Relocating involves two types of paperwork: The paperwork to get in (Visas/Permits), and the paperwork to stay safe (Insurance).
While ReloFinder helps you find the agency to manage your move, navigating the Swiss insurance jungle requires specialized advice.
The Safety Net: Executive Summary
| Insurance Type | Status | Deadline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health (LAMal/KVG) | Mandatory | 3 months after arrival | Cannot access healthcare without it |
| Liability (Privathaftpflicht) | Required for renting | Before signing lease | Landlords won’t rent without it |
| Household (Hausrat) | Highly recommended | Before moving in | Protects your belongings |
Key Insight: Don’t let insurance be an afterthought. Secure your Liability Insurance before you start viewing apartments, and sort your Health Insurance as soon as you have your address.
1. Health Insurance (The Big One)
Swiss healthcare is excellent but expensive. Unlike most countries, health insurance is not deducted from your salary — you pay it privately.
The Legal Requirement
Under the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal/KVG), everyone living in Switzerland must have basic health insurance. No exceptions.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Who must enroll | Everyone with a Swiss residence permit |
| Deadline | 3 months from arrival date |
| Coverage start | Retroactive to your arrival date |
| Consequence of non-compliance | Canton assigns you a provider at higher rates |
What LAMal Covers
Basic health insurance in Switzerland covers:
- Doctor visits (GP and specialists)
- Hospital stays (general ward)
- Medications (on the approved list)
- Maternity care (no deductible)
- Emergency care
- Rehabilitation
- Mental health treatment
What LAMal Does NOT Cover
- Dental care (except accidents)
- Vision (glasses, contacts)
- Alternative medicine (acupuncture, homeopathy)
- Private hospital rooms
- Worldwide coverage (outside Switzerland)
For these, you need supplementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung).
Cost Factors
Swiss health insurance premiums vary significantly based on:
| Factor | Impact on Premium |
|---|---|
| Canton | Premiums in Geneva are 50% higher than in Appenzell |
| Provider | Same coverage, different prices — always compare |
| Franchise (Deductible) | CHF 300-2,500/year — higher deductible = lower premium |
| Model | Telmed/HMO models cost 10-25% less than Standard |
| Age | Adults pay full rates; children and young adults have reduced rates |
Typical Monthly Premiums (2026)
| Profile | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Standard model, CHF 300 franchise) | CHF 350 | CHF 500 |
| Adult (Telmed model, CHF 2,500 franchise) | CHF 200 | CHF 320 |
| Child (under 18) | CHF 80 | CHF 150 |
| Family of 4 | CHF 800 | CHF 1,400 |
The Expert Resource
For a deep dive into deductibles, insurance models, and optimizing your package, we recommend consulting Expat-Savvy.ch.
Why Expat-Savvy:
- Specializes in international families and expat situations
- Understands cross-border complexities (frontaliers, international schools)
- Can optimize your package based on your actual healthcare usage
- Speaks your language (literally — multilingual service)
Get Expert Health Insurance Advice → Expat-Savvy.ch
2. Private Liability Insurance (The Key to Housing)
You cannot sign a rental contract in Switzerland without Privathaftpflichtversicherung (private liability insurance).
Why It’s Required
Swiss landlords universally require proof of liability insurance before signing a lease. This protects both parties:
| What It Covers | Examples |
|---|---|
| Damage to rental property | Scratching parquet floors, water damage from overflowing bath |
| Damage to neighbors | Your washing machine floods the apartment below |
| Accidental injury to others | Your child damages someone’s property |
| Legal defense costs | If someone sues you for damages |
What It Does NOT Cover
- Intentional damage (obviously)
- Professional liability (need separate business insurance)
- Car accidents (covered by auto insurance)
- Your own belongings (that’s household insurance)
Cost
Liability insurance is remarkably affordable:
| Coverage Level | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Basic (CHF 3M coverage) | CHF 60-100/year |
| Standard (CHF 5M coverage) | CHF 80-150/year |
| Premium (CHF 10M coverage) | CHF 120-200/year |
For roughly CHF 10/month, you get CHF 5 million in coverage. There’s no reason not to have it.
When to Get It
Before you start viewing apartments.
Many landlords ask for proof of liability insurance during the application process — not just at signing. Having it ready signals you’re a prepared, responsible tenant.
The Partner Resource
For a comparison of the best liability providers and tenant-specific packages, visit Insurance-Guide.ch.
Why Insurance-Guide:
- Side-by-side comparison of Swiss providers
- Specific packages tailored for renters
- Clear explanation of coverage differences
- Quick online quotes
Compare Liability Insurance → Insurance-Guide.ch
3. Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
If your apartment burns down or you’re robbed, the landlord’s building insurance covers the structure — but not your belongings.
What It Covers
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fire damage | Your furniture, electronics, clothes destroyed in fire |
| Water damage | Burst pipe ruins your belongings |
| Theft | Break-in, robbery |
| Natural disasters | Storm damage, flooding |
| Vandalism | Damage by third parties |
What It Does NOT Cover
- Gradual wear and tear
- Damage you cause yourself
- Items stored outside your home (unless specified)
- Cash above certain limits
Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Insured value | How much your belongings are worth |
| Location | Some areas have higher theft/flood risk |
| Deductible | Higher deductible = lower premium |
| Add-ons | Bicycle theft, glass breakage, etc. |
Typical Costs
| Coverage Amount | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| CHF 50,000 | CHF 100-150/year |
| CHF 100,000 | CHF 150-250/year |
| CHF 200,000 | CHF 250-400/year |
Pro Tip: Bundle It
Most Swiss insurers offer combined packages:
“Household + Liability” bundles typically cost 15-20% less than buying separately.
