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.