They refused to accept this argument and told me that Swiss laws requires they backdate my insurance to the date of entry stated on my permit. I repeatedly told her I was here on a tourist visa, that I had no permit at the time, and hence could not purchase insurance during those months and was not required to do so. She did not care. At that point I told her about my insurance back in the US. This surprised her... she responded by saying that if I was able to provide proof of coverage they would drop the charges from these months (500 CHF or so altogether) -- I have my insurance card here, which I will photocopy, and will get the information required from the US. I will post what ends up happening in a month or two.