Healthcare

Within 3 months of registering your residence in Switzerland. Coverage is retroactive to your arrival date. If you miss the deadline, the cantonal authority will assign you to an insurer and you will pay backdated premiums.

For most expats, Swica, Helsana, or CSS are the top choices - they offer English customer service, comprehensive supplementary options, and reliable claims handling. Assura and Concordia are cheaper but offer less English support. Use the Comparis.ch comparison tool to find the best premium for your canton and deductible.

Unlike many countries, Swiss employers are NOT legally required to contribute to basic health insurance premiums. Some employers - particularly international organisations and multinationals - include health insurance contributions in their compensation package. Always check this during salary negotiations.

Standard dental care (check-ups, cleaning, fillings) is NOT covered by the mandatory basic LAMal plan. You must purchase separate dental supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung Dental) or pay out of pocket. Swiss dental fees are expensive - a simple filling can cost CHF 150–400.

Each canton offers premium subsidies (Prämienverbilligung / subsides aux primes) for low- and middle-income residents. Approximately 30% of the Swiss population receives some subsidy. Apply through your cantonal social services office or tax authority. The subsidy is calculated based on taxable income.

Switzerland is not in the EU so the standard EHIC has limited application. However, bilateral agreements mean that EU citizens with an EHIC can access emergency treatment. Long-term residents must enroll in LAMal regardless of any EU insurance they may hold.

Maternity care is fully covered by basic LAMal insurance, including prenatal checks, hospital delivery, and postnatal care. The deductible and co-payment are waived during pregnancy and for the first 8 weeks after birth. Switzerland has excellent maternity services with both midwife-led and obstetrician-led birth options.