Full guide
Process, exceptions, and official sources
Every step in order, with exceptions, special cases and official sources.
Healthcare is high quality but expensive without insurance. This guide does not replace advice from your insurer or cantonal health office.
Health roadmap
Arrive → Enrol in basic insurance (3 months) → Choose model → GP/pharmacy → Emergencies if needed
Student health checklist
- Within 3 months of becoming liable: take out basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) with any licensed insurer.
- Compare: annual franchise (CHF 300–2,500) + monthly premium + model (standard, HMO, Telmed).
- Bring to Switzerland: vaccination records, glasses prescription, regular medications (with doctor letter).
- Dental: Basic insurance covers little — budget separately or add supplementary cover.
- Mental health: University counselling + national helplines (143, 147).
Mandatory basic insurance (LAMal / KVG)
Every resident must have basic insurance covering standard medical care. Insurers must accept you; they differ in price and service models, not core benefits.
| Element | What it means |
|---|---|
| Franchise (Franchise) | Annual deductible you pay first (CHF 300–2,500); higher franchise → lower premium |
| Retention fee (Selbstbehalt) | 10% of costs above franchise, capped per year |
| Standard model | Free choice of doctor |
| HMO / Telmed | Cheaper premiums; must call gatekeeper or telemedicine first |
| Accident cover | If you work ≥8 h/week, employer insures accidents — coordinate with insurer |
- Compare premiums — Use priminfo.admin.ch (official premium calculator).
- Choose franchise — Healthy young students often pick CHF 2,500 franchise to lower monthly cost (you pay more if you need care).
- Submit application — Online; coverage can start retroactively to arrival date if you apply on time.
- Pay premiums monthly — Missing payments can lead to debt collection and permit issues.
- Supplementary insurance — Optional (dental, private room) — not required for students on a tight budget.
Seeing a doctor
- General practitioner — Register with a practice near home; bring insurance card.
- Specialists — Often need GP referral unless your model allows direct access.
- University health service — Vaccinations, sexual health, counselling — often low-cost.
- Dental — Pay out of pocket or via supplementary insurance.
- Pharmacy — Many medicines are prescription-only; pharmacists advise on minor issues.
Emergencies
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 144 | Medical emergency / ambulance |
| 117 | Police (non-medical) |
| 118 | Fire brigade |
| 112 | European emergency (works from mobile) |
| 145 | Tox Info Suisse — poisoning |
| 1414 | Rega — air rescue (mountain/alpine; membership or insurance) |
- ER (Notfall) — Go to hospital emergency for serious injury; you pay franchise + share; insurer reimburses eligible costs.
- Non-urgent — Call your insurer’s telemedicine line or visit a walk-in centre to avoid ER bills.
Mental health and crisis support
- 143 — Die Dargebotene Hand (24/7 emotional support).
- 147 — Pro Juventute helpline for children and young people.
- University counselling — Often free short-term sessions; waiting lists at semester start.
- Psychiatrist/psychologist — Partially covered if prescribed; supplementary insurance may help.
EU students and EHIC
- Short tourist visit: EHIC may cover necessary care.
- Residence in Switzerland: you must join LAMal — cancel duplicate EU insurance if required to avoid double payment.
- Cross-border commuters — Special rules; not typical for full-time students living in CH.
Next step: bank account and taxes — see Finance and Work guides.
Sources
Over 3 months risks of forced assignment and retroactive sanctions.
Quick reference
LAMal system: regulated private basic insurance obligation. Excellent network of doctors and hospitals; insured costs after deductible.
How healthcare works
Care access
Insurance card for each visit. HMO/Telmed models reduce premium but limit choice.
Mandatory insurance
Obligation LAMal
Exempt only narrow cases; international students almost always in basic regime. Permission linked to coverage.
Mental health
Multilingual university services in large cities. Psychotherapy partially reimbursed after deductible; waiting lists.
Student support
Campus
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Mandatory health insurance (KVG / LAMal)
Choosing an insurer
You must enrol within three months of becoming liable; compare deductible (Franchise), premiums, and models (free choice, HMO, Telmed).
Access to care
GPs & specialists
Your policy defines whether you need a gatekeeper phone line or family doctor first.
Emergencies
144 / 117 / 118 / 112
144 medical rescue; 117 police; 118 fire; 112 European emergency. Mountain/air rescue: 1414 Rega when appropriate.
EHIC
Temporary EU visitors may rely on EHIC; residents need Swiss basic insurance.
Mental health & helplines
Emotional support: 143 (Die Dargebotene Hand); young people: 147 (Pro Juventute). Poisoning emergencies: 145. Life-threatening medical emergencies: 144 or 112.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.
Official sources and verification
5 HTTPS sources are already linked where they are used in the guide.