CH cross-border workers
Cross-border worker: which health insurance for you?
Do you work in Switzerland and live in France, Germany, Italy or Austria? Find out whether you fall under LAMal or your country's health insurance, and within what deadline to choose.
Which country do you live in?
The right of option in brief
The agreement on the free movement of persons between Switzerland and the EU provides that cross-border workers can, once, choose between Swiss basic insurance (LAMal) and the health insurance of their country of residence. This choice must be exercised within a deadline (generally 3 months); failing that, LAMal affiliation applies automatically. The chosen scheme determines where you contribute and where you are treated.
★ Good to know
The right of option is in principle exercised only once. Before choosing LAMal, CMU or your country's insurance, compare the cover and real cost of both schemes: a licensed adviser can do it free of charge.
Frequently asked questions from cross-border workers
- Am I obliged to take LAMal if I work in Switzerland?
- No. As a cross-border worker, you have a right of option: you can choose between Swiss LAMal and the health insurance of your country of residence. Without action within the deadline (generally 3 months), however, you are automatically affiliated with LAMal.
- What is the deadline to exercise my right of option?
- The right of option is in principle exercised within 3 months of the start of your activity in Switzerland or taking up residence abroad. After this deadline, changing scheme becomes difficult and subject to conditions.
- Can I change my mind after choosing my scheme?
- As a rule, the right of option is exercised only once. A later change of scheme is only possible in particular situations. It is therefore essential to compare carefully before choosing.