How to Get Health Insurance in Ticino
Complete guide to getting health insurance in Ticino — how and when to register, compare plans, required documents, deadlines, and what happens if you don’t register in time.
In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives here -regardless of nationality or permit type.
If you move to Ticino, you must register for a health insurance plan within three months of arrival.
This guide explains exactly how to do it: the steps, documents, timelines, and what to expect in Lugano, Bellinzona, Locarno and other cities in Ticino.
By the end, you’ll know how to choose a provider, avoid penalties, and stay fully covered under Swiss law.
Who Must Have Health Insurance
All residents of Ticino (EU/EFTA, non-EU, and Swiss citizens)
Students and children - covered by their parents or personal policy
Cross-border commuters (frontaliers) working in Ticino may choose coverage in Switzerland or their home country
You are covered by the Federal Health Insurance Act (LAMal), which requires every resident to be insured for basic health coverage.
Understanding Your Coverage
Every Swiss health insurance policy includes the same basic benefits under LAMal, such as:
Visits to general practitioners and specialists
Hospital treatment in your canton
Emergency care and maternity
Prescribed medications
You can add optional complementary insurance (assicurazione complementare) for:
Dental coverage
Private hospital rooms
Alternative medicine
Treatment outside Ticino or abroad
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
Missing the 3-month registration deadline | Retroactive premiums + assigned insurer |
Choosing too high a deductible | Large out-of-pocket expenses |
Forgetting to insure children | Legal non-compliance and fines |
Assuming employer provides coverage | Not automatic — you must register yourself |
Not sending confirmation to UAM | File remains incomplete, may affect permit renewal |
Useful Tips when registering for the health insurance
Always keep your insurance card with you - Swiss clinics request it at every visit.
Notify your insurer immediately if you change address or employer.
You can switch insurer once per year (notice by 30 November).
If you are unemployed or between jobs, you must still maintain coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions about the health insurance
- Do I need to register before choosing a doctor?
Yes. You must have active insurance to register with a GP or clinic.
- Can I use foreign health insurance instead?
Only in very limited cases (short stays, students, or cross-border commuters) and with an official exemption from the canton.
- Can I change my insurer later?
Yes, once per year — send written notice before 30 November for termination on 31 December.
- What happens if I never register?
You’ll automatically be assigned to an insurer and billed retroactively from your arrival date.
- Can I get financial help to pay premiums?
Yes, through the premium subsidy program (sussidio) managed by UAM.
You can submit the request here: