What is LAMal and who should sign it in the canton of Glarus?

LAMal (compulsory health insurance) is a private premium insurance, compulsory for all residents in Switzerland, including those in the canton of Glarus. It must be stipulated within 3 months of arrival in the cantonal territory. Unlike the AVS/AI (federal salary contributions, 5.3% employee and 10.6% total with employer), the LAMal is not a tax or a salary contribution, but a private insurance policy per capita. Each insured person personally chooses the insurer, the deductible and the coverage model.

Which franchises are available in the canton of Glarus and which one to choose?

In the canton of Glarus, as in the whole of Switzerland, adults can choose from 6 deductibles: CHF 300, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 or 2500 per year. Higher deductibles result in lower monthly premiums, but require more direct payment for medical expenses. The deductible is personal: each family member chooses their own according to their expected medical needs.

How does premium reduction work in the canton of Glarus?

The premium reduction (cantonal subsidy) is an aid for those with low income. In the canton of Glarus, the cantonal administration defines criteria for income, family composition and the amount of the subsidy. To apply for the subsidy, you must apply to the health insurance office of the canton of Glarus, attaching a tax return and documentation of the family unit. If approved, the subsidy reduces the monthly premium paid to the insurer.

What is the difference between deductible and LAMal copayment?

The deductible is the annual fixed amount (CHF 300-2500) that you pay in full before the insurance starts to cover. Copayment is the percentage (10-20%) of medical expenses that remains at your expense even after the deductible, up to an annual ceiling (usually CHF 500-1000). Example: With CHF 500 deductible, you pay the first CHF 500 of expenses. Then you pay 10-20% of the subsequent expenses, up to the annual copayment ceiling. Beyond that point, the insurance covers 100%.

Where can I find specific information about LAMal awards and Glarus subsidies?

For specific information on LAMal premiums in the canton of Glarus, please contact the canton's health insurance office (available at www.gl.ch). You can also use the [comparatore online LAMal](nav:health) to see the quotes of the different insurers operating in the canton of Glarus. To request a premium reduction subsidy, please contact the relevant cantonal office directly.

Glarus health insurance premiums: how to obtain a reduction (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 23 August 2026

Swiss health insurance documents with calculator on wooden desk, close-up shot

How compulsory health insurance premiums work in Glarus, what deductibles are available and how to claim cantonal reduction benefits.

Context

In a nutshell

LAMal is mandatory in Switzerland with deductibles from CHF 300 to CHF 2500 for adults
Awards vary by canton and region; Glarus has its own cantonal awards and subsidies
Reduction of premiums is a cantonal subsidy for those with low income

Key facts

What: Private compulsory health insurance at per capita premiums
Who: Residents of Switzerland, including canton Glarus (within 3 months of arrival)
Deductibles: CHF 300, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 for adults
Models: Ordinary, managed care, HMO with 10-20% copayment
Reduction: Cantonal subsidy for low incomes (amount varies per canton)
Where: Application to the cantonal administration of Glarus

Compulsory health insurance (LAMal) is a pillar of the Swiss health system with completely different characteristics from AVS/AI (Federal Wage Insurance) and LPP (Corporate Insurance). In the canton of Glarus, as in the whole of Switzerland, residents must stipulate a LAMal within 3 months of arrival in the territory. Unlike AVS/AI contributions (5.3% paid by the employee, 10.6% total with employer), LAMal is a private premium insurance, taken out directly with the insurer of your choice. It is not a tax or wage contribution withheld from the paycheck.

LAMal premiums are private per capita amounts paid directly to the insurer (monthly or quarterly). Each resident must take out their own policy. Premiums vary based on: canton of residence

Operational details

## Which franchise to choose in the canton of Glarus

The choice of franchise is a trade-off between monthly premium and medical risk. Those who expect few medical expenses in the year (young and healthy person, without chronic diseases) could opt for a high deductible (CHF 1500-2500) to significantly reduce the monthly premium. Conversely, those with frequent medical needs (diabetes, hypertension, recurrent specialist visits, ongoing therapies) may prefer a low deductible (CHF 300-500) and pay a higher monthly premium, aware that they will recover the value through lower copayments and more extensive coverage.

