Written by
John Spencer
John Spencer is the founder of Compare Expat Plans, focusing on clear, neutral information to help people find health coverage abroad.
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary: Health Insurance in Switzerland
- Health insurance is MANDATORY in Switzerland—you must enroll in LAMal within 3 months of arrival or face penalties and retroactive enrollment.
- Basic LAMal insurance costs CHF 300-500/month depending on canton, age, and franchise (deductible). Geneva is most expensive; Appenzell is cheapest.
- The franchise system: Choose a deductible from CHF 300 to 2,500/year. Higher franchise = lower monthly premiums, but you pay more out-of-pocket before coverage kicks in.
- LAMal covers basic care including pre-existing conditions—insurers cannot reject you or charge more for health status.
- Supplementary insurance (VVG) covers private rooms, alternative medicine, and dental—this is optional and does have medical underwriting.
Do You Need Private Health Insurance in Switzerland?
Switzerland has mandatory health insurance for all residents. You must enroll in LAMal basic insurance within 3 months of registering residence. This is strictly enforced—if you fail to enroll, authorities will assign you to an insurer and bill you retroactively with penalties. LAMal is not employer-provided (unlike most countries)—individuals choose and pay for their own insurance. The good news: LAMal insurers must accept everyone regardless of health status, and pre-existing conditions are fully covered.
Insurance is required for:
- EVERYONE—LAMal is mandatory for all Swiss residents, including expats with B and C permits
- Families with children—each family member needs their own policy (though children are cheaper)
- Those wanting private hospital rooms or alternative medicine—add supplementary VVG insurance
- Cross-border workers (frontaliers)—special rules apply; you may choose Swiss LAMal or home country coverage
- Short-term residents under 3 months—may be exempt but should have travel insurance
Public vs Private Healthcare in Switzerland
Public Healthcare
LAMal (Bundesgesetz über die Krankenversicherung / KVG)
- Access: Mandatory for all Swiss residents. Insurers must accept everyone—no health underwriting for basic coverage.
- Cost: CHF 300-500/month (adults). Varies significantly by canton: Geneva ~CHF 500, Appenzell ~CHF 300. Plus franchise (CHF 300-2,500/year) and 10% co-pay up to CHF 700/year.
LAMal is not public healthcare—it is mandatory private insurance with regulated benefits. All insurers offer identical basic coverage; they compete on price and service. Pre-existing conditions are fully covered with no waiting periods. Healthcare quality is excellent across Switzerland.
Private Healthcare
International or Local Private
- Access: Open to anyone
- Cost: LAMal basic: CHF 300-500/month. Supplementary (VVG): CHF 50-300/month additional.
Supplementary insurance (VVG) covers extras: private or semi-private hospital rooms, alternative medicine (acupuncture, homeopathy), dental, glasses, and worldwide coverage. Unlike LAMal, VVG has medical underwriting—pre-existing conditions may be excluded or premiums increased. Apply for VVG when young and healthy.
Plan Options to Compare
Here are the most popular insurance options for expats in Switzerland. Each has trade-offs depending on your situation.
Cigna Global
Best for: Supplementary worldwide coverage on top of mandatory LAMal—useful for frequent travelers
Not ideal for: Primary Switzerland coverage—does NOT satisfy mandatory LAMal requirement
Allianz Care
Best for: Cross-border workers and those splitting time between Switzerland and EU
Not ideal for: Swiss residents—you still need LAMal; this would be supplementary only
BUPA Global
Best for: Pre-existing conditions coverage as supplement to LAMal (VVG excludes pre-existing)
Not ideal for: Primary coverage—LAMal is mandatory and must come from Swiss-registered insurer
IMG Global
Best for: Short-term visitors (under 3 months) who are exempt from LAMal requirement
Not ideal for: Swiss residents—does not meet mandatory LAMal requirements
Comparison Table: Top Expat Health Plans for Switzerland
Compare the leading options side by side. Click "Details" to learn more about each provider.
| Provider | Best For | Coverage Style | Includes U.S.? | Notable Limits | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna Global | Supplementary worldwide coverage on | International comprehensive | Higher cost than local options | Details → | |
| Allianz Care | Cross-border workers and those | International comprehensive | Deductibles apply to savings | Details → | |
| BUPA Global | Pre-existing conditions coverage as | International premium | Premium pricing | Details → | |
| IMG Global | Short-term visitors (under 3 | International standard | 12-month pre-existing exclusion | Details → |
Common Watch-outs for Switzerland
Keep these points in mind when choosing coverage:
- You MUST enroll in LAMal within 3 months of arrival. No exceptions. If you miss the deadline, you will be assigned to an insurer retroactively with penalties.
- LAMal premiums vary 50%+ between cantons. If you live near a canton border, check if you can choose a cheaper canton's insurer.
- The franchise (deductible) is per person per year. A family of 4 with CHF 2,500 franchises = CHF 10,000/year before insurance pays anything.
- Supplementary insurance (VVG) requires medical underwriting. Apply when healthy—pre-existing conditions will be excluded.
- Dental is NOT covered by LAMal except accident-related or certain diseases. Budget separately or get supplementary dental coverage.
- Swiss healthcare is expensive even with insurance. Budget CHF 3,000-5,000/year for out-of-pocket costs (franchise + co-pays + dental).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance really mandatory in Switzerland?
Yes, absolutely. All Swiss residents must have LAMal basic health insurance. This is enforced—if you do not enroll within 3 months of arrival, authorities will assign you to an insurer retroactively and you will face penalties. Unlike most countries, insurance is individual (not employer-provided) and you pay the full premium yourself.
What is the franchise system in Swiss health insurance?
The franchise is your annual deductible. You choose between CHF 300 (lowest) and CHF 2,500 (highest). Higher franchise = lower monthly premiums, but you pay more before insurance kicks in. After the franchise, you pay 10% co-pay up to CHF 700/year. Choose based on your expected healthcare usage.
Why does LAMal cost different amounts in different cantons?
Healthcare costs vary significantly between cantons. Geneva has the highest costs (and premiums), while rural cantons like Appenzell are cheapest. The same insurer will charge different premiums depending on where you live. This can mean CHF 200+/month difference for identical coverage.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Swiss health insurance?
For LAMal basic insurance: Yes, fully. Insurers must accept everyone and cannot charge more or exclude conditions based on health status. For supplementary insurance (VVG): No, these policies have medical underwriting and can exclude pre-existing conditions. Apply for VVG when healthy.
Do I need supplementary insurance in Switzerland?
It depends on your needs. LAMal covers all medically necessary care. Supplementary insurance (VVG) adds: private hospital rooms (vs. shared 4-bed wards), free choice of doctor/hospital across Switzerland, alternative medicine, dental, and worldwide coverage. Many expats add at least basic supplementary coverage.
Related: Comparisons and Next Steps
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Healthcare policies, insurance requirements, and visa rules change. We are not insurance brokers, immigration consultants, or licensed advisors. Verify all information with official sources and insurance providers before making decisions.