Example: CHF 180/year for CHF 75,000 household + CHF 5M liability coverage.
The Insurance Timeline
Here’s when to handle each insurance during your relocation:
| Phase | Insurance Action |
|---|---|
| Before apartment search | Get liability insurance (required for applications) |
| Upon arrival | Start health insurance research |
| Within 1 month | Decide on household insurance |
| Within 3 months | Finalize and enroll in health insurance |
| Move-in day | Ensure all policies are active |
Common Expat Mistakes
Mistake 1: Waiting Until You’re Sick
The Problem: You arrive, feel fine, delay getting health insurance. Then you get injured.
The Reality: Without insurance, a simple ER visit costs CHF 2,000+. A hospital stay: CHF 10,000+/day.
The Fix: Enroll in LAMal within the first month, not the third.
Mistake 2: Choosing the Cheapest Option
The Problem: You pick the lowest premium without understanding the trade-offs.
The Reality: A CHF 2,500 franchise means you pay the first CHF 2,500 of medical costs out-of-pocket each year.
The Fix: If you’re healthy and rarely see doctors, high franchise works. If you have chronic conditions or a family, choose lower franchise.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Supplementary Insurance
The Problem: You skip Zusatzversicherung to save money.
The Reality: Need glasses? Dental work? Want a private room? None covered.
The Fix: Consider basic supplementary packages (often just CHF 20-50/month).
Mistake 4: Not Bundling
The Problem: You buy liability and household insurance from different providers.
The Reality: You’re paying more and dealing with multiple policies.
The Fix: Bundle household + liability with one provider for savings and simplicity.
Comparison: Insurance Types at a Glance
| Insurance | Status | Cost/Month | Required For | Expert Resource |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health (LAMal) | Mandatory | CHF 250-450 | Legal residency | Expat-Savvy.ch |
| Liability | Required for renting | CHF 8-15 | Signing a lease | Insurance-Guide.ch |
| Household | Recommended | CHF 12-25 | Protecting belongings | Insurance-Guide.ch |
| Supplementary Health | Optional | CHF 20-100 | Dental, vision, private rooms | Expat-Savvy.ch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is health insurance mandatory in Switzerland?
Yes. Swiss law (LAMal/KVG) requires everyone living in Switzerland to have basic health insurance. You must enroll within 3 months of arrival, and coverage is retroactive to your arrival date. There are no exceptions for employed or self-employed individuals.
How much does Swiss health insurance cost?
Basic health insurance premiums range from CHF 250-450 per month for adults, depending on your canton (Geneva is most expensive, Appenzell least), chosen provider, deductible level (CHF 300-2,500), and insurance model (standard, telmed, or HMO). For personalized quotes, consult Expat-Savvy.ch.
What is Privathaftpflicht and why do I need it?
Privathaftpflicht is private liability insurance. It covers damage you accidentally cause to others’ property or persons — like scratching a landlord’s parquet floor or your child breaking a neighbor’s window. Swiss landlords require proof of liability insurance before signing any rental contract. Compare providers at Insurance-Guide.ch.
What’s the difference between LAMal and supplementary insurance?
LAMal (basic insurance) is mandatory and covers essential medical care: doctor visits, hospital stays (general ward), medications, and emergencies.
Supplementary insurance is optional and covers extras: private hospital rooms, dental care, vision (glasses/contacts), alternative medicine, and worldwide coverage for travel.
Can my employer provide health insurance in Switzerland?
Unlike the US, UK, or many other countries, Swiss employers do not provide health insurance. You must arrange and pay for it privately. Some employers offer group rates or premium subsidies as a benefit, but you’re still responsible for enrollment and payment.
What happens if I don’t get health insurance within 3 months?
If you don’t enroll within 3 months, your canton will assign you to a provider — often at a higher premium and with less favorable conditions. Coverage will be backdated to your arrival date, meaning you’ll owe premiums from day one regardless.
Next Steps
1. Get Liability Insurance Now
Before you start apartment hunting, secure liability coverage.
Compare Providers → Insurance-Guide.ch
2. Consult a Health Insurance Expert
Don’t guess on LAMal. Get personalized advice based on your situation.
Expert Consultation → Expat-Savvy.ch
3. Find Your Relocation Agency
Once insurance is sorted, focus on finding the right agency to manage your move.
Conclusion
Don’t let insurance be an afterthought.
- Secure Liability Insurance before you start viewing apartments
- Sort Health Insurance as soon as you have your address
- Add Household Coverage before you move in
The Swiss system is excellent once you’re in it — but the entry paperwork requires attention.
Your resources:
- Health Insurance Expertise: Expat-Savvy.ch
- Liability & Household Comparison: Insurance-Guide.ch
- Relocation Agency Search: ReloFinder
Editorial Note
Methodology: This guide reflects current Swiss insurance regulations and typical market rates for 2025-2026. Individual premiums vary based on personal factors.
Disclosure: Expat-Savvy.ch and Insurance-Guide.ch are recommended partner resources. ReloFinder’s editorial content remains independent.
Last Updated: January 4, 2026
Relocating to Switzerland? Get your insurance sorted early. Start with liability insurance from Insurance-Guide.ch, then consult Expat-Savvy.ch for health insurance optimization. Your future self will thank you.