travel insurance for switzerland

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Travel Insurance for a Switzerland Vacation (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Tom Adams is a writer based in the U.K. who specializes in travel advice. Previously, he has written for sports brands, travel blogs and even an archaeological study.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Switzerland is home to beautiful landscapes, but no adventure is without risks. Although Switzerland is one of the safest countries in the world, accidents can happen at any time. Having proper travel insurance will allow you to settle into your trip without fearing you will lose money on an abbreviated trip.

In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about travel insurance for a Switzerland vacation and help you decide whether to protect your trip.

Compare Switzerland Travel Insurance Companies

Do i need travel insurance for switzerland.

Like many other countries in Europe, Switzerland is a member of the Schengen area . Travelers from the U.S. can visit Switzerland without travel insurance. But even though travel insurance is optional , having good insurance is still important.

Switzerland offers traveling experiences like hiking around Lake Geneva and skiing in the Alps. European visitors enjoy these activities, but they pose a higher level of risk than a vacation full of sightseeing. If adventure turns to misadventure, travelers may discover the higher expense of medical care in Switzerland. They would receive help from having travel insurance that includes emergency medical expenses.

Adverse weather can also be a concern for travelers. The Alpine region is subject to avalanches, landslides and heavy snow. These conditions can affect a trip by causing baggage delays or grounded flights, making cancellation and trip interruption coverage a recommended purchase.

The following sections will take you through more coverage to consider including in your travel insurance policy.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control, which sometimes causes travel plans to fall through. If you want assurances that you won’t lose money on a canceled or delayed Swiss vacation, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) is essential.

CFAR is optional insurance that you can add to travel policies, an added benefit allowing you to cancel your trip for reasons normally subject to exclusions. You can claim compensation for a canceled trip without worrying about whether the insurance company will confirm your claim.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear Theft Protection lets you file a reimbursement claim for lost or damaged baggage or valuables. The coverage protects you from having to replace your belongings with your own money.

However, this coverage has an upper limit, which may not cover the cost of multiple expensive items. If you’re taking a top-of-the-line camera on a hike to the Matterhorn, you might want to consider taking out a separate policy specifically for it.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Travel medical insurance will cover any expenses incurred from receiving medical care while traveling through Switzerland. Coverage includes any healthcare you receive, such as prescriptions, scans, emergency medical aid and treatment. Medical coverage is important if you plan to take part in high-risk activities because healthcare can be expensive. Your regular health insurance policy won’t cover your medical treatment outside the U.S., leaving you to pay the bills yourself. By getting travel health insurance, you protect yourself from unexpected medical costs.

Emergency medical evacuation is coverage specifically for medical repatriation. You could return home for treatment if you fall extremely ill or incur a serious injury. Insurance would cover the cost. This may not apply to pre-existing conditions . You should declare them when you buy your travel insurance. Many providers offer extra coverage that includes pre-existing conditions, giving you full coverage.

Rental Car Protection

Rental car protection is usually add-on protection for a travel insurance policy, and it extends your coverage to include a rental car. Having this optional coverage is a good idea if you plan a road trip to multiple destinations like Zurich and Zermatt. Insurance benefits extending to a rental car within your policy could be much cheaper than buying coverage through the rental car provider.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance gives a reimbursement of the fully insured trip cost should one of the following occur before your trip:

• Death of a traveler or family member
• Unforeseen injury and illness
• Military or legal responsibilities
• Extreme weather or natural disasters in your country of residence or destination

Check your policy to see what constitutes a valid cancellation. The policy may also have a certain time window to cancel your trip and receive reimbursement. The time is typically 48 hours before your set departure time.

How Much Does Switzerland Travel Insurance Cost?

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Switzerland. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Switzerland for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

T hese quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

The plans above range from basic to premium coverage. All the plans offer 100% of the insured trip cost in their cancellation coverage. Likewise, Trip Protection Elite, Travel Guard Preferred and Travel Guard Deluxe offer CFAR as an optional upgrade. More affordable plans , like Trip Protection Economy and Travel Guard Essential, offer less medical coverage and have a lower limit for baggage coverage . If your trip is likely to be activity-oriented, consider a plan with more medical coverage.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Switzerland?

Before you buy travel insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. If you’re unsure where to start, see what insurance your credit card company or bank might have. You can get more robust coverage from providers specializing in travel insurance at very affordable rates.

Many providers have a very accessible quote tool on their websites, giving you an expected insurance cost. You can customize these travel insurance plans to see you’re fully insured for your Swiss vacation.

