Health insurance outside Switzerland – all-round protection for stays abroad
Whether you are planning a holiday, a business trip or an extended stay, SWICA has the ideal health cover abroad, with the supplementary insurance product that’s right for you. That means you will be properly protected in the event of a medical emergency or if you need treatment.
What benefits does basic insurance cover when outside Switzerland?
Basic insurance covers medical benefits abroad – but only to a limited extent and above all for emergencies that cannot wait until you return to Switzerland. Exactly what is covered depends greatly on where you are travelling to.
1. EU/EFTA countries such as Germany, France and Italy
- Under your basic insurance, you will receive the same medical treatment as locals in that country, where this is medically necessary during your stay (i.e. elective treatment is excluded).
- In an emergency, the costs (which are charged according to the tariffs of the country of stay) will be covered up to a maximum of twice the rate under Switzerland’s recognised tariff or the bilateral agreements with the EU/EFTA.
2. Other countries (e.g. USA, Thailand, Australia)
- Basic insurance will cover a maximum of twice the costs of the same treatment in Switzerland.
Important: Basic insurance does not cover repatriation to Switzerland, medical transport while abroad or any costs above the Swiss level.
Key information about basic insurance if you change your country of residence
1. Switzerland’s requirement for insurance ceases to apply if you leave the country
- When you move abroad, your insurance obligation under the KVG usually ends. This means that your Swiss basic insurance is no longer valid and will no longer provide benefits for treatment in Switzerland or abroad.
2. Special cases in which you are allowed to keep your Swiss basic insurance
- If you live in an EU/EFTA country and receive a Swiss pension (e.g. AHV/IV), Switzerland can continue to be responsible for your health insurance.
- If you work as a cross-border commuter (i.e. you live abroad and work in Switzerland), you are generally subject to mandatory insurance in Switzerland. Some countries have a right of opt-out.
- If you work for a Swiss employer and are officially posted abroad, you will remain insured under the Swiss system for two years (minimum duration). This can then be extended for a further period of up to six years.
Get properly insured for your travels – your benefits with SWICA depend on the supplementary insurance you choose
Comprehensive worldwide cover in the event of illness or an accident
Cost coverage for outpatient and inpatient treatment abroad
Coverage of the costs of rescue, transport and repatriation to Switzerland
Free choice of hospital and doctor treatment, including abroad
Access to high-quality medical care and private wards
Cover includes planned hospital stays abroad
Greater comfort and preferential treatment worldwide
The only provider in Switzerland that offsets your costs
Have you already paid a excess or deductible under your basic insurance? We will automatically deduct this amount from the cost of your supplementary insurance. As soon as your payments reach the amount of your chosen co-payment, your protection will kick in immediately – meaning you don’t end up paying twice.
Compare the benefits
Get the protection that is exactly right for you. Our supplementary insurance makes a great addition to your basic insurance not only when travelling, abroad or in everyday life, but also when it comes to things like alternative treatments.
Protection for your health – flexibly expandable, at home and abroad
The co-payment increases depending your chosen supplementary insurance combination.
Frequently asked questions about protection abroad or when travelling
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about your insurance cover and the services available when abroad or while travelling. The emphasis is on what really matters for your health, wellbeing and safety.
