Insurance for entry into Switzerland: who needs it, rules for obtaining it for different categories of visas, and where to purchase it?

Are you planning to visit Switzerland for tourism or to find a job there? Find out which categories of foreigners are required to have medical insurance and for whom it is necessary for a comfortable trip.

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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In this article, we will provide simple and clear information about medical insurance for those who are planning to travel to Switzerland. You will learn who needs it to obtain a residence permit or a long-term visa. We will also explain whether it is worth taking out insurance if you are travelling for a short period without a visa. In addition, we will separately consider the issue of medical care for refugees and tell you about the mandatory ‘Green Card’ for those travelling by car.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? Make sure you have reliable insurance.

Who needs insurance to enter Switzerland?

According to official sources and Swiss legislation, the medical insurance requirements for entry into the country depend on the person's citizenship and the purpose of their stay.

Who needs medical insurance to enter Switzerland?

Medical insurance is mandatory for the following categories of persons entering Switzerland:

Persons applying for a residence permit (permit category B, C, L, etc.)

According to the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration (Ausländer- und Integrationsgesetz, AIG), persons who intend to reside in Switzerland for more than three months (e.g. for long-term education, employment, etc.) are required to have medical insurance that meets the requirements of Swiss law. This usually means taking out insurance with one of the recognised Swiss insurance companies within three months of arrival. However, in order to obtain a residence permit, proof of health insurance may be required at the time of submitting the documents.

Reminder! In early March, the Swiss Federal Council announced new measures to significantly simplify the employment process for Ukrainians with S status.

Persons applying for a long-term national visa (type D)

To obtain a national visa allowing you to stay in Switzerland for more than 90 days, one of the mandatory documents is proof of medical insurance covering the costs of treatment and emergency medical care for the entire duration of the visa. This insurance must be valid in Switzerland and provide sufficient coverage.

For whom is medical insurance for entry into Switzerland desirable?

Medical insurance is strongly recommended for the following categories of persons entering Switzerland, even if it is not formally required for entry:

Tourists travelling without a visa or on a short-term Schengen visa (type C)

Although medical insurance is not a mandatory requirement for citizens of many countries for short stays, medical services in Switzerland are among the most expensive in the world. In the event of unexpected illness or injury, treatment costs can be substantial. Having travel medical insurance that covers emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation will provide financial protection and peace of mind while travelling.

Students on short-term exchange programmes or attending summer/language courses

Even if their stay does not require compulsory insurance for entry, educational institutions often recommend or even require medical insurance for the duration of their studies.

People visiting relatives or friends for a short period

Accidents or sudden illness can happen to anyone, and medical insurance will help you avoid significant financial expenses for treatment.

Switzerland has one of the highest standards of living in Europe and, accordingly, some of the highest prices. Find out what the cost of living in Switzerland is, taking into account transport, food and accommodation costs.

What medical care is available to refugees in Switzerland?

Refugees and persons who have been granted temporary protection in Switzerland receive medical care in accordance with the Federal Asylum Act (Asylgesetz, AsylG) and the relevant cantonal provisions.

During the initial phase of their stay in refugee accommodation centres, emergency medical care and treatment for acute illnesses are provided. The scope of medical services may be limited at this stage.

After submitting an application for asylum and while their case is being examined, persons in need of protection usually receive basic health insurance, the costs of which are covered by the cantons. However, the scope of services may be more limited than standard health insurance.

If they are granted refugee status or a residence permit, they are integrated into the Swiss compulsory health insurance system (Krankenversicherungspflicht) on the same terms as Swiss citizens and other residents. They are required to choose and pay for their own health insurance.

Please note! At the end of 2024, the Swiss Parliament announced the possibility of restricting S permits for Ukrainian refugees.

Which car insurance policy should you choose to enter Switzerland?

To enter Switzerland by car, you must have an international insurance certificate ‘Green Card’. This policy confirms that you have valid motor vehicle liability insurance that covers damage caused to third parties in the event of an accident in Switzerland.

When taking out a Green Card policy, you must ensure that:

– Switzerland (code CH) is listed among the countries where it is valid.

– the policy is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Switzerland.