Switzerland Safety Tips

Switzerland is one of the safest European countries , making it a wonderful place to travel. Even though the country is secure, you should remain cautious and not take unnecessary risks. In Switzerland, those come from excursions and winter sports, activities that can cause injury. The following tips will help keep you safe on your Swiss trip.

Crime and Safety

Switzerland ranked 11th on the Global Peace Index in 2022 . Travelers should experience minimal crime on their trip but should still be cautious. Tourists can be prime targets for fraud and petty thieves, so stay vigilant. Cities like Bern and Lucerne are safe, but never leave your belongings and valuables unattended.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

When booking any tours or activities, ensure the company you are booking with is accredited and certified. When taking day trips in Switzerland, the main concern should be the weather. Check the forecast daily to make sure conditions are safe and adhere to any local advice. Adverse weather is likely to occur, particularly in more mountainous areas, so factor this into your travel plans.

There are no pandemic restrictions in place for travel to Switzerland . You no longer need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Travelers should still follow basic coronavirus advice, such as hand washing and wearing a face covering if they are unwell. If you have concerns, make sure your medical coverage includes COVID-19 treatment.

The Bottom Line: Is Travel Insurance Worth It for a Switzerland Vacation?

When planning a Switzerland trip, we highly recommend buying travel insurance . Even though the country is safe and low risk, skiing or snowboarding could injure you. Having good medical coverage is a smart move for a winter sports vacation.

You should still get good insurance coverage if your trip keeps you within main cities like Liechtenstein. Having a safety net to claim back any lost belongings or costs from interruptions can help you settle into your trip and not worry about what might happen.

FAQ About Travel Insurance in Switzerland

What does travel insurance cover.

With good travel insurance, your insurer will compensate you for any non-refundable payments included in your trip, such as flights and accommodations. Your coverage extends to your personal belongings if they’re lost or damaged. Read more about how to claim compensation here .

Do I need travel insurance to visit Switzerland?

You don’t need travel insurance to get into Switzerland provided you’re visiting on a short-stay visa. Traveling uninsured is not without risk and could leave you vulnerable to medical fees and high costs should your trip be interrupted.

Is health care free in Switzerland for tourists?

Switzerland doesn’t have free health care. All healthcare in the country is private. If you need access to medical care, you should have good insurance coverage or risk paying out of pocket.

Do you need insurance to drive in Switzerland?

If you plan on driving in Switzerland, you must have insured car insurance — it’s

mandatory. Check if your insurance provider offers car insurance coverage in their plan.

Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Travel Insurance Companies

• A 30-year-old couple taking a $5,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A family of four taking an $8,000 vacation to Mexico.
• A 65-year-old couple taking a $7,000 vacation to the United Kingdom.
• A 30-year-old couple taking a $7,000 trip to the United Kingdom.
• A 19-year-old taking a $2,000 trip to France.
• A 27-year-old couple taking a $1,200 trip to Greece.
• A 51-year-old couple taking a $2,000 trip to Spain.
• Plan availability (10%): We look for insurers with a variety of travel insurance plans and the ability to customize a policy with coverage upgrades.
• Coverage details (29%): We review the baseline coverage each company offers in its cheapest comprehensive plan. A provider with robust coverage earns full points, including baggage delay and loss, COVID-19 coverage, emergency evacuation and medical coverage, trip delay and cancellation coverage, and more. Companies also receive points for offering a variety of policy add-ons like accidental death and dismemberment, extreme sports, valuable items, cancel for any reason coverage and more.
• Coverage times and amounts (34%): We compare each company’s waiting periods and maximum reimbursement amounts for baggage, travel and weather delays. Companies that offer customers reimbursement after fewer than 12 hours of delays earn full points in this category. We also reward travel insurance providers that cover more than 100% of trip costs in the event of cancellations or interruptions.
• Company service and reviews (17%): We look for indicators that a company is well-prepared to respond to customer needs. Companies with an established global resource network, 24/7 emergency hotline, mobile app, multiple ways to file a claim and concierge services score higher in this category. We assess reputation by evaluating consumer reviews, third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, specifically from AM Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

For more information, read our full travel insurance methodology.

A.M. Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

MarketWatch Guides may receive compensation from companies that appear on this page.
The compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear, but it does not influence the recommendations the editorial team provides. Not all companies, products, or offers were reviewed.

