What is the difference between LAMal and supplemental insurance?

LAMal is the basic health insurance, mandatory for those residing in Switzerland: it covers outpatient, hospital and drug care up to a federal ceiling. Complementary insurance is optional and fills the gaps in the basic LAM (dentistry, eye exams, alternative care, psychotherapy). In the Canton of Graubünden, many residents subscribe to both covers for more comprehensive protection and enhanced protection.

How do I know if I am eligible for premium reductions in Graubünden?

The right depends on the gross income and the assets declared in the household. The Canton of Graubünden sets annual income thresholds: if your income is below that threshold, you are presumably entitled to a reduction. Contact the relevant cantonal office (Office of Public Health or Office of Social Economy) to find out the current thresholds, submit an application and receive the required documentation.

Which franchise to choose for the lowest premiums?

A higher deductible (CHF 1500, 2000 or 2500) results in lower monthly premiums, but means paying out of your own pocket up to that amount before the insurance covers. A low deductible (CHF 300 or 500) ensures greater protection from sudden disbursements, however it does result in higher monthly premiums. The choice depends on your health situation, the foreseeable frequency of treatment and personal financial availability.

Can I change insurers during the year in Graubünden?

LAMal allows the change of insurer once a year, normally with cancellation by 31 December effective from 1 January of the following year. If you have received a premium reduction from the state, check with the new insurer if the subsidy is recognized by them: some reductions are automatically transferred, others must be recertified at the canton.

How is the premium reduction amount calculated in Graubünden?

The Canton of Graubünden uses a formula based on gross income, declared assets and the number of insured persons in the household. The cantonal administration deducts a personal liability exemption from the calculated reduction: the nucleus still contributes a minimum percentage. Income thresholds and exact formulas are published by the relevant cantonal office and updated annually.

LAMal Canton Grisons Awards: deductibles and reduction (cross-border guide)

Di Laura Bianchi · Published on 30 August 2026

Grisons Alpine valley with mountain village and healthcare facility

Guide to health insurance premiums in the Canton of Graubünden: deductibles from CHF 300 to 2500, alternative models, reduction subsidies and application procedure.

Context

In brief

KVG: compulsory health insurance for Swiss residents
Adult deductibles range from CHF 300 to CHF 2500 (choice of contractor)
Each canton administers premiums and subsidies for reduction

Key Facts

What: Private health insurance at per capita premiums, not tax
When: Mandatory for residents, stipulated within 3 months of arrival
Where: Single system in all Swiss cantons (including Graubünden)
Who: FSIO/BSV coordinates at federal level; cantons set premiums and subsidies
Amount: Deductibles from CHF 300 (minimum) to CHF 2500 (maximum) for adults

In the canton of Graubünden, as in every Swiss canton, compulsory health insurance (KVG or KVG in German) represents a structural cost for residents. The KVG is not a tax but a private insurance with per capita premiums: each person takes out a free choice of insurer. Premiums vary according to age group, canton (and sometimes region within the canton) and insurance model chosen.

At federal level, FSIO/BSV (Federal Social Insurance Office) coordinates the overall system. However, the cantons independently determine the premiums charged by companies operating in their territory and determine the requirements and amount of subsidies for premium reductions for residents with low incomes.

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Operational details

Alternative insurance models in Graubünden

In addition to the choice of deductible, LAMal offers alternative insurance models that allow the premium to be reduced in exchange for limitations on access to benefits. Among these is the model with a mandatory general practitioner: the contractor enrolls with a trusted doctor and addresses the diagnostic path under his guidance, except for emergencies and certain specialties (ophthalmology, gynecology). Another model is the limited choice insurance of the hospital (network), where access to hospital facilities is restricted to those agreed with the company.

The Canton of Graubünden has particular geographical characteristics — isolated valleys, a population scattered over a vast territory — that influence the offer of alternative models: not all solutions are available everywhere for reasons of territorial accessibility. Check which models are available in your area of Graubünden.

Cantonal subsidies and premium reductions

Each Swiss canton financially supports low-income residents through subsidies for the reduction of LAMal premiums. The Canton of Graubünden, like the other cantons, provides cantonal funds and federal contributions to reduce the burden for those who cannot afford full premiums. Access criteria and the amount of the reduction vary from canton to canton, as each canton establishes its own income and assets thresholds.

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Key points

Procedure to access premium reductions in Graubünden

For premium reduction requests in the Canton of Graubünden, the resident must contact the competent cantonal administration (typically the Office of Public Health or the Office of Social Economy, depending on the local organizational structure). Often the canton provides an online or paper application form on the official website of the regional administration.

The premium reduction request is not automatic: it must be submitted every year according to the deadlines set by the canton itself (usually with a deadline fixed in spring or autumn). Attach income documentation to the application: tax declaration for the two previous years, bank statements, or employer certificate, as required by the cantonal administration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LAMal and supplemental insurance?: LAMal is the basic health insurance, mandatory for those residing in Switzerland: it covers outpatient, hospital and drug care up to a federal ceiling. Complementary insurance is optional and fills the gaps in the basic LAM (dentistry, eye exams, alternative care, psychotherapy). In the Canton of Graubünden, many residents subscribe to both covers for more comprehensive protection and enhanced protection.
How do I know if I am eligible for premium reductions in Graubünden?: The right depends on the gross income and the assets declared in the household. The Canton of Graubünden sets annual income thresholds: if your income is below that threshold, you are presumably entitled to a reduction. Contact the relevant cantonal office (Office of Public Health or Office of Social Economy) to find out the current thresholds, submit an application and receive the required documentation.
Which franchise to choose for the lowest premiums?: A higher deductible (CHF 1500, 2000 or 2500) results in lower monthly premiums, but means paying out of your own pocket up to that amount before the insurance covers. A low deductible (CHF 300 or 500) ensures greater protection from sudden disbursements, however it does result in higher monthly premiums. The choice depends on your health situation, the foreseeable frequency of treatment and personal financial availability.
Can I change insurers during the year in Graubünden?: LAMal allows the change of insurer once a year, normally with cancellation by 31 December effective from 1 January of the following year. If you have received a premium reduction from the state, check with the new insurer if the subsidy is recognized by them: some reductions are automatically transferred, others must be recertified at the canton.
How is the premium reduction amount calculated in Graubünden?: The Canton of Graubünden uses a formula based on gross income, declared assets and the number of insured persons in the household. The cantonal administration deducts a personal liability exemption from the calculated reduction: the nucleus still contributes a minimum percentage. Income thresholds and exact formulas are published by the relevant cantonal office and updated annually.