Health insurance outside Switzerland: your cover for travelling, moving or staying abroad
Whether you’re commuting, emigrating or planning a longer stay – get informed on what costs abroad are paid for by basic insurance and how supplementary insurance expands your cover.
Moving abroad – what’s next? What you need to know about health insurance for Swiss nationals abroad
When Giulia opens her email inbox, she sees it: confirmation of her new job abroad. She’s been dreaming of it for a long time, but now it’s really happening. She feels a mix of joy, excitement and uncertainty – and now, more than ever, she would like some guidance.
The first time she speaks about it with the HR department, she learns more about the next steps: registering, deregistering, getting a visa, relocating – there’s a lot to prepare and think through. But she still has one question. How exactly does health insurance work abroad?
What you need to know
1. Switzerland’s requirement for insurance no longer applies when you move away
- Once you move abroad, your insurance obligation under the KVG usually ends. What this means is that your basic insurance is no longer valid. You will no longer receive benefits for treatments in Switzerland and abroad.
2. Special cases in which you may keep your Swiss basic insurance
- If you live in an EU/EFTA country and receive a Swiss pension (e.g. AHV/IV). Then Switzerland can continue to be responsible for your health insurance.
- If you work as a cross-border commuter (you have a residence abroad and work in Switzerland). In that case, you are generally subject to mandatory insurance in Switzerland. There are still countries with the right to opt out.
- If you work for a Swiss employer abroad (job posting): In the case of an official posting, you will remain insured under the Swiss system for two years (minimum duration), subsequently renewable for up to six years.
Stays abroad: What do I need to consider when it comes to health insurance?
With Lia, everything’s going according to plan: After successfully completing her training as a polygraphist, she already has a job prospect. Before starting work, she wants to improve her English skills and is planning a stay in England for several months.
While she is preparing for it, Lia wonders how she will get the best cover abroad, i.e. how much her Swiss health insurance will pay for. When she speaks to SWICA, she finds out about the Completa Top and Completa Forte supplementary insurance plans. They will ensure that she is well protected in an emergency.
Completa Top supplementary insurance: Your advantages during a stay abroad
Unlimited cover for the costs of outpatient and inpatient treatment abroad (subject to the conditions of insurance); however, a co-payment under basic insurance may be required (excess and deductible).
Inpatient treatment in the private hospital category during the first three months abroad
Return transport (repatriation) to Switzerland covered if medically necessary
Cover for search and rescue costs as well as emergency transport up to 50 000 francs
Vaccination and travel advice for children and adults
Are you unsure about which vaccinations are needed for your upcoming trip? The staff at the santé24 online practice are there for you: You will receive vaccination and travel advice for adults and vaccination advice for children during weekly consultation hours.
Emergencies abroad: when urgent assistance matters
Full of anticipation, Lea and her friend Naomi embark on their long-awaited holiday in Croatia. It’s all systems go. Sun, sea and a sailing trip are on the agenda. But on the very first day, misfortune strikes: While taking photographs, Lea slips and injures her knee. The pain is severe, und the situation feels uncertain.
But Lea remains calm, because she knows that with Completa Top or also with Completa Forte supplementary insurance, she has comprehensive cover even when she’s abroad. Fortunately, she took out accident risk cover. Thanks to santé24’s worldwide emergency number, she immediately receives telemedicine advice – from someone knowledgeable, and in her own language. The specialist clarifies the situation, organises further medical care locally, and initiates safe return transport back to Switzerland. This allows Lea to focus on her recovery and to know that she is not alone, even when she’s far from home.
First aid kit: safe and relaxed travel
With a well-stocked first aid kit, you’ll be well prepared for minor injuries or sudden discomfort, no matter where you’re headed. You can act quickly in an emergency and ensure your own wellbeing. Check out our SWICA health tip and find out which medicines and medical aids are essential in a first aid kit. Read our health tip
Well insured on a business trip – reliable medical treatment abroad
Before his business trip abroad, Jonas wants to make sure that he has the best cover in the event of illness or emergency. He contacts SWICA Customer Services and describes his situation. During the conversation, he learns what benefits his insurance covers abroad – both for hospital stays and outpatient treatments. The advice he receives gives him a sense of security. Jonas now knows that, thanks to his supplementary insurance, he can count on reliable medical care even when he’s abroad.
SWICA’s benefits at a glance
Guest insurance: peace of mind for your visitors from abroad
Are you hosting visitors and would like to offer your guests from abroad the best possible cover? With guest insurance, you ensure that your visitors – whether for short stays or longer visits – have comprehensive cover in Switzerland. Find out how you can work with us to ensure peace of mind when it comes to medical matters and carefree stays.
