When can I change sick pay in Switzerland?

Cash changeover is possible once a year, by 30 November, with effect from 1 January of the following year. For 2026 awards, the deadline is therefore 30 November 2025. It is not necessary to give notice to the old cashier: just sign up for the new one, which manages the cancellation.

How does the LAMal franchise work?

The deductible is the annual amount that the insured pays out of his own pocket before the cashier intervenes. For adults it ranges from a minimum of CHF 300 to a maximum of CHF 2,500. Choosing a high deductible reduces your monthly premium, but increases your own costs. The optimal choice depends on the expected healthcare costs.

Are frontier workers entitled to the LAMal option?

Yes, border workers with a G permit have the right of option: they can choose whether to insure in Switzerland or remain covered by the Italian health system. The decision must be made by evaluating premiums, coverage and refunds. In case of option for LAMal, the same rules as residents apply, including deductible and cash change.

How do you calculate the break-even point between high and low deductibles?

You take the annual premium difference between the high and low deductible, and divide it by the cash reimbursement rate (usually 90%). The result indicates the annual health expenditure beyond which the low deductible is appropriate. For example, if the premium difference is CHF 1,000, the break-even point is about CHF 1,111.

What if I don't change cash by November 30th?

If you do not change cash by 30 November, you will automatically remain in the same insurance for the following year, with the same premium (unless increases are communicated). The change is only possible in special cases, such as marriage, birth, change of address or job, but normally you have to wait until the following year.

LAMal 2026 Awards in Bern: How to Choose the Right Deductible (cross-border guide)

Di Laura Bianchi · Published on 7 August 2026

Guide to 2026 LAMal premiums in the canton of Bern

Guide to the 2026 cash premiums in the canton of Bern: cantonal differences, optimal deductible, cash changeover and subsidies. National comparison.

Context

In a nutshell

LAMal 2026 Awards: Bern canton guide, national comparison.
Adult deductible: from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500.
Cash change possible, subsidies available.

Key facts

What: LAMal 2026 Awards Guide, with a focus on Bern
When: for 2026, awards announced by the FOPH/BAG
Where: canton Bern, comparison with other cantons
Who: insure LAMal, frontier workers with the right of option
Amount: adult deductible CHF 300-2,500

Every year, with the approach of 2026, the health insurance premiums (LAMal) return to the center of the concerns of those who live and work in Switzerland. The canton of Bern, like the others, will see the awards confirmed or retouched by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG), which publishes national and cantonal averages. For border crossers, the issue is even more delicate: those who have a G permit have the right of option, that is, they can choose to insure themselves in Switzerland, but they must evaluate costs and benefits well.

The national framework

LAMal is a compulsory health insurance, not a tax. Each adult pays a basic premium, the same for everyone in the same box and in the same age group, but the deductible can vary: from a minimum of CHF 300 to a maximum of CHF 2,500 for adults. Choosing a high deductible reduces the monthly premium, but increases the costs to be borne in the case of treatment. For those who are young and healthy, a high deductible is often convenient; for those who need chronic medications or frequent visits, it is better to stay

Operational details

Practical analysis: how to orient yourself in Bern and Switzerland

LAMal 2026 prizes will be announced by the FOPH/BAG in the autumn, but the rules of choice remain stable. For a resident of Bern, the difference between a deductible of CHF 300 and one of CHF 2,500 may exceed one thousand francs per year on the premium. However, with the high deductible, you assume the risk of having to pay up to CHF 2,500 out of your own pocket before the cashier intervenes. It is therefore necessary to assess your state of health and your finances.

How to calculate the break-even point

The break-even point is the level of annual health expenditure beyond which the low deductible is appropriate. To find it: you take the annual premium difference between high and low deductible, and divide by the cash reimbursement rate (usually 90% after deductible). If the result is, for example, CHF 1,000, it means that those who spend more than CHF 1,000 per year on treatment agree with the minimum deductible. This calculation must be done for each cashier, because the prizes vary.

Cash change: when it is convenient

The cash changeover is free of charge and can be done every year by 30 November, with effect from 1 January of the following year. It is a good idea to change if another cashier offers the same level of coverage at a lower premium, or if your cashier has increased the premium above average. Before changing, check that the new cashier has a good reputation for invoice reimbursement and customer support. Do not

Useful tools for your case

To verify your within/over 20 km tax scenario, use the net salary calculator and the tax return guide.

Key points

How to choose your health insurance and save money

The deadline for changing your health insurance provider is November 30 of each year, with effect from January 1 of the following year. For 2026 premiums, the relevant window is therefore autumn 2025. Here is a practical, step-by-step procedure to make the right choice.

Step 1: Gather the data

First, get the list of premiums from your insurance company for 2026, which is published by the FOPH/BAG at the end of September. Check the premium for your age group and your current deductible. If you hold a G permit, check whether you are eligible for the option and whether it is worth staying insured in Switzerland.

Step 2: Compare offers

Use an online comparison tool (such as the one from Frontaliere Ticino) to compare premiums from all insurers in your canton. Enter your date of birth, your municipality of residence, and the desired deductible. The comparison will show you the cheapest insurer for your profile. Remember that the premium is the same for all adults with the same insurer and in the same canton, so the comparison is straightforward.

Step 3: Calculate the optimal deductible

For each insurer, calculate the break-even point: the annual premium difference divided by the reimbursement rate (90%). If you expect to spend less than the break-even point, choose a high deductible; otherwise, choose the minimum deductible. The calculator can help you estimate annual costs based on your past medical expenses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I change sick pay in Switzerland?: Cash changeover is possible once a year, by 30 November, with effect from 1 January of the following year. For 2026 awards, the deadline is therefore 30 November 2025. It is not necessary to give notice to the old cashier: just sign up for the new one, which manages the cancellation.
How does the LAMal franchise work?: The deductible is the annual amount that the insured pays out of his own pocket before the cashier intervenes. For adults it ranges from a minimum of CHF 300 to a maximum of CHF 2,500. Choosing a high deductible reduces your monthly premium, but increases your own costs. The optimal choice depends on the expected healthcare costs.
Are frontier workers entitled to the LAMal option?: Yes, border workers with a G permit have the right of option: they can choose whether to insure in Switzerland or remain covered by the Italian health system. The decision must be made by evaluating premiums, coverage and refunds. In case of option for LAMal, the same rules as residents apply, including deductible and cash change.
How do you calculate the break-even point between high and low deductibles?: You take the annual premium difference between the high and low deductible, and divide it by the cash reimbursement rate (usually 90%). The result indicates the annual health expenditure beyond which the low deductible is appropriate. For example, if the premium difference is CHF 1,000, the break-even point is about CHF 1,111.
What if I don't change cash by November 30th?: If you do not change cash by 30 November, you will automatically remain in the same insurance for the following year, with the same premium (unless increases are communicated). The change is only possible in special cases, such as marriage, birth, change of address or job, but normally you have to wait until the following year.