcomers.
Reviewed by Swiss Financial Advice on 19 September 2026 against FOPH, Priminfo and Fedlex (LAMal arts. 3, 5, 6; OAMal art. 8).
Key takeaways
A newcomer generally has three months from the start of the insurance obligation (usually taking up residence) to join LAMal. On time means retroactive cover and premiums. Late affiliation can mean cover from the join date only, a canton-assigned insurer, and a possible premium surcharge.
Three months after the insurance obligation starts, usually residence or birth in Switzerland (LAMal art. 3).
Indicative surcharge of 30–50% of the premium for up to twice the delay, max. 5 years (OAMal art. 8), if the delay is not excused.
Note your residence date, count three calendar months, and join well before that limit.
How long do you have to join LAMal after arriving?
The legal period is three months from the start of the insurance obligation. For most newcomers, that start is taking up residence in Switzerland. Join within that window and cover plus premiums are generally retroactive. After the window, cover usually begins on the affiliation date.
People often say "90 days". The law says three months. Three calendar months from 10 January end on 10 April, which is not the same as a 90-day countdown. Act weeks early.
| Marker | Situation | Main effect |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Residence starts (usual obligation start) | Three-month clock begins |
| Before +3 months | Affiliation on time | Retroactive cover and premiums |
| After +3 months | Late affiliation | Cover from join date; surcharge and official assignment possible |
Source: FOPH obligation to insure; LAMal art. 3.
When do the three months start?
The three months start when the insurance obligation begins. For someone settling in Switzerland, the FOPH links this to taking up residence, often evidenced by registration with the residents' control office. It is not automatically your first flight day, nor the day the permit card is issued.
- Usual start: residence / municipal registration
- Not automatic: airport arrival day
- Not automatic: permit card print date
- Newborn in Switzerland: three months from birth
Broader arrival admin: moving to Switzerland checklist. Full scheme overview: LAMal guide.
What if you miss the three-month deadline?
Late affiliation usually means cover starts when you join, not back to day one. Your canton may assign an insurer. If the delay is not excused, OAMal art. 8 provides for a premium surcharge, typically described as 30 to 50 percent of the premium for up to twice the length of the delay, capped at five years.
Do not wait for the perfect comparison if you are close to the limit. Secure affiliation first, then refine deductible and model at the next lawful switch window if needed.
What should you do this week?
- Write down your residence / registration date
- Calculate the three-month calendar limit
- Gather ID, address proof and family member details
- Request a comparison via this site and join before the limit
FAQ: LAMal 3-month deadline
Is the LAMal deadline 90 days or three months?
The law refers to three calendar months, not a strict 90-day count. Three months from 10 January ends on 10 April. Act weeks before the limit, not on the last day.
What if I join LAMal within the three months?
Cover and premiums are generally retroactive to the start of your insurance obligation. You choose your insurer among approved funds.
What happens if I miss the three-month deadline?
Cover usually starts on the affiliation date. The canton may assign an insurer, and an inexcusable delay can trigger a premium surcharge (indicative 30 to 50 percent for up to twice the delay, capped at five years under OAMal art. 8).
Does waiting for my residence permit pause the clock?
No. Waiting for the permit card does not stop the three-month period. Municipal registration proof is often enough for insurers to open a file.
Does the same deadline apply to newborns?
Yes. Parents generally have three months after a birth in Switzerland to insure each child. Each child needs a separate policy.
Personal advice
Check your situation before the three months end
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