1
How LAMal / KVG Works
Every person registering residence in Switzerland must enroll in a basic health insurance plan within 3 months of arrival. Coverage is retroactive to arrival date. All basic plans cover the same statutory services — the difference between insurers is price and customer service, not coverage.
- You choose your insurer from dozens of approved providers (Helsana, CSS, Sanitas, Swica, Assura, etc.)
- Choose your annual deductible (franchise): CHF 300 (lowest premium) or CHF 500/1,000/1,500/2,000/2,500 (lower premium)
- After meeting your deductible, you pay 10% of costs up to a maximum of CHF 700/year (co-payment / Selbstbehalt)
- Choose your insurance model: Standard (free GP choice), HMO (GP-network only, cheaper), Telmed (phone triage first, cheaper), or Hausarzt (designated GP, cheapest)
- Basic coverage includes: GP visits, specialist consultations, hospitalisation (general ward), maternity, emergency care, prescription medicines on the approved list, physiotherapy
- Dental care, orthodontics, glasses, and most alternative medicine are NOT covered by basic insurance — supplementary plans (Zusatzversicherung) are needed
- Premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung) are available to residents earning below cantonal income thresholds — apply through the cantonal social services office