Country Guides

Expat Medical Insurance in Switzerland

If you already have a confirmed job offer in Switzerland and are planning to move to the country soon, your first priority may be accommodation, but you should also take time to consider taking out expat medical insurance in Switzerland. Goodhealth, on behalf of American Express, can arrange full insurance cover suited to your individual needs.

Vaccinations

There are no vaccinations necessary before travelling to Switzerland. Although the risk is very small, if you are going to be living in a rural region, or are going to be hiking or camping in heavily forested areas, you might consider vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. All travellers should ensure that their tetanus/diphtheria shots are up to date.

*You should consult your doctor before travelling for current requirements. All travellers should also ensure that their tetanus and polio shots are up to date.

Health Care

Switzerland's health care system is private, but it is regulated by the government and administered through the Federal Office of Public Health and is of a very high standard. However, it is expensive, and expat medical insurance in Switzerland is essential.

There is an agreement between Switzerland and the European Union to provide basic medical cover for visitors from the EU. Citizens of EU countries should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travelling. This replaces the old Form E111, and entitles EU visitors to the same emergency medical treatment offered to Swiss nationals at reduced cost. Your immediate family members will also be covered under this scheme, regardless of their nationality.

You will have to pay the full cost of any treatment up-front, claim a refund, and pay 50% of the bill for any medically necessary ambulance or air ambulance transport. It's important to remember, though, that the EHIC is not a substitute for full travel or medical insurance and will not cover you for non-urgent treatment, ongoing medical conditions or repatriation to your home country should you fall ill, and you should always take out expat medical insurance in Switzerland.

Political Concerns

Switzerland is a peaceful democratic country and there are no serious political concerns for foreign visitors.

Other Risks

Switzerland is renowned as a very safe, law-abiding country and there are happily few foreseeable risks that the visitor might experience. However, if you take part in popular Swiss winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, sledging and tobogganing, there are obviously some physical risks attached, and making sure that you are covered by expat medical insurance in Switzerland will give you peace of mind when you take to the slopes.

Alpine mountaineering is another popular activity in Switzerland and again, there are inherent risks involved, especially for novice climbers. There is a moderate danger from avalanches in Alpine regions throughout the year.

Switzerland is the second most densely forested country in Europe, and tick-borne encephalitis is endemic, especially in the summer months. To minimise the risk of infection, remember to cover up your arms and legs when hiking through thick undergrowth, and use a DEET-based insect repellent.