Health Insurance in Switzerland for Expats
It comes as no surprise that expats love Switzerland. This beautiful European country boasts a thriving economy, numerous job opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life. It’s also the embodiment of good health.
Living in Switzerland means embracing recreation and the great outdoors, living the good life with cheese and chocolate, and enjoying an outstanding medical system. But the healthcare system in Switzerland is unlike any other. If you’re contemplating a move, this is what you should know about health insurance in 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
Overview of the Swiss Healthcare System
Switzerland has a universal healthcare system, which is considered one of the best in the world. The World Health Organization ranks the Swiss healthcare system 20th overall.
Although there are no free healthcare services in Switzerland, the government requires all individuals to have medical coverage.
The state itself does not run the public healthcare program. Individual public healthcare is provided through several government-approved, nonprofit insurance providers.
This system is highly regulated through the Swiss Federal Law on Health Insurance. It ensures that prices are fair and that all residents receive the same high-quality care.
While Switzerland has a reputation for being an expensive destination, it doesn’t spend a lot on healthcare. Only about 10.8% of GDP is directed towards healthcare costs. Some countries spend nearly double that amount and deliver far less care.
Pros and Cons of the Local Health System in Switzerland
Under the terms of the Health Insurance Act (also known as KVG or the Krankenversicherungsgesetz), all 60 government-appointed providers must offer identical basic health coverage.
This coverage includes illnesses, maternity care, accidents, and emergencies. Furthermore, home visits are covered by insurance in most cases.
And services like physiotherapy, nursing care, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and nutritional counseling are covered if your doctor recommends them.
The quality of this care is excellent. Patients can expect outstanding care, modern facilities, and world-class physicians.
Although public healthcare in Switzerland is excellent, it’s very common for locals to hold private supplemental insurance.
In fact, more than 80% of Swiss residents have private insurance coverage. Private plans enable patients to have a single room during their hospital stay, providing more private and comfortable care.
It also means patients have their choice of doctor. Furthermore, wait times are significantly shorter.
How to Choose Health Insurance for Switzerland
All Swiss residents are required to hold basic public health insurance coverage. Expatriates and international citizens are free to choose whatever insurance company they want.
There are more than 60 government-authorized providers to choose from, offering patients a wide range of options. There’s a big incentive to start your search early.
If you don’t make a choice and commence enrollment within three months of arrival, the government might choose for you. If this happens, you may end up with more expensive premiums than you want or miss out on key services.
While all providers must offer basic healthcare on a not-for-profit basis, they are free to sell private supplemental coverage at any rate they choose.
Expats often choose their provider not based on the basic insurance plan, as these are all virtually identical, but based on what is offered for private coverage.
How Expats Can Qualify For Swiss Healthcare
Expats from an EU or EEA country are eligible to receive healthcare at the exact costs and standards as Swiss nationals, provided these expats hold a European Health Insurance Card. The EHIC is free, but you must apply for one before you leave home.
For all other expatriates, if you live or work legally in Switzerland, you’re required to have health insurance, no matter where you are from.
While you have up to three months to apply from your date of arrival, the government strongly encourages everyone to apply as soon as possible to prevent possible delays.
To sign up, you have to visit the insurance company you’d like to register with, either online or in person, and fill out an application form to enroll. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you’ll have to pay a monthly premium.
Your public health provider will supply you with a medical card. You’ll receive it in the mail as soon as you’re approved, and you must bring the card with you to all medical appointments.
Patients have complete freedom to choose their public healthcare provider and the type of plan they want. However, most plans are relatively expensive when you take into account cost-sharing methods, such as deductibles (also known as the deductible) and co-pays.
Patients must pay the set deductible before their coverage takes effect. After that, the co-pay amounts to about 10% of the costs beyond the deductible. Thankfully, the annual co-pay costs are capped at a yearly maximum.
Best Health Insurance for Expats Living in Switzerland
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Health Insurance for US Citizens in Switzerland
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.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Most General Practitioners (GPs) work on an appointment basis, and walk-in clinics are rare. In most cases, you call your doctor directly to book the appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Most public insurance providers don’t require advanced knowledge of your booking.
If you require a specialist appointment, your GP can refer you, but it’s not necessary. Most specialists are happy to accept direct appointment bookings.
Since 2016, pharmacists have taken responsibility for some minor ailments. They can conduct a standardized triage and prescribe medication.
If you have a minor concern, such as a cold or a rash, visiting the pharmacist is often the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective route for care.
How To Find A Family Physician
In most cases, public healthcare holders are free to choose their own doctors. As with most destinations, asking friends, colleagues, and other expats in Switzerland for recommendations is a good place to start.
In certain circumstances, your insurance policy may limit your options. This is often the case with less expensive policies.
Essentially, costlier policies come with more choices. Some medical plans operate on an HMO plan model. As such, the patient is required to visit a designated healthcare center for primary care.
In exchange for these restrictions, many HMO models have steeply discounted monthly premiums.
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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