2025 LAMal Premiums for Cross-Border Workers: What You Need to Know
As a Swiss cross-border worker living in France, the issue of 2025 LAMal premiums comes up every year when making or confirming your affiliation choice. Between Helsana, SWICA, and other funds, rates vary depending on the canton (Geneva, Vaud…), age, and options. Here’s a clear guide to understanding what influences the premium, how to compare it with the CMU, and how to complete the S1/CPAM steps without stress.
Understanding LAMal for Cross-Border Workers in 2025
The LAMal is mandatory health insurance in Switzerland. Cross-border workers can join under the option right (three months from starting work in Switzerland). Unlike the CMU, the LAMal premium is independent of income: it depends on the chosen fund, your age, and your place of residence/work canton.
- Fixed premium per person (not a percentage of your Swiss gross/net salary).
- Canton/residence: Geneva and Vaud do not always display the same rates.
What to Remember in 30 Seconds
- 2025 LAMal premiums: amounts vary depending on fund (Helsana, SWICA, etc.), canton, and age.
- CMU vs LAMal comparison: CMU = contribution on income (URSSAF/CNTFS), LAMal = premium per person.
- Steps: 3-month option right, LAMal certificate, S1 form to open your rights with CPAM.
Step-By-Step Process for Choosing and Joining
Step 1 — Assess Your Profile and Budget
List your situation: age, family composition, canton (Geneva, Vaud…), healthcare needs in France and Switzerland, frequency of visits, and compare with the CMU (contribution based on income from year N-2 with 25% PASS deduction). Comparison tools and simulators help compare LAMal premiums and CMU contributions.
Step 2 — Compare LAMal Funds (Helsana, SWICA…)
Request several offers: monthly amount, S1 form management, processing times, customer service. Check Swiss coverage and CPAM coordination in France. Favor contract clarity and simple procedures.
Step 3 — Formalize Your Choice (Option Right and S1/CPAM)
If you choose LAMal cross-border, the insurer issues the S1 (ex-E106). You submit it to CPAM to open your rights in France, while remaining insured in Switzerland. If you prefer the CMU, affiliation is done through URSSAF/CNTFS; keep declaration deadlines in mind.
Tip
For an honest comparison, standardize the period and family situation (dependent ages, effective date, canton) and request offers on the same date. Then calculate a total annual cost (LAMal premiums + possible supplementary or CMU contribution + mutual), rather than comparing only a single monthly amount.
Concrete Example
A cross-border worker living in the Pays de Gex and working in Geneva hesitates between LAMal and CMU. Their gross income is stable, the household includes 2 adults and 1 child. They request two LAMal quotes (Helsana and SWICA) and get similar annual premiums. At the same time, they simulate their CMU contribution (URSSAF/CNTFS) based on income from year N-2 with the 25% PASS deduction. By adding premiums + supplementary vs CMU contribution + mutual, they see that LAMal is more predictable (fixed premium), while CMU becomes attractive if income decreases. They choose LAMal, have the S1 issued, and open their rights with CPAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do 2025 LAMal premiums depend on my salary?
A: No. LAMal premiums are independent of salary; CMU, on the other hand, is proportional to declared income.
Q: Do I have to redo the option right every year?
A: No. The option right is exercised when starting work (3-month deadline). Later changes are only allowed in specific cases.
Conclusion & Next Steps
In 2025, LAMal premiums for cross-border workers can be efficiently compared by first assessing your profile (canton, age, healthcare needs) and annualizing costs versus CMU. The right choice balances budget, stability, and management simplicity (S1/CPAM). Contact our firm for a LAMal vs CMU simulation, option right support, and personalized advice for Geneva, Vaud, and your situation.
