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    Switzerland

    International Health Insurance in Switzerland

    With its stunning scenery, booming economy, and high quality of life, it’s no wonder Switzerland is a popular choice for expats.

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    If you’re thinking of moving out here or exploring on an extended visit, understanding the healthcare system and having the right health insurance in Switzerland is essential to taking care of all your medical needs ahead of your Swiss adventure.

    How does Switzerland’s healthcare system work?

    Swiss healthcare is privatised and universally available. Having health insurance is compulsory for all residents and non-residents. There isn’t a publicly funded or free service healthcare in the country.

    Read our guide to life in Switzerland
    Cigna Leaf

    Pros and cons of using Switzerland’s public health system

    Pros

    • One of the biggest benefits of the Swiss healthcare system is the outstanding quality of care.
    • You’ll typically find that wait times for appointments are fairly short, thanks to the efficiency of the healthcare system.

    Cons

    • There’s no free healthcare, so health insurance in Switzerland is not only essential, but also compulsory for all residents.
    • Under the Health Insurance Act, every government-appointed healthcare provider in the country has to offer the same level of health coverage and many services are covered by insurance premiums. Having private health insurance in Switzerland can also give you the chance to choose your doctor and have private rooms in hospital.

    What’s the difference between public and private healthcare in Switzerland?
    Public Private

    Paid for via contributions to treatment or consultation costs.

    Legal requirement. All residents must have private healthcare to cover treatment costs.

    World-class standards of care but need private insurance to use facilities.

    National health insurance doesn’t cover all medical issues, so make sure you check what your package includes.

    Understanding the Swiss healthcare system

    How can international health insurance help you in Switzerland?

    Having international health insurance in Switzerland gives you peace of mind in knowing that your medical costs will be covered if you find yourself in need of care.

    You can pick supplementary health insurance policies to suit your needs, as not all basic policies will cover every service. Check your policy information for more details on what is and isn’t covered.

    Hear from the expats – life in Switzerland
    greenLeaf

    Choosing your international health insurance

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    Choose your plan

    Compare plans and find a flexible package to suit your needs.

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    Receive your quote and get protected today.

    Cigna Global Health Options Plans
    Silver

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    The core benefits on the Silver plan provide international inpatient and daypatient cover, including hospital stays and treatment.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    • Annual benefit limit: $1,000,000

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Newborn care cover
    Gold

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Comprehensive coverage, with higher overall annual limits and added benefits including inpatient maternity care.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    • Annual benefit limit: $2,000,000

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Inpatient Maternity
    Platinum

    Worldwide or worldwide excluding USA cover

    Overview

    Our highest level of coverage offers an unlimited overall annual limit, with most benefits being paid in full.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient
    • Evacuation and Crisis Assistance Plus™
    • Health and Wellbeing
    • Vision and Dental

    • Annual benefit limit: Paid in full

    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment

    • Private room

    • Full cancer care

    • Inpatient Maternity

    • Mental and Behavioural Health care paid in full

    Cigna Close Care℠ Plan
    Close Care
    Country of residence + Country of nationality
    Overview

    An essential health plan created for those who need coverage only in their country of residence, and their country of nationality.

    Available additional modules:

    • Outpatient and Wellness Care
    • Dental Care and Treatment
    Core hospitalisation cover overview:

    • Annual benefit limit: $500,000
    • Condition limit: $250,000
    • Inpatient and daypatient treatment
    • Semi-private room
    • Full cancer care
    Cigna Leaf

    Why choose Cigna for health insurance in Switzerland?
    • Access our global network of trusted doctors and medical practitioners, with availability in over 192 countries.
    • 24/7 multilingual services, with English, German, French, Italian and Romansh, ready for life in Switzerland.
    • Find a package that fits with a range of tools and add-ons.
    • Ensure you are within the legal guidelines of Swiss law by protecting yourself with international health insurance.

    Get a quote today
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    FAQs
    Is health insurance necessary in Switzerland?

    Yes. You must have some form of health insurance in Switzerland if you’re planning to move here permanently or on a working visa for three months or more. You can choose your own provider and level of cover, but you must have something in place to help cover the cost of your healthcare.

         What are expats not covered for in Switzerland without a health insurance plan?

    Without health insurance, you’re not covered for any medical care. The only exceptions to this are:

    • Pensioners drawing exclusively in an EU or EFTA state.
    • Cross-border workers with international insurance coverage.
    • Students who are temporary residents and have comparable insurance in their home nation.
    • People working for international organisations, embassies, or consulates.
         Do I need to pay for treatment upfront?

    We can usually arrange to pay your doctor, hospital or medical professional directly. In some cases, you may need to cover the cost upfront, or at least the minimum amount, and we’ll reimburse you.

         Am I covered for outpatient treatment in Switzerland?

    Our core packages cover most basic outpatient costs, like treatment rooms and surgeon fees.

    However, some uncommon forms of treatment or service may only be covered by our various add-ons and additional packages. Contact our Customer Care Team for more information.

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    *Please note, this is a representation of the benefits available and does not contain the terms, conditions, and exclusions specific to each benefit. The benefits may be subject to change. Some benefits may be part of an optional module. Please see the Customer Guide for full details.

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