General requirements for insurance policies for short-term and long-term trips

Insurance policy requirements under Swiss law

According to the Federal Law on Health Insurance (German: Krankenversicherungsgesetz, KVG or French: Loi fédérale sur l'assurance-maladie, LAMal), anyone living or working in Switzerland for more than three months is required to have compulsory basic health insurance. This policy must meet the following basic requirements:

1. Coverage of basic medical services: The policy must cover the costs of treatment in the event of illness, accident (unless insured separately) and maternity. This includes outpatient treatment, hospitalisation in a general ward, prescription drugs, emergency care, etc. The list of services is clearly defined by law and is the same for all insurance companies.

2. Validity in Switzerland: The policy must be valid throughout the Swiss Confederation.

3. No discrimination: Insurance companies are obliged to accept all applicants for basic insurance regardless of age, state of health or nationality.

4. Standard rates: Rates for basic insurance may vary depending on the canton of residence, age group (children, young people, adults) and the deductible chosen, but do not depend on individual health status.

5. Deductible and co-payment: The insured person bears part of the costs themselves in the form of an annual deductible (between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500 for adults) and a co-payment (10% of the amount exceeding the deductible, but no more than CHF 700 per year for adults).

6. Registration within three months: New residents of Switzerland are required to take out compulsory health insurance within three months of arrival or the birth of a child. Penalties may apply for late registration.

Compulsory insurance requirements for Schengen countries

1. The amount of coverage significantly exceeds 30,000 euros, with a guarantee that any costs for recovery and repatriation and the costs of treatment for COVID-19 will be covered.

2. The insurance covers a wide range of risks (doctor visits, hospitalisation, medication, etc.).

3. Coverage area – all Schengen countries.

Opportunities for employment for Ukrainian refugees in Switzerland can be found at the link.

What kind of insurance can I get in Switzerland?

Before travelling to Switzerland, we recommend that you take out insurance in your country of residence. Of course, you can do this upon arrival in the country, but in this case, there is a risk of encountering a number of unpleasant situations, such as:

– limited coverage (only Switzerland);

– high prices;

– misunderstanding of the nuances of Croatian legislation;

– possible misunderstandings in translation.

Taking out medical or travel insurance from Ukrainian insurers has a number of advantages:

1. Simplicity and online availability: Ukrainian insurance companies offer a wide range of insurance plans that can be conveniently taken out online.

2. Understanding the needs of Ukrainians: Domestic insurers are well aware of what Ukrainian tourists need and what medical risks may arise during travel, so their policies take these features into account.

3. Affordable price: Insurance from Ukrainian companies is usually cheaper than from foreign ones.

4. Support for the national economy: By purchasing a policy from a Ukrainian company, you contribute to the development of the insurance market and support the Ukrainian economy.

5. Convenient settlement of insurance claims: Ukrainian insurers have experience working with Ukrainian citizens, which can facilitate the process of obtaining compensation in the event of an insured event.

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What does insurance from Ukrainian insurers cover?

Medical and travel insurance policies can be purchased on the Visit Ukraine portal. Before doing so, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the risks they cover.

What are the benefits of a health insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A basic medical policy will cover the following risks:

- medical consultation and diagnosis

- treatment;

- emergency medical care, including hospitalisation;

- reimbursement for medicines prescribed by a doctor;

- transport costs for evacuation to the nearest medical facility;

- emergency dental care.

Extended health insurance can additionally cover expenses (vaccinations, emergency surgeries, repatriation of the body to the home country in case of death of the insured person, etc.) The policy also covers other travel-related risks:

- flight delay/cancellation

- loss of baggage;

- telephone communication costs;

- damage to personal transport in the event of an accident

Take care of your health and confidence on every trip – get medical insurance at Visit Ukraine!

What are the benefits of a travel insurance policy on Visit Ukraine?

A travel insurance policy provides coverage for the following risks

- medical expenses (inpatient or outpatient care);

- dental care in case of emergency;

- evacuation and transport;

- repatriation of the body or burial;

- Flight cancellation or delay;

- loss of baggage due to the fault of the carrier;

- legal advice;

- protection in case of an accident.

Take care of your peace of mind while travelling – get travel insurance from Visit Ukraine now!

How much does the insurance cost?

Medical insurance

Travel insurance

On the Visit Ukraine portal you can choose a policy for travelling to any country in the world!

Advantages of registering Visit Ukraine

1. Speed and convenience – the price is calculated instantly, and you can sign up in just a few clicks.

2. Optimal price and convenient payment methods.

3. Security – you can receive your policy immediately by email.

4. Ability to choose the optimal coverage for your needs and budget.

5. Support – the service is available around the clock.

Take out an insurance policy and travel to Switzerland safely!

Photo: ArmyInform