CMU
Cross-border CMU commonly means French health insurance chosen by people living in France and working in Switzerland. The CPAM handles affiliation and care; Urssaf calculates and collects contributions.
Salary & health
CMU or LAMal: calculate and compare your costs
Living in France and working in Switzerland? Compare monthly and annual contributions, then prepare your choice around your household and healthcare needs.
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Understand your CMU / LAMal comparison
Your result provides a budget estimate. Here is how to read the figures and review the other points that matter before joining a system.
Two systems, two ways to contribute
The cheaper system is not necessarily right for your circumstances. Also compare where you receive care, unreimbursed costs and your family’s entitlements.
LAMal
LAMal is Swiss compulsory health insurance. Its per-person premium does not depend on salary. If you live in France, compare France premiums by insurer, year, age and accident cover, not Swiss resident rates.
How is cross-border CMU calculated in 2026?
For 2026, use your personal income from 2024 considered under Urssaf rules: the two-year lag, N−2. The annual social security ceiling (PASS) is €48,060.00; the 25% allowance is €12,015.00 per cross-border worker. For a full year: 8% of income after the allowance, with a minimum assessment base of zero. Follow Urssaf guidance for deductions and shared income. Each cross-border partner has an individual calculation. Joining during the year may lead to a proportional adjustment.
The option right: decide and formalise
If eligible, you have three months after the event creating the option right, notably your first Swiss job or moving to France while working in Switzerland. Have the form certified by the CPAM, then submit it to the competent Swiss authority. The choice is irrevocable unless there is a recognised new event.
Partner and children: describe your household
The calculator distinguishes a partner working in France, a cross-border partner and a non-working partner. It assumes French affiliation for children in the first case and Swiss affiliation otherwise. These assumptions do not determine their rights: parental employment and coordination between systems need assessment.
Receiving care in France and Switzerland
With LAMal, Swiss care follows Swiss rules. The S1 allows CPAM registration for French care. Under the French system, care in Switzerland may be reimbursed depending on its nature; certain planned treatments require authorisation. Both systems can leave costs for you to pay.
Compare typical situations
Examples from the same engine as your simulation: personal income in euros, adults aged 26 and over, a full year. Adapt your answers to your circumstances.
| Situation and annual income | CMU per month | LAMal per month | Estimated monthly difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| One person · personal income of €40,000.00 | €186.58per month€2,239.00 · Per year | €214.78per month€2,577.36 · Per year | €28.20CMU€338.36 · Per year |
| One person · personal income of €60,000.00 | €319.92per month€3,839.00 · Per year | €214.78per month€2,577.36 · Per year | €105.14LAMal€1,261.64 · Per year |
| Couple, non-working partner, 2 children · income of €60,000.00 | €319.92per month€3,839.00 · Per year | €551.77per month€6,621.24 · Per year | €231.85CMU€2,782.24 · Per year |
| Two cross-border workers, 2 children · income of €60,000.00 and €40,000.00 | €506.50per month€6,078.00 · Per year | €535.66per month€6,427.94 · Per year | €29.16CMU€349.94 · Per year |
Method, settings and sources
2026 rates, 2024 income, contributions excluding care and supplementary cover. LAMal benchmark: Helsana France, not a comparison of all insurers. Editable indicative conversion: 1 CHF = €1.0739, ECB reference of October 12, 2026. Authorities confirm affiliation and actual amounts.
Frequently asked questions for cross-border workers
Which income should I enter for the 2026 CMU contribution?
Your personal income from 2024 to declare to Urssaf, after applicable deductions. The estimate based on gross salary still needs refining.
Can I enter the household’s reference tax income directly?
No. It does not replace personal income. Treat shared income and your partner’s income according to Urssaf guidance.
Does LAMal always become preferable as salary increases?
No. Its premium does not depend on salary, but the number of insured people, care and cost-sharing change the overall comparison.
Are my partner and children covered free of charge?
Not automatically. Rights depend on employment, residence and coordination. The authorities must confirm the calculator’s assumptions.
Can I receive care in Switzerland with CMU?
Yes, depending on the care and your circumstances. Consultations, emergencies and planned care follow different rules to check with your institution.
What is the S1 form for a LAMal cross-border worker?
It allows CPAM registration for care in France on behalf of the Swiss system. It is not supplementary insurance.
How long do I have to choose between CMU and LAMal?
Three months after the qualifying event, if eligible. Without a valid submitted choice, you may be assigned to Swiss insurance.
Can I freely switch from CMU to LAMal?
No, unless there is a recognised new event. Simply changing employer or having a child does not reopen the option right.
Should I compare supplementary health insurance as well?
Review your needs and remaining costs. Supplementary cover may help according to its benefits, limits and covered countries.
Prepare your choice with an adviser
A guide from Alperea Assurances, an insurance brokerage in Gex. Your adviser: Sabri HAMDA, 35 Rue Alexandre Reverchon, 01170 Gex.
Review your circumstances with an adviser in Gex →Compare France–Switzerland supplementary health coverExplore our guide for Swiss cross-border workers
