LAMal or cross-border CMU: compare costs and reimbursements
Do you work in Switzerland and live in France? To compare LAMal with cross-border CMU, consider your annual budget, your family’s entitlements and the care you receive on each side of the border. Neither system is always the better choice.
Compare your annual costs
LAMal charges a premium for each person actually insured in Switzerland, independently of salary. If you live in France, compare the premiums applicable to France for the relevant year and profile. Do not confuse these with rates for people living in a Swiss canton.
Under the French system, commonly called cross-border CMU, Urssaf calculates your contribution using the income it takes into account and the applicable annual allowance. Each cross-border spouse concerned submits an individual declaration. An estimate does not replace the authority’s calculation.
Add out-of-pocket expenses and any supplementary cover. Compare the same period using consistent assumptions for your household.
Your care in France and Switzerland
- With LAMal: care in Switzerland follows Swiss rules. For care in France, your insurer’s S1 document allows registration with the CPAM and coverage under French rules.
- With the French system: care in France follows French rules. Care in Switzerland may also be covered. Different rules apply to outpatient care, emergencies and planned treatment requiring prior authorisation.
Before expensive treatment in Switzerland, check reimbursement arrangements and any required authorisation with your health insurance institution.
Family and supplementary cover: assess your circumstances
Your partner’s and children’s situations need individual assessment: employment, residence and coordination rules can affect their entitlements. Do not assume either automatic free family coverage or a compulsory Swiss premium for every family member.
Supplementary insurance may cover some remaining costs, depending on the contract. Check benefits, limits and the countries where care is covered. It does not replace compulsory insurance.
Choose within the option-right rules
If eligible, make your choice official within three months of the qualifying event. Once exercised, it is irrevocable unless a new qualifying event allows another choice. ALPEREA Assurances helps you compare your protection and prepare the process.
Your next step
Compare France–Switzerland supplementary cover · Speak to an adviser
