Supplementary insurance in Switzerland

Complete your LAMal coverage with LCA insurance tailored to your needs and those of your family

In Switzerland, basic health insurance (LAMal) covers essential care, but many services remain your responsibility. Supplementary insurance, governed by the Insurance Contract Law (LCA), allows you to expand your coverage according to your specific needs. Unlike basic insurance, complementary insurers can refuse your request or apply reservations. It is therefore crucial to fully understand the options available before making your choice.

Difference between LAMal and LCA supplementary insurance

Basic LAMal insurance is compulsory for anyone residing in Switzerland. It offers a catalog of services identical to all insurers, with premiums which vary only according to the canton, the insurance model and the deductible chosen. Insurers cannot refuse a candidate or apply reservations.

LCA supplementary insurance works according to a completely different principle. Each insurer freely defines its services, premiums and admission conditions. A health questionnaire is required, and the insurer may refuse your request or exclude certain pre-existing conditions. Premiums depend on your age, gender and health.

Types of supplementary insurance

Private or semi-private hospitalization

This supplement gives you access to a single room (private) or two beds (semi-private), free choice of doctor and hospitalization throughout Switzerland. Premiums vary from CHF 100 to CHF 600 per month depending on the level of coverage and your age.

Dental insurance

Dental care is not covered by LAMal (except accidents). Supplementary dental insurance typically reimburses 50 to 75% of costs up to an annual ceiling of CHF 2,000 to CHF 5,000. It is strongly recommended to take out this insurance upon your arrival, or even for your children from a very young age.

Glasses and optics

LAMal has no longer reimbursed glasses for adults since 2011. Optical supplement covers CHF 150 to CHF 300 per year for glasses or contact lenses.

Alternative medicines

Acupuncture, osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy: these therapies are partially covered by certain complementary treatments. Check that your practitioner is recognized by the insurer (ASCA or RME label).

Travel and evacuation insurance

Essential for expatriates who travel frequently, this coverage covers medical expenses abroad, medical repatriation and trip cancellation. The cost is low: CHF 50 to CHF 150 per year.

Comparison of the main insurers

The five largest complementary insurers in Switzerland offer varied ranges. Premiums shown are monthly ranges for an adult aged 30-40.

Insurer	Highlights	Monthly range
Helsana	Large network, complete dental coverage, powerful app	CHF 80 – CHF 450
CSS	Good glasses packages, alternative medicines well covered	CHF 75 – CHF 420
Swica	Excellent customer service, generous prevention programs	CHF 90 – CHF 480
Mutual Group	Competitive prices, advantageous combined offers	CHF 70 – CHF 400
Assured	Lowest premiums, solid essential coverage	CHF 60 – CHF 350

Health questionnaire and reservations

When you apply, you must complete a detailed health questionnaire generally covering the last 5 to 10 years. Any omission or false declaration may result in termination of the contract and non-reimbursement of services.

If you have a medical history, the insurer may apply reservations (temporary or permanent exclusions) or refuse your request. Reserves are generally limited to 5 years for hospital supplements.

Tips for choosing wisely

• Subscribe to complementary insurance within 3 months of your arrival in Switzerland, even before having a local medical history
• Insure your children from birth to avoid future reserves
• Compare offers on platforms like Comparis.ch or Bonus.ch
• Choose a combined pack from the same insurer to benefit from discounts
• Check the waiting times before the first reimbursement (often 6 to 12 months for dental)
• Never cancel your old supplement before receiving confirmation of the new one.

Related Services

Service LAMal Health Insurance in Switzerland

Useful Guides

Guide Finding an Apartment in Switzerland Guide Preparing Your Rental Application in Switzerland Guide Rental Deposit in Switzerland Guide Health Insurance in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my supplement request is refused for health reasons?

Unlike the LAMal, complementary insurers have the right to refuse your request. If you are refused, try other insurers as the criteria vary. Some insurers such as Assura or Groupe Mutuel are deemed more flexible. You can also opt for coverage with reservations on the pathology concerned.

Should children be covered by supplementary insurance?

Yes, it is strongly recommended, especially for dental coverage (orthodontics) and glasses. Subscribe from birth or upon arrival in Switzerland: children are accepted without a health questionnaire and without reservations before the age of 3 with most insurers. Child premiums are significantly lower (CHF 20 to CHF 80 per month).

Can I change supplementary insurer easily?

Changing the supplement is possible but more risky than for LAMal. You will have to complete a new health questionnaire, and the new insurer may refuse your request or apply reservations. Termination deadlines vary depending on the contract (generally 3 months before the end of the year). Never cancel before receiving confirmation of acceptance from the new insurer.