Other profiles (elderly, unemployed, single-parent families) benefit from the average deductible combination (CHF 500-1000) + premium reduction subsidy: the cantonal subsidy reduces the premium until it is sustainable, while an average deductible maintains reasonable access to care.

The premiums also vary depending on the coverage model chosen. Multiple insurers operate in the canton of Glarus, each with their own prices for the different combinations of deductible and model. The per confrontare i premi LAMal del canton Glarona tool allows you to easily check the quotes of the various insurers with the same deductible and model.

How copayment works

After paying the chosen annual deductible, the insured remains responsible for 10-20% of the additional medical expenses, up to an annual copayment ceiling. The copayment ceiling in the canton of Glarus is

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

Step-by-Step Procedure for Requesting Premium Reduction

Step 1: Verify the Right to Subsidy The right to premium reduction depends on income and family composition criteria defined by the Glarona cantonal administration. An initial estimate is obtained by calculating gross income, possible tax deductions (health insurance is deductible up to limited amounts from federal thresholds), the number of dependents, and marital status. If the annual gross income is below a certain threshold (to be verified directly with the cantonal office, not specified here), there is a likelihood of entitlement to the subsidy.

Step 2: Collect Documentation Generally required: previous year's tax declaration (or income certificate from employer), certificate of domicile issued by the municipality of residence in the canton of Glarona, documentation of family composition (marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, cohabitation declaration), employment contract or unemployment certificate if relevant for income, and AVS/LPP pension amount notification if retired.

Step 3: Submit Application to Cantonal Office The application is submitted to the health insurance office (or social security office) of the canton of Glarona. It is possible to submit the application in person, by registered mail, or (in some cantons, to be verified) electronically through the cantonal portal. Contact the official website of the canton of Glarona (www.gl.ch) to identify the exact office and available form.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is LAMal and who should sign it in the canton of Glarus?: LAMal (compulsory health insurance) is a private premium insurance, compulsory for all residents in Switzerland, including those in the canton of Glarus. It must be stipulated within 3 months of arrival in the cantonal territory. Unlike the AVS/AI (federal salary contributions, 5.3% employee and 10.6% total with employer), the LAMal is not a tax or a salary contribution, but a private insurance policy per capita. Each insured person personally chooses the insurer, the deductible and the coverage
Which franchises are available in the canton of Glarus and which one to choose?: In the canton of Glarus, as in the whole of Switzerland, adults can choose from 6 deductibles: CHF 300, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 or 2500 per year. Higher deductibles result in lower monthly premiums, but require more direct payment for medical expenses. The deductible is personal: each family member chooses their own according to their expected medical needs.
How does premium reduction work in the canton of Glarus?: The premium reduction (cantonal subsidy) is an aid for those with low income. In the canton of Glarus, the cantonal administration defines criteria for income, family composition and the amount of the subsidy. To apply for the subsidy, you must apply to the health insurance office of the canton of Glarus, attaching a tax return and documentation of the family unit. If approved, the subsidy reduces the monthly premium paid to the insurer.
What is the difference between deductible and LAMal copayment?: The deductible is the annual fixed amount (CHF 300-2500) that you pay in full before the insurance starts to cover. Copayment is the percentage (10-20%) of medical expenses that remains at your expense even after the deductible, up to an annual ceiling (usually CHF 500-1000). Example: With CHF 500 deductible, you pay the first CHF 500 of expenses. Then you pay 10-20% of the subsequent expenses, up to the annual copayment ceiling. Beyond that point, the insurance covers 100%.
Where can I find specific information about LAMal awards and Glarus subsidies?: For specific information on LAMal premiums in the canton of Glarus, please contact the canton's health insurance office (available at www.gl.ch). You can also use the [comparatore online LAMal](nav:health) to see the quotes of the different insurers operating in the canton of Glarus. To request a premium reduction subsidy, please contact the relevant cantonal office directly.