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Inspiration

• Preparing for your trip
• Schengen entry

Single trip travel insurance

For individuals, families, couples and groups. reliable protection for a trip., with a single trip travel insurance you're covered worldwide for a single trip and benefit from first-class travel insurance cover which includes cancellation insurance and a variety of useful services. whether you’ve decided on a beach holiday in greece, a weekend getaway to ticino or a honeymoon in thailand – our travel insurance always covers all your personal needs. a city break to new york could cost a fortune without any excessive shopping. the compulsory swiss health insurance scheme will not pay the difference in healthcare costs. private medical cover repays the missing amount. choose the travel insurance premium incl. health care costs abroad up to chf 1'000'000 tailored to your specific needs., our cover options for you:, secure single trip.

Insurance benefits and sums insured in CHF:

+ Trip cancellation  - max. 50’000.– + Trip interruption  - unlimited* + Trip delay  - 2’000.– + Emergency medical assistance  - unlimited*

* For certain benefits the sum insured is limited.

All in one document

Premium = 7% of arrangement price Minimum premium of CHF 20.–

+ trip cancellation + trip interruption + trip delay + emergency medical assistance.

+ Trip cancellation - max. 50’000.– + Trip interruption - unlimited* + Trip delay - 2’000.– + Emergency medical assistance - unlimited* +  Breakdown and accident assistance  - unlimited* + Mediacal costs abroad  - 1'000'000.– + Legal protection -      Europe 250’000.– / World 50’000.–  +  Excess insurance  - 10’000.– + Cash and bank protection  - 2’000.–

Premium = 8% of arrangement price Minimum premium of CHF 45.–

+ trip cancellation + trip interruption + trip delay + emergency medical assistance + breakdown and accident assistance + medical costs abroad + legal protection + excess insurance + cash and bank account protection, premium plus.

+ Trip cancellation - max. 50’000.– + Trip interruption - unlimited* + Trip delay - 2’000.– + Emergency medical assistance - unlimited* +  Breakdown and accident assistance  - unlimited* +  Medical costs abroad  - 1'000'000.– +  Legal protection  -      Europe 250’000.– / World 50’000.–  +  Excess insurance  - 10’000.– +  Cash and bank protection  - 2’000.– + Baggage delay  - 500.– +  Baggage - 4'000.–

Premium = 9% of arrangement price Minimum premium of CHF 67.–

+ trip cancellation + trip interruption + trip delay + emergency medical assistance + breakdown and accident assistance + medical costs abroad + legal protection + excess insurance + cash and bank account protection + baggage delay + baggage.

A single trip travel insurance protects you before and during your trip.

Included services and insurance information:, rely on the following services with our single trip travel insurance., °  finding hospitals abroad ° advisory service for problems during the trip ° notification service for relatives and employers ° advance payment to a hospital ° 24 hour medical advisory service ° credit and customer card blocking service, area of validity, valid worldwide for a journey lasting up to 120 days., also available to people resident abroad if the trip is booked in switzerland., classic und premium no excess. with premium plus, a deductible of chf 200.– in the event of baggage theft., medical costs abroad, costs for medically necessary treatment by a doctor / in hospital as well as costs of medically prescribed medicines and medical treatment up to chf 1'000'000.–. the insurance benefit includes dental care with a maximum benefit of chf 3'000.–., travel baggage, applies only for travel protection premium plus. the sum insured for travel baggage applies per year. in the event of theft, a deductible of chf 200.– shall apply per case., breakdown and accident assistance, the benefit applies in switzerland and europe., sums insured, the sums insured apply per case or per event. the assistance insurance benefit provides limited cover for certain services., general terms and conditions, the general terms and conditions of insurance (gtc) apply. the specifically insured risks and benefits as well as exclusions or limitations of our insurance policies are described in detail in the general terms and conditions of insurance (gtc)., travelling with an insurance certificate, increasingly, travellers worldwide are required to present an insurance certificate with details of the insured persons and the insurance benefits included when entering the country. when you take out allianz travel travel insurance, we send you this certificate together with the policy and the general terms and conditions of insurance (gtc). the "certificate of insurance" is always issued in english., would you like to know more, insure your baggage  with premium plus., your baggage, including for example your laptop and mobile phone, is covered against theft. if the delivery of your baggage is delayed, we’ll refund the costs of replacing essential items. , in the safest of hands when travelling overseas., enjoy the best time of the year when you go on your trip across north america, a city break to stockholm or spa weekend. our single trip travel insurance  premium plus  provides you with comprehensive cover for a single trip. thanks to our unusually high health care costs cover, you are always protected from unexpected and insured medical and hospital costs abroad. when you travel in your own car, you also benefit from unlimited breakdown assistance in switzerland and throughout europe. in addition the collision damage waiver for rental cars (cdw) protects you from the unexpected and insured costs you have to bear in the event of problems with a rental car. enjoy the best time of the year when you go on your trip across north america, a city break to stockholm or spa weekend. our single trip travel insurance premium (incl. private medical) provides you with comprehensive cover for a single trip. certain countries are known for their particularly high health care costs. these include the following popular travel destinations: australia, japan, canada, new zealand, usa. you benefit from our cancellation insurance and our unlimited assistance services which include organisation of the return journey or transfer to hospital in the event of an emergency situation while travelling in switzerland or abroad., junior note., if the policyholder has not yet reached the age of 18, the insurance must be taken out by an adult (e.g. parent). the minor must be declared as "insured person"., you might also be interested in.

Whether you decide on an action-packed city break, a relaxing beach holiday or an exotic tour, you can find the relevant information for each option. How you should prepare depends on the type of holiday you are planning. We provide you with everything you need to know about the relevant type of holiday.

Travel safty.

Among all the anticipation of your long-awaited summer break, the risk of incidents is not to be underestimated. Our ten tips will help you avoid holiday frustration and will tell you exactly what to look out for in the event of an incident.  

Preparing your trip.

To help you be properly prepared for your trip, we have put together a clearly laid-out checklist with the key points that you can download as a PDF and, if you wish, print out. You can also find important information and our advice for travelling safely abroad.  

Allianz Travel Switzerland

Einfache handhabung.

Allianz Travel Switzerland (formerly Allianz Global Assistance and ELVIA) is part of the Allianz Partners Group, the world's leading provider of travel cancellation insurance and travel protection and assistance services. With more than 21,900 employees on five continents and a network of over 900,000 specialists, Allianz Partners Group is available to its customers around the globe, 365 days a year, around the clock. Allianz Travel offers individual travelers insurance for couples or families, and assistance solutions that are tailor-made to your personal requirements. Annual travel insurances are comprehensive plans and offer immediate help in case of emergency, thanks to Allianz Travel's many years of experience. There can be problems as early as in the run-up to a trip. Here you can get help if you have taken out travel cancellation insurance and protection against heavy financial loss. 

Swiss 24-hour emergency call centre friendly and professional. telemedical consultations and medical assistance around the clock worldwide in the event of illness or accident.  trip cancellation insurance unbureaucratic and customer-oriented.  accident and breakdown assistance in switzerland and throughout europe. high sums insured including assumption of health care costs abroad up to chf 1 million .  travel baggage coverage including cover for cameras, laptops and sports equipment. travel insurance from allianz travel protects you against the consequences of unplanned events and ensures that you can enjoy your holiday carefree..

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Find the best Swiss travel insurance now

Coverage & insurance premiums

Personal or family travel insurance

Free & unbiased comparison

Swiss Travel Insurance Comparison 2024

The unbiased comparison of annual travel insurance offers on moneyland.ch is the most comprehensive in Switzerland. It lets you compare both coverages and costs. Compare travel insurance now

The data is updated regularly. Last updated: July 29, 2024.

Get answers and share experiences in the forum

Useful tips for choosing travel insurance

Find the bases used for travel insurance comparisons here

Three simple steps: How to use the travel insurance comparison

Select the type of travel insurance you need. You can specify whether you need trip interruption insurance, trip cancellation insurance or both. You can also specify whether you want to insure just yourself or your whole family.

Compare the costs (including discounts) and coverages of Swiss annual travel insurance offers using filter and sort criteria.

• Apply Online

In the third step, you can apply for the travel insurance of your choice directly online.

Leading credit cards

Swisscard Cashback Cards Amex

No annual fees

Two cards Amex & Visa/Mastercard

With cash back

Migros Cumulus Visa

With Cumulus points

Without foreign currency fees

Travel Insurance Questions and Answers

About the Travel Insurance Comparison

Which travel insurance is best for me.

The best travel insurance is the insurance which gives you the coverage you need at the lowest possible price. Which is best for you depends on your specific needs. You can easily find, filter, sort and compare Swiss annual travel insurance policies using the interactive travel insurance comparison based on costs and coverage.

Find the best travel insurance now

Why should I use the travel insurance comparison?

The interactive travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch is leading Swiss comparison of its kind.

The comparison calculates the full price of each travel insurance offer, including stamp duties and possible required membership fees. Possible discounts for young people, discounts for applying online and differing premiums for individuals, families or households are accounted for.

Special premium models for trip interruptions, trip cancellations, travel medical insurance, travel roadside assistance and travel legal insurance are clearly shown.

You can sort all travel insurance offers based on their coverages and costs. You can also filter results based on numerous criteria.

How much does Swiss annual travel insurance cost?

The costs of annual travel insurance vary between service providers and coverage models.

The annual premium for a travel insurance policy which includes both trip cancellation and assistance (trip interruption and other coverages) ranges between 65 and more than 200 francs for young adult).

Premiums for adults range between 65 and 300 francs per year.

The premium for a family policy ranges between 90 and 300 francs per year.

There are also differences in the coverages and services provided by different travel insurance offers. For this reason, it is important to compare the coverage as well as the costs. You can do this using the moneyland.ch travel insurance comparison.

You can find more information about the costs of travel insurance here.

Can young adults get discounts on travel insurance?

Yes. Many insurers offer discounts for young adults up to the age of 26 or 29. These discounts are accounted for in the travel insurance comparison.

A family policy covers your entire immediate family or household. If your parents have a family travel insurance policy, you are typically covered as a young adult for as long as you live with them.

Can families get discounted travel insurance?

Families and households can take out a single travel insurance policy which covers the entire family or household.

Although family travel insurance costs more than individual travel insurance, the per-capita cost is generally significantly lower.

The travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch lets you compare both individual and family travel insurance.

Do I pay tax on travel insurance premiums?

Yes. You pay a stamp duty equal to 5% of each annual insurance premium. Stamp duties are included in the costs shown in the comparison.

How can I save on travel insurance costs?

Just use the interactive travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch to find the cheapest travel insurance offer that includes the coverage you need.

It is also important to consider your actual needs. If your travel agenda is limited to touring a European city once a year, getting an annual travel insurance is not worth it. But if you travel more frequently, then having annual travel insurance can work out much cheaper than getting separate travel insurance for each trip.

If you do not carry expensive personal property with you when you travel, then getting extra luggage insurance is generally not worth it. But insuring your luggage can be a good financial move if you do carry expensive personal property when you travel.

It is also important to avoid double or overlapping insurance. For example, if you use a credit card to pay for travel, check whether your credit card includes travel insurance as a complimentary benefit.

You can find more information about overlapping insurance here.

When is it worth getting annual travel insurance?

You can get per-trip travel insurance which only covers a single trip. Per-trip travel insurance is often offered by online travel portals or airlines when you book a trip. But there are also annual travel insurance policies which cover you or your family throughout the whole year, regardless of how many trips you take.

Getting annual travel insurance policies generally only pays off if you travel at least several times per year. If you only take one major trip or a couple small trips each year, then insuring each trip separately generally works out cheaper.

The travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch only includes annual travel insurance offers.

Important: Some credit cards include travel insurance coverages as complimentary cardholder benefits. Before getting travel insurance, check into whether your credit card gives you travel insurance coverage, and if so whether is adequate for your travel needs.

How much coverage do travel insurance policies provide?

The sums insured by travel insurance differ broadly between insurance offers and individual coverages. The sums insured are clearly broken down and rated in the travel insurance comparison.

Trip cancellation insurance for individuals: The sum insured generally varies between 3000 francs and 120,000 francs. Offers for teens and young adults generally have lower sums insured.

Trip cancellation insurance for families: Family travel insurance offers generally have higher coverage than offers for individuals. Coverage typically varies between 7500 and 120,000 francs.

Search and rescue insurance (assistance): Coverages for search and rescue and emergency medical evacuation are – together with trip interruption insurance – collectively known as assistance insurance in Switzerland. These typically cover between 5000 and 30,000 francs of expenses.

Trip interruption insurance (assistance): This insurance covers losses resulting from trip interruptions, such as travel bookings which you are forced to forego due to flight delays. Coverage can be as high as 120,000 francs, although 15,000 or 20,000 francs is more typical. There are also travel insurance offers which do not include trip interruption insurance at all.

Tip: Before traveling, make sure that your travel insurance sufficiently covers possible losses.

Travel insurance: Trip Cancellation or Assistance?

In Switzerland, travel insurance falls under two main categories: Trip cancellation and assistance. You can get these separately or together. The travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch lets you compare premiums for trip cancellation and assistance insurance separately, or combined.

• Trip cancellation: Trip cancellation insurance covers financial losses resulting from the forced cancellation of travel bookings due to covered hazards before you travel. For example, if you book travel and then have an accident which prevents you from traveling, trip cancellation insurance will cover your losses within the policy limits. You can find detailed information in this guide to trip cancellation insurance.
• Assistance: The term assistance refers to insurance for losses incