New in Switzerland? One of your first legal tasks after registering with your commune is to take out mandatory Swiss health insurance. By law, you have just three months to enrol. Even if you sign up late, premiums are back-dated to the day you arrived—and until you’re insured, you have no medical cover. This guide walks you through the rules step by step and shows where to get free help to choose the right policy.
The Swiss system can feel complex: insurance is compulsory, yet there’s no default plan. You must pick an insurer, a care model and a deductible (franchise), all within strict deadlines. Good information from the start saves money, prevents mistakes and lets you settle in with peace of mind.
Quick guide to Swiss health insurance
- 1. The legal deadline – 3 months
- 2. How basic insurance works
- 3. Need help choosing?
- 4. Documents you’ll need
- 5. FAQs
1. The legal deadline – 3 months
From the moment you register with the commune, a 90-day countdown begins. Even if you enrol on day 89, premiums are charged retroactively from your arrival date. During the gap you are uninsured and must pay any medical bills yourself.
Tip: Apply as soon as you have your residence certificate. Cover always starts on your arrival date, so delaying only adds risk.
2. How Swiss mandatory health insurance works
Basic insurance (LAMal / KVG) is set by law, so core benefits are identical with every insurer. What varies is:
- Care model — free choice, family-doctor scheme, Telmed or HMO
- Deductible (franchise) — CHF 300 to CHF 2 500; higher franchise means lower premium but higher out-of-pocket risk
- Service factors — customer support, languages, digital tools
Choosing the right mix can save you hundreds of francs a year without sacrificing cover. See our detailed guide to care models for more.
3. Need help choosing?
Picking the best policy isn’t always easy, especially if your German or French is limited. Nexin offers free, no-obligation advice so you can:
- Understand how the Swiss system works
- Compare insurers, care models and prices
- Select a compliant, cost-effective policy in minutes
You can complete everything online or request personal support—free of charge.
4. Documents you’ll need
Have these ready before you apply:
- Residence certificate (Wohnsitzbestätigung / attestation de domicile)
- A Swiss IBAN (local bank account)
- Passport or ID card
- Your Swiss address
The application can take a few days, so don’t leave it until the last minute.
5. Frequently asked questions
When does my insurance obligation start?
On the day you register with your commune. From that moment you have 90 days to arrange valid Swiss health insurance.
What if I miss the 3-month deadline?
The authorities will assign you a policy—without your input—and back-date premiums to your arrival. Until then you are uninsured.
Can I switch insurers later?
Yes. You can switch once per year. Your request must reach the new insurer by 30 November; the new policy starts on 1 January.
Is basic insurance enough?
Basic cover satisfies the legal requirement and pays for essential care. You can add supplemental insurance for extras such as private rooms or dental.
Bottom line: Swiss health insurance isn’t optional. It’s mandatory, retroactive and leaves you unprotected while you wait. Learn the rules, enrol within 90 days and ask for help if you need it. Nexin is ready to guide you—free of charge.
