Health Insurance for Expats From Switzerland
Living the expat life agrees with Swiss citizens. More than 775,000 people, representing more than 10% of Switzerland’s population, live abroad. They are motivated by economic opportunities, family and cultural connections, and the chance to travel and expand their horizons. A majority of these individuals, approximately 70%, hold dual citizenship, primarily with another European Economic Area country. Most live in nearby France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Additionally, there are strong Swiss communities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, South Africa, and Kenya. And no matter where they live, healthcare is important for expats from Switzerland.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Best Health Insurance for Swiss Citizens Living Abroad
We compiled a list of the best health insurance for expats from Switzerland. Each plan has excellent reviews and will cover you when you are away from home, as well as when you visit your home country.
Flexible Health Insurance for Expats from Switzerland
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Health Insurance for Swiss Expats in the US
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Worldwide Coverage Option for Swiss Citizens
IMG Global Prima Medical Insurance
- Five flexible plan levels with optional add-ons
- Choose your coverage area based on where you live or travel
- Freedom to select your healthcare provider anywhere in the world
Does Swiss Health Insurance Work in Other Countries?
The official advice of the Swiss government’s Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is that expats from Switzerland are responsible for “contact(ing) the social security providers in your country of residence in order to obtain health and accident insurance cover and thus have access to medical care in the event of ill-health, maternity or an accident.” In short, Swiss health insurance doesn’t work in other countries.
However, a small number of Swiss insurance providers do offer benefits to Swiss citizens living abroad. Alas, most do not. If you’re considering expat life, consider exploring your Swiss insurance options to determine which providers offer the most flexibility.
What to Expect From International Care as a Swiss Expat
Swiss citizens enjoy one of the highest standards of healthcare in the world. The World Health Organization ranks it 20th overall globally.
The country is ranked first on the 2018 European Health Consumer Index. Switzerland scores particularly well in terms of accessibility and staffing.
Swiss expats can expect similarly high standards if they’re moving to France, Germany, Italy, and Austria. Nearly half of all Swiss expats live in one of these four countries.
Each of these countries has a healthcare system that receives superb rankings. Swiss expats can be assured of the standard of care they’re receiving.
However, there are still small cultural and administrative differences that they’re likely to notice during the first few medical appointments.
This easy transition isn’t the case for all Swiss expats. Those who are moving outside their immediate region in Western Europe can expect significant differences in style and standards of care.
Rural vs Urban Healthcare in Other Countries
While Switzerland has its share of challenging terrain that can make rural healthcare delivery difficult, it’s nothing compared to some of the urban-rural gaps that exist in other countries.
Expats from Switzerland settling in rural areas of Australia, Canada, or the United States, for instance, might be surprised to learn that in-person visits with a specialist often require a long drive to the city.
In some cases, that drive could be a few hours. In others, it could be more than a day. Many public healthcare systems struggle to provide robust and convenient services to those living in rural and remote areas.
Often, patients need to choose between the convenience of seeing a specialist quickly, but having to make a long drive, or waiting to be seen when a specialist makes a periodic visit to a nearby center.
Differences in Public and Private Care in Other Countries
Expats from Switzerland will also need to adjust to a different healthcare model. The Swiss model of universal coverage based on insurance (which is private but also not-for-profit) is unique.
Most countries with universal healthcare fund it through public funding, either directly or indirectly, via taxes and other contributions.
Very often, there is no choice of the public insurance provider as the state is the provider. In those cases, patients typically chose an individual insurance company when selecting supplemental private coverage.
The most sizeable adjustment comes when Swiss citizens move to economically underdeveloped countries. When you live in a country with some of the highest healthcare standards in the world, it’s shocking to see how many countries struggle to provide basic care for their population.
Private insurance helps to offset some of the challenges of public healthcare models. It also allows patients the freedom to choose the provider and package they like best, which is something expats from Switzerland will be familiar with.
Additionally, using an international private medical insurance plan means patients experience shorter wait times and more comfortable, modern facilities.
Paying For Healthcare Overseas
Patients in Switzerland are accustomed to paying a portion of the cost of their medical treatment. Each patient has an annual deductible that they’re responsible for, which ranges between 300 and 2500 Swiss Francs.
Patients are responsible for paying their deductible before their insurance coverage takes effect. Additionally, Swiss patients typically pay a 10% copayment at their medical appointments.
Overall, this is a unique system. Some other countries have the deductible method of payment. Many others have a copayment system.
However, very few countries have both systems, as Switzerland does. In many countries, a small copay is the norm. In others, there are no upfront costs at all, as everything is billed directly to the customer. However, in some cases, patients must pay upfront for all medical costs and then submit their receipts for reimbursement.
This can be a very stressful situation when you’re sick and scared. It’s even more frustrating if you’re in a country that operates primarily on a cash-based economy, with hospitals that don’t accept credit cards. To avoid being caught in a difficult situation when you’re feeling miserable, research your new home’s payment model before you move.
Regardless of what system your new country utilizes, you will want to have insurance coverage. The cost of healthcare in other countries can be very high, even by Swiss standards. For instance, even minor healthcare procedures in the United States cost thousands of dollars for the uninsured.
Those requiring more significant care can see their bill rise above $10,000 or even $100,000 in a very short amount of time.
Returning Home
Swiss citizens living abroad have significant support available to them. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) offers numerous online resources for Swiss citizens abroad, including retirees, au pairs, and individuals learning a new language.
Additionally, the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) represents the interests of expatriates in Switzerland. It is supported by over 750 different organizations and institutions worldwide.
While neither the FDFA nor OSA is specifically designed to assist Swiss expats with healthcare either abroad or upon their return home, they are excellent sources of information and support.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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