Why eliminate Lamal’s health insurance in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, health insurance is a legal obligation imposed by the Federal Health Insurance Law (LAMAL). This insurance guarantees access to essential medical coverage for all residents, including border workers. Understanding the subtleties of this system allows to obtain substantial savings on its cousins, while benefiting from optimal coverage.

How does Mandatory Lamal Health Insurance work?

The Lamal covers the following basic services:

  • Medical consultations (general professionals and specialists)
  • Hospitalization in the common division in your canton
  • Medications prescribed by a doctor
  • Maternity and related care
  • Medical rehabilitation and outpatient care after accidents or diseases

These services are strictly regulated and identical, regardless of the chosen insurer. On the other hand, the premiums vary strongly according to their canton, their age and the insurer.

Franchise and participation: How to save up to 1440 CHF/year?

Choosing a franchise adapted to its situation is crucial. The higher its deductible (maximum 2500 CHF), the more its monthly cousin decreases. As an indication, the average bonus difference between a low franchise (300 CHF) and a high deductible (2500 CHF) is around 120 chf/month, an annual potential savings of around 1440 CHF.

Concrete example:

  • 300 CHF franchise: If their annual medical costs amount to 2,000 CHF, it will pay its 300 CHF franchise, then 10 % of the remaining 1,700 CHF (or 170 CHF). Its total annual expenditure will be 470 CHF.
  • 2500 CHF franchise: In this case, you pay all costs (2,000 CHF) since your deductible is not reached. However, the annual economy on the premium can largely compensate for this cost, if it has few recurrent medical expenses.

Alternative models, an essential solution to save

The standard model, which offers free access to any supplier, is increasingly abandoned due to its high cost. Today, more than 70 % of the Swiss insured favor alternative models such as:

  • Family Doctor Model : You choose a doctor who coordinates all your attention. Ideal for a lasting relationship of personalized medical confidence and monitoring.
  • HMO model : It is followed by a multidisciplinary network of health professionals. Practical and economical, this model is growing.
  • Telmed model : You benefit from an initial telephone consultation. Perfect to avoid unnecessary trips and benefit from an advantageous premium.
  • Combined models (hybrid) : Increasingly popular, these models allow combining the advantages of Teci, HMO or family doctor systems according to their situation.

These models can reduce their premiums from 10 to 20 % compared to standard insurance.

Lamales subsidies: automatic automatic help in certain cantons

In Switzerland, the cantons pay subsidies to low -income people and families to lighten their health insurance premiums. According to the cantons, in particular Vaud, Geneva and Friborg, these subsidies can be automatically assigned during their annual tax declaration, thus simplifying their administrative procedures and ensuring that everyone can have access to essential attention.

Recurrent increases in lamales bonuses: current trends and projections for 2026

For several years, a continuous increase in the premiums in Switzerland has been observed. This trend results in the increase in medical costs, the aging of the population and the evolution of medical technologies. According to the latest forecasts, premiums could increase even more by 4 to 7 % depending on the region in 2026. Therefore, it is more crucial than never comparing offers regularly to control their budget.

Important gaps to learn about basal health insurance

If Lamal covers essential medical care, however, it has several important deficiencies, for example:

  • Hospitalization : Limited to common divisions in your canton. Private or Semi -Rivated Divisions and exclusive hospitalization require additional insurance.
  • Medical Transport : Ambulance costs are only covered by 50 %, up to a maximum of 500 CHF/year. In case of helicopter transport, the roof is 5,000 CHF per year, often leaving a significant part.
  • Dental care : Only covered in case of a serious accident or specific disease (tumors, serious diseases). Current treatments are generally not reimbursed.
  • Optical care : Glasses and lenses are not compatible with adults, with rare medical exceptions.

Conclusion: The importance of a proactive strategy

Given the complexity and constant evolution of health insurance in Switzerland, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach. Opt for deductibles adapted to your profile, use alternative models, monitor the evolution of premiums every year and completely understand the subtleties of the Lamal makes it possible to achieve significant savings while maintaining quality coverage.

As an insurance expert for more than 30 years, I recommend that you be accompanied by professionals to optimize your contracts as well as possible, year after year.