1. Understand that basic LAMal is identical everywhere
By federal law, all insurers offer the exact same basic benefits. The difference lies solely in the monthly premium and customer service quality.
2. Pick the right deductible
Deductible ranges from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500. Higher = lower premium but more out-of-pocket. Pick CHF 2,500 if you have few medical costs; CHF 300 if you expect over CHF 2,000 of yearly care.
3. Consider an alternative model
Three alternative models offer significant discounts: family doctor (-10 to -18%), HMO (-15 to -25%), Telmed (-12 to -20%). The trade-off: a small constraint (call a hotline or see your GP first). Yearly savings can be significant depending on the insurer and your profile.
4. Evaluate supplementary plans separately
Supplementaries (hospital, dental, alternative, outpatient) are optional, and insurers can refuse applicants. Tip: subscribe them young and healthy. You can have basic LAMal at insurer A and supplementaries at insurer B.
5. Cancel by November 30
Your cancellation letter must reach your current insurer by November 30 (registered mail) for a January 1 switch. Polia auto-generates the cancellation PDF when you compare.