Insurance checklist for newcomers to Switzerland

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Tick only what you have checked with the source or competent body.

General rule

Core federal obligation

These steps describe the general rule for someone taking up residence in Switzerland. An official decision may nevertheless confirm an exception.

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01Identify the official date residence was taken upThe three-month period starts when residence is taken up in Switzerland, or at birth for a newborn, not from a freely chosen date.02Enrol each person subject to compulsory health insurance separatelyBasic insurance is individual: every adult and child must be enrolled with an authorised health insurer within the applicable period.03Keep confirmation and check the effective dateTimely enrolment takes effect from residence or birth, with premiums due retroactively. A different rule applies to late enrolment.

Situation-specific

Steps to check individually

Tick these points only when they match your status, employment, vehicle or canton.

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01Check the decision required for a possible LAMal exemptionTemporary study or training, posting, activity or a pension governed by another state, diplomatic status and EU/EFTA/UK coordination may change which system applies. Depending on the case, an exemption applies by law or must be requested; identify the competent authority and do not treat yourself as exempt before any required decision.02Check the arrival notification or permit that appliesNationality, duration and type of activity determine whether a notification or permit is required. Where registration with the residence authority is required, it must generally occur within 14 days of arrival and before starting work; verify the applicable procedure.03Clarify who covers the accident riskIf you are employed in Switzerland, the employer insures occupational accidents. From eight hours a week with the same employer, non-occupational accidents are covered too. If no UVG/LAA cover includes the risk, check its inclusion in basic health insurance; different rules apply to self-employed and unemployed people.04Prepare motor liability before putting a vehicle on the roadBefore registering and putting a motor vehicle into circulation, obtain the compulsory motor-liability cover and check the required documents with the cantonal road traffic office.05Check the cantonal premium-reduction procedureWithin federal requirements, the canton determines beneficiaries, amount, procedure and whether an application is required. Some act automatically; others require an application to the competent office.

Check locally

Review private contracts and cantonal duties separately

These forms of cover never replace basic insurance. Whether they are optional or compulsory depends on the risk, canton and individual situation.

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01Assess supplementary health insurance separatelySupplementary insurance is optional and insurers have no general duty to accept applicants. Read benefits, exclusions, reservations and contractual periods before deciding.02Check personal liability insuranceIn Switzerland, personal liability insurance is generally optional but strongly recommended. Depending on the contract, it covers certain accidental losses caused to third parties. Check any specific legal or contractual duty linked to your situation.03Distinguish household cover from cantonal contents dutiesOrdinary household insurance concerns belongings under the contract and remains separate from personal liability. In Vaud and Nidwalden, cover for household contents against fire and natural hazards is compulsory under cantonal law; check your canton.

Check insurance in the right order.

Compulsory health insurance: the general deadline is three months