The Swiss basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal): what you need to know
A clear overview, so you won’t miss a thing!
Obligation and deadline
Anyone taking up residence in Switzerland must take out basic health insurance within 3 months of arrival. If you arrange it in time, coverage will usually be backdated to your move-in date (retroactive). Miss the deadline and coverage may start later and surcharges can apply.
What do you pay yourself? Deductible, coinsurance and hospital copay
- Deductible (franchise): adults choose annually between CHF 300 (standard) and CHF 2,500.
- Coinsurance (retention): after the deductible you pay 10% up to a maximum of CHF 700 per year (children CHF 350).
- Hospital copay: adults pay a small daily contribution when admitted (maternity excluded).
These rules are set by law and apply to all insurers.
Plan models: how to lower your premium
The legal coverage is the same everywhere; your premium mainly depends on the access model you choose:
- Standard – free choice of doctor.
- Family doctor / HMO / Telmed – first see your GP, network clinic or tele-triage → often a lower premium.
Choose what fits your healthcare use and region.
Accidents: avoid double insurance
Do you work ≥ 8 hours per week for the same employer? Then you’re also insured outside working hours for non-occupational accidents (NBU) via your employer. In that case you can switch off accident cover in your basic policy and save premium. Work fewer hours (or not yet)? Keep accident cover on in your basic policy. Note: after your employment ends, NBU can be temporarily extended (the so-called Abrede insurance) as a bridge.
Premiums vary by region
Premiums differ by canton/premium region, age group, deductible and model. Always compare via the official premium overview and check whether you qualify for a premium reduction (Prämienverbilligung) in your canton.
Step by step: how to set it up smartly
- Register with your municipality/canton and choose your basic insurer within 3 months (ideally right at arrival).
- Pick your deductible: expect low healthcare costs and can handle variability? Consider higher (lower premium). Prefer predictability? Choose CHF 300.
- Choose a model: standard (free choice) or GP/HMO/Telmed (more affordable).
- Align accident cover: if you work ≥ 8 hrs/week for one employer, switch accident cover off in your basic policy; otherwise keep it on.
- Compare premiums via the official overview; check any canton-level subsidies.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Signing up too late → risk of surcharge and (temporarily) no retroactive coverage. Set a reminder as soon as your address is fixed.
- Being double-insured for accidents (via employer and in your basic policy) → unnecessary premium. Align UVG (accident insurance) and KVG/LAMal correctly.
- Choosing only on price → the model may not fit your work/life pattern (e.g., GP model while you see many specialists). Read the model conditions.
Mini checklist for your first week
- Insurer chosen (within 3 months) and policy active from your residence start date.
- Deductible & model tuned to your situation.
- Accident cover: on (if < 8 hrs/week) or off (if ≥ 8 hrs/week + NBU via employer).
- Premium comparison done and subsidy checked, if applicable.
We have extensive experience with insurance and are happy to support you. Contact us with any questions or if you need assistance!