[Protect & pass on](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/categorie/protect-pass-on)# Supplementary insurance: understanding the LCA to choose the right cover As the period for switching basic health insurance approaches, it is also a good time to take a closer look at your supplementary insurance and understand what it actually covers. Every autumn, LAMal (compulsory health insurance) is back in the spotlight: new premiums, switching insurers, deductibles or insurance models. But basic insurance is only part of your health cover. Alongside it, supplementary insurance meets other needs and follows very different rules. It is governed by the LCA/VVG, the Federal Insurance Contract Act. Published on 18 September 2026 Updated on 25 September 2026 3 min read [](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fsupplementary-insurance-understanding-the-lca-to-choose-the-right-cover) [](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fsupplementary-insurance-understanding-the-lca-to-choose-the-right-cover&text=Supplementary+insurance%3A+understanding+the+LCA+to+choose+the+right+cover) [](mailto:?subject=Supplementary%20insurance%3A%20understanding%20the%20LCA%20to%20choose%20the%20right%20cover&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helvate.ch%2Fen%2Finsights%2Fsupplementary-insurance-understanding-the-lca-to-choose-the-right-cover) Contents ## Distinguishing LAMal from the LCA LAMal is compulsory and its catalogue of benefits is defined by law. Since the benefits are the same, you are free to choose your basic insurer, which must accept you regardless of your age or state of health. LCA insurance (supplementary insurance), on the other hand, is optional. It covers benefits or a level of comfort not provided for by basic insurance. And unlike LAMal, its content is not the same with every insurer: the benefits and their limits are defined by each policy. ## What supplementary insurance can offer There is no single supplementary insurance, but rather different types of cover that you choose according to your needs. Some concern hospitalisation, for example with a semi-private or private ward and more choice regarding the hospital or the doctor. Others may contribute to the costs of complementary medicine, prevention, glasses, dental care or other benefits not covered by basic insurance. This is why two offers at a similar price can in fact provide very different protection. Comparing supplementary insurance therefore means looking at the benefits, the amounts reimbursed, the limits and the exclusions, not just the premium. ## Know the rules before you switch This is probably the most important difference from LAMal: a supplementary insurer is under no obligation to accept you. When you apply, it may ask you to complete a health questionnaire, accept your application with certain exclusions or refuse to insure you. Notice periods are also specific to each policy and do not necessarily follow those of basic insurance. The key rule is therefore simple: never cancel an existing supplementary policy before you have received final confirmation that the new one has accepted you. ## Reviewing the cover you already have Reviewing your supplementary insurance does not necessarily mean changing it. Good cover is not necessarily the one that offers the most, but the one that genuinely matches your needs. When you review your LAMal, it is also an opportunity to review your LCA policies. [**Helvate**](#cta) helps you check whether the cover you took out a few years ago still matches your situation, your priorities and your budget. [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 ### LAMal insurance: understanding compulsory health insurance in Switzerland Published on 18 September 2026 Reading time : 3 min See more ](https://www.helvate.ch/en/insights/lamal-insurance-understanding-compulsory-health-insurance-in-switzerland) 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)