LAMal: mandatory basic insurance
LAMal is mandatory for all residents and must be taken out within 3 months of arrival. Its benefits are set by federal law and identical across all insurers: consultations, listed drugs, public-ward hospitalization, emergencies. Only the premium varies.
LCA: optional supplementary plans
LCA governs supplementary insurance, which is entirely optional. Unlike LAMal, the insurer can refuse you, ask health questions and exclude pre-existing conditions. Benefits and prices vary freely between companies — this is where comparison matters most.
What LCA supplementaries cover
The most common: hospital (semi-private/private room, free choice of doctor and hospital), dental, alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy), outpatient (glasses, fitness, travel vaccines), and extended maternity. Each module is taken separately based on your real needs.
Do you need a supplementary?
It depends on your priorities: hospital comfort, regular dental care, alternative medicine. Key tip: subscribe young and healthy, since insurers can refuse or exclude later. And remember: you can keep basic LAMal at one insurer and supplementaries at another to optimize each price.