LAMal awards in Valais: bands and reductions 2026

Context

In brief

• LAMal is mandatory in Valais with premiums varying by age and insurance model
• Available deductibles: from CHF 300 to CHF 2,500 for adults
• Premium reduction is a cantonal subsidy for low- to middle-income families
• Deadline for changing health insurance: December 31 of the previous year

Key facts

• What: Mandatory health insurance (LAMal) with per capita premiums and variable deductibles
• Where: Canton of Valais; mandatory for residents domiciled in the canton
• Who: All residents; mandatory within 3 months of arrival
• When: Annual premiums; change of insurance company by December 31 for effect from January 1
• Models: Basic insurance, HMO, network, models with high deductible
• Deductibles: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500 for adults
• Subsidies: Premium reduction managed by the canton of Valais for income and asset brackets

In the canton of Valais, as in the rest of Switzerland, the mandatory health insurance (LAMal) covers residents and foreigners domiciled in any canton. Premiums are managed at the cantonal-regional level and vary based on age brackets, chosen insurance models, and deductibles. Valais, like every canton, has a premium reduction system (cantonal subsidy) aimed at families that do not reach certain income levels.

The system's structure is private: health insurance companies operate with per capita premiums (i.e., calculated for each individual), NOT as a salary contribution or tax. This means that each family member pays their own premium, regardless of age or economic condition — except for cantonal subsidies for low incomes.

Premium brackets and deductibles in Valais

In the canton of Valais, several health insurance companies operate. Premiums are communicated annually by individual insurers and registered at the cantonal level. For adults, the available deductibles are six: CHF 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500. A higher deductible (e.g., 2,500) results in a lower monthly premium, as the insured accepts to cover a larger share of healthcare costs before the insurance kicks in.

Children benefit from separate deductibles, generally more favorable than those for adults. Mandatory LAMal includes basic coverage (essential services: hospital, outpatient medicine, drugs, maternity, accidents for those without separate accident insurance). On this basis, additional optional coverages (dentist, physiotherapy, alternative medicines) can be added — optional and NOT regulated by LAMal.

Keyword: the premium is PER CAPITA. If a family of four resides in Valais, they will pay four separate premiums (one for each member), even if they choose the same deductible and the same health insurance company.

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Operational details

The reduction of premiums (cantonal subsidy) is a crucial tool for families and self-employed workers with limited income. In the canton of Valais, as in almost all cantons, the responsible cantonal authority evaluates the total income of the household (cantonal taxable income, possibly adjusted) and the assets, and grants a monthly contribution that directly reduces the LAMal premium due.

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Key points

Procedure to obtain the premium reduction

Those living in the canton of Valais and with a low to medium income should consult the cantonal office responsible for social services or health. In Valais, the competent authority is indicated on the official cantonal portal (www.vs.ch) or at the municipality of residence.

Step-by-step of the request:

1. Gather documentation: cantonal tax return for the last two years (extract of taxable income and taxed assets), pay slip or certificate of self-employed income, certificate of family composition from the municipality.

2. Check income limits: contact the competent cantonal office and obtain the exact access criteria for the current year (a couple without children with a joint taxable income up to CHF 80,000–100,000 can generally access the reduction, depending on local parameters).

3. Submit application: fill out the reduction request form (usually available online on the Valais portal or at the municipal office) and send it by post or in digital format.

4. Decision and payment: the office evaluates the request within about 4–6 weeks and communicates the monthly subsidy amount. The contribution is paid directly to the selected insurer, reducing the premium due.

5. Annual renewal: the reduction is granted for the calendar year; by December 31, it is necessary to renew the request if the income conditions remain unchanged.

Deadlines and change of health insurance

The deadline to change health insurance is December 31 of each year, effective from January 1 of the following year. The notice of termination from the old insurer must be received by the insurer by that date, preferably by registered mail or through the online portal. If the reduction is approved, it is advisable to communicate the grant number or the estimated contribution to the new health insurance to avoid incorrect billing.

Those who do not change insurers by December 31 automatically renew the annual contract on the same policy; in this case, the premium is fixed until December 31 of the following year (premium changes are valid only at the contract expiration).

Practical advice: check the premium list of available insurers in Valais at least three months before the deadline, both for the basic model and for alternatives (HMO, network), to evaluate which combination (insurer + deductible + model + estimated reduction) offers the lowest total annual cost.

Use the LAMal calculator and cost of living to estimate your overall tax impact