Elizabeth Baume-Schneider opposes low-cost LAMal with lower premiums

Context

In brief

• Elizabeth Baume-Schneider opposes a low-cost LAMal
• Lower premiums do not guarantee adequate coverage
• Current system protects cross-border workers

Key facts

• What: Proposal for a low-cost LAMal with lower premiums
• When: Discussion ongoing in 2026
• Where: Switzerland, with impact on Ticino cross-border workers
• Who: Federal Councillor Elizabeth Baume-Schneider
• Amount: Current premiums vary depending on the canton and health insurance company

Federal Councillor Elizabeth Baume-Schneider has clearly expressed her opposition to the proposal to introduce a low-cost LAMal with lower premiums. In an interview with TVS, Baume-Schneider emphasized that a reduction in premiums could compromise the quality and scope of the services offered. 'A low-cost LAMal is not the solution,' she stated, defending the current system that ensures adequate health coverage for all residents, including cross-border workers.

Impact on cross-border workers

Cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy are particularly interested in this discussion. Currently, cross-border workers are subject to withholding tax and must comply with Swiss regulations regarding health insurance. A low-cost LAMal could significantly influence their finances and the quality of medical care they have access to. Baume-Schneider emphasized that the current system, although it may seem expensive, offers comprehensive protection that a low-cost version could not guarantee.

Comparison with the current system

The current LAMal system involves premiums that vary depending on the canton and the chosen health insurance company. Cross-border workers must pay insurance premiums based on their income and family situation. A low-cost LAMal could attract many people with lower premiums, but Baume-Schneider warns that this could lead to a reduction in services and an increase in indirect costs for patients.

Future scenarios

If the proposal for a low-cost LAMal is approved, cross-border workers could face a difficult choice: save on premiums but risk not having adequate coverage, or maintain the current system with higher premiums but with comprehensive protection. Baume-Schneider invites everyone to carefully consider the implications of such a reform.

For more information on LAMal premiums and coverage, consult our LAMal premium calculator.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

The proposal for a low-cost LAMal raises several practical issues for cross-border workers. First, it's important to understand how current premiums are calculated and what services are covered. Currently, cross-border workers must pay insurance premiums based on their income and family situation. A low-cost LAMal could offer lower premiums, but with a reduction in covered services.

Premium Comparison

To make a comparison, let's consider the current average premiums in Ticino. For example, a cross-border worker residing in Italy and working in Ticino might pay monthly premiums ranging from 300 to 500 CHF, depending on the chosen health insurance provider. A low-cost LAMal could reduce these premiums by 10-20%, but with limited coverage.

Covered Services

The current LAMal system covers a wide range of services, including medical visits, hospital stays, medications, and therapies. A low-cost LAMal might exclude some of these services, leaving cross-border workers with additional costs. For example, it might not cover specialized therapies or expensive medications, forcing cross-border workers to pay out of pocket.

Savings Scenarios

If a cross-border worker chooses a low-cost LAMal, they might save on monthly premiums but could face unexpected costs for uncovered services. For example, if a cross-border worker needs a specialized therapy not covered by the low-cost policy, they might have to pay thousands of CHF out of pocket. This could negate the initial savings on premiums.

Practical Advice

For cross-border workers considering the proposal for a low-cost LAMal, it's important to accurately assess their healthcare needs. We recommend consulting a healthcare insurance expert to understand which services are essential and which can be sacrificed. Additionally, it's useful to compare offers from different health insurance providers to find the solution best suited to their needs.

For more information on how to choose the right health insurance, consult our guide how to choose the health insurance provider.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

Concrete action

If the proposal for a low-cost LAMal were to be approved, cross-border workers should act quickly to understand how this reform could influence their health coverage. Here's a step-by-step procedure to best handle this situation:

1. Assess your health needs: Make a list of the medical services you regularly need and those you might require in the future. 2. Compare health insurance offers: Use tools like our health insurance comparator to compare the different options available. 3. Consult an expert: Speak with an insurance advisor to understand which services are essential and which can be sacrificed. 4. Calculate costs: Make a detailed calculation of the premiums and additional costs you might face with a low-cost LAMal. 5. Make an informed decision: Based on the information gathered, choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Deadlines and required documents

If you decide to change health insurance, make sure to respect the deadlines for termination and new enrollment. Usually, health insurers require written communication with at least two months' notice. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as the residence certificate and work permit.

Useful tools

To help you make an informed decision, we have created a series of useful tools:

• LAMal premium calculator: Calculate current premiums and compare them with low-cost offers.
• Health insurance comparator: Compare the different options available.
• Guide to choosing a health insurance: Discover how to choose the health insurance most suited to your needs.

Conclusion

The proposal for a low-cost LAMal raises many questions and concerns for cross-border workers. It's important to act with caution and make an accurate assessment of your health needs before making a decision. Use the tools and resources available to make an informed choice and protect your health and that of your family.

For further information and support, consult our salary calculator.

Official sources: Health insurance for cross-border commuters (FOPH)