Health Insurance in Switzerland

Switzerland provides some of the best healthcare in the world.

Everyone who resides more than 3 months in Switzerland is required by law to obtain health insurance in compliance with the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance or LAMal (LAMal is the acronym of the French term Loi sur l’Assurance Maladie). Some 60 approved companies offer healthcare insurance options. Major providers include Helsana, CSS, Mutuel Assurance, Assura, and Swica. Due to the multitude of options, the complexity of the Swiss health insurance system, and the potential financial risk you take if you make the wrong decisions, this is not a domain to be taken lightly. Read on, blog, or contact Charlie for professional advice to bring clarity and to help you make the best decisions about the coverage most appropriate for you and your family.

The Swiss healthcare system is structured around a minimal compulsory public coverage referred to as LAMal. The compulsory LAMal health insurance plan should be supplemented with private complementary health insurance plans whose legal base is the LCA (LCA is the acronym of the French term, Loi sur le Contrat d’Assurance). This complementary coverage should be used to improve comfort and to cover the multiple areas that remain unprotected under the basic LAMal plan.

Obligatory Plan – LAMal

Each healthcare provider offers from 3 to 5 LAMal insurance plans. When multiplied by 60 companies who supply basic health insurance, this gives you about 200 options! Anywhere from 5 to 15 complementary LCA health insurance plans are available on the market. Multiply this by the 60 providers, and it gives you about 600 options!

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Complementary Plans – Based on the LCA

Each healthcare provider offers from 5 to 15 complementary health insurance plans. To complete the limited compulsory LAMal public health insurance scheme all health insurance providers offer complementary health insurance whose legal base is the LCA (LCA is the acronym of the French term,Loi sur le Contrat d’Assurance). These complementary plans based on the LCA either:

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Accident Plans – LAA or LAMal

Accidents covered by the LAA are better covered than accidents covered by the LAMal. Accidents are covered differently according to the individual policyholder’s personal situation. People who are employed by a company (more than 8 hours per week) will be covered for accidents under their company policy. Those who are not employed or are self-employed will be covered by their LAMal healthcare plan for an additional fee.

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Maternity & Newborn Coverage – “Prénatale”

Newborn (prénatale) coverage must be subscribed to BEFORE the birth of your child and should never be overlooked. Pregnant women are fully covered for all health care issues (not just maternity related). Coverage begins from week thirteen of pregnancy until eight weeks after birth. This coverage is, with zero deductible, and without the usual participation.

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Cross-border or “Frontalier” Health Plans

An additional complication is added to the health system for cross-border residents or « frontalier » as they are locally called. People who take residency in neighbouring France must make a choice between the French or Swiss system that is irrevocable unless their professional situation changes (period of unemployment or retirement) or if they return to live…

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Other Insurances

Insurance products are designed to offer you financial security and protection from all kinds of risks. No two insurance products have the same Prices, Conditions, Exclusions, Benefits. Charlie will give you three offers, from three different companies, so you can compare and make the best decision for your personal financial security and protection.

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