[Protect & pass on](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/categorie/protect-pass-on)# LAMal insurance: understanding compulsory health insurance in Switzerland Compulsory for most people resident in Switzerland, LAMal is the basic cover of the Swiss healthcare system. Enrolment, benefits, deductibles, care models and deadlines: here are the essentials for understanding how it works. LAMal, or compulsory health insurance, covers benefits defined by law that are identical with all insurers. For basic insurance, a health insurer must accept anyone subject to compulsory insurance, without a health questionnaire or exclusions. The premium, however, varies according to the insurer, place of residence, age, deductible and model chosen. Published on 18 September 2026 Updated on 24 September 2026 3 min read [](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Flamal-insurance-understanding-compulsory-health-insurance-in-switzerland) [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Flamal-insurance-understanding-compulsory-health-insurance-in-switzerland&text=LAMal+insurance%3A+understanding+compulsory+health+insurance+in+Switzerland) [](mailto:?subject=LAMal%20insurance%3A%20understanding%20compulsory%20health%20insurance%20in%20Switzerland&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Flamal-insurance-understanding-compulsory-health-insurance-in-switzerland) Contents ## Enrolling in LAMal: who, when and what exceptions? Anyone who settles in Switzerland must, in principle, take out insurance within three months of taking up residence. The same deadline applies from the birth of a child. If enrolment takes place within this period, it takes effect retroactively from the start of the insurance obligation: you are therefore covered from that date, even if the administrative registration happens later. Some people may, however, fall under another system or be exempted: in particular certain persons insured in the EU, EFTA or the United Kingdom, foreign students, posted workers, diplomats or members of international organisations. Cross-border commuters working in Switzerland are in principle subject to LAMal, but some have a right of option that must be exercised within three months. ## What LAMal covers, and what it does not LAMal covers, among other things, recognised medical treatment, hospitalisation, approved medicines, prescribed tests, maternity, certain preventive measures and prescribed physiotherapy. Routine dental care is generally not covered, nor is the added comfort of a private or semi-private hospital ward. ## Premium, deductible and co-payment: who pays what? The annual deductible ranges from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 for an adult. For a child, it is CHF 0, with optional deductibles of up to CHF 600. Cost-sharing comes on top of the monthly premium. Once the deductible has been reached, the insured person generally pays 10% of the costs, up to CHF 700 a year for an adult and CHF 350 for a child (this is known as the co-payment). A contribution of CHF 15 per day of hospitalisation is also charged, except for children, young adults in education up to the age of 25 and maternity benefits. ## Choosing your model and managing accident cover LAMal models change the care pathway, not the benefits covered. The standard model lets you freely choose your doctor and consult a specialist directly. Alternative models, which are generally cheaper, require you to go through a first point of contact: a family doctor, an HMO centre or a telemedicine service. An employee who works at least eight hours a week for the same employer is covered by the LAA/UVG (Federal Accident Insurance Act) for both occupational and non-occupational accidents and can therefore suspend the accident cover in their LAMal policy. ## Changing insurer, deductible or model All three can be changed, but deadlines must be respected. A change of insurer generally takes effect on 1 January, with notice received no later than 30 November. A deductible can also be changed on 1 January, with the same 30 November deadline applying in particular to lowering it. The rules for changing model vary depending on your current model and the one you choose. ## Getting the right support to choose your LAMal At [**Helvate**](#cta), we help you analyse your needs, compare the best solutions and handle the necessary formalities so that your LAMal suits your personal situation while keeping your premiums under control. [Back to all insights](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights) Read next## Related articles [ Protect & pass on ### Professional liability insurance: protecting your business against the consequences of a mistake Published on 18 September 2026 Reading time : 2 min See more ](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/professional-liability-insurance-protecting-your-business-against-the-consequences-of-a-mistake) [ Protect & pass on ### Business liability insurance: protecting your business against damage caused to third parties Published on 18 September 2026 Reading time : 3 min See more ](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/business-liability-insurance-protecting-your-business-against-damage-caused-to-third-parties) [ Protect & pass on ### Supplementary insurance: understanding the LCA to choose the right cover Published on 18 September 2026 Reading time : 3 min See more ](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/supplementary-insurance-understanding-the-lca-to-choose-the-right-cover) A free initial conversation## Let's discuss your needs, simply. Tell us about your situation, and we'll take it from there. - Full analysis - Response within 24h - No obligation Thank you! Your request has been noted — a Helvate advisor will get back to you shortly. [+41 22 342 55 55](tel:+41223425555) [contact@helvate.ch](mailto:contact@helvate.ch)