What is LAMal in Switzerland?

What LAMal requires when you move to Switzerland

New residents must take out LAMal-compliant basic insurance within a set period after arrival, and coverage is then applied retroactively to the date you registered as a resident. This means that even if you sign up close to the deadline, any medical costs incurred from your arrival date are eligible under the policy once it is in force.

The obligation applies to almost every person residing in Switzerland, including employees, self-employed individuals, family members without their own income, and in many cases cross-border workers, subject to specific rules for that category. Existing foreign health insurance, including EU coverage, does not automatically satisfy the LAMal requirement; an exemption must generally be requested and approved by the cantonal authority.

How basic insurance under LAMal works

Basic insurance is sold by private insurers, but the benefits are standardised by law, so the medical cover itself is identical across providers. What differs between insurers and cantons is the premium, which depends on your canton and district of residence, your age group, and the insurance model and deductible (franchise) you select.

You are free to choose your insurer for basic cover and to switch at defined points during the year, which is one of the few areas where comparison genuinely changes your cost without changing your medical benefits. Households with modest income may be eligible for a premium subsidy (subside), granted by the canton rather than the insurer.

• •Standard model: free choice of doctor, highest premium
• •Family doctor (médecin de famille) model: a designated GP coordinates care, typically lower premium
• •HMO or telemedicine models: a health centre or phone triage is the first point of contact, usually the lowest premium
• •Deductible (franchise): the annual amount you pay yourself before insurance contributes; a higher deductible lowers the premium

Where LAMal fits with the rest of your Swiss insurance

LAMal covers only the mandatory basic benefits. Many residents add complementary insurance (assurance complémentaire, LCA) for extras such as private or semi-private hospital rooms, dental care, or alternative medicine, but these products are optional and sold under a different, less regulated legal framework.

Accident cover is often bundled differently depending on your employment: if you work more than a minimum number of hours per week for an employer, accidents are typically covered through your employer's accident insurance, and you can then request to remove accident cover from your LAMal policy to reduce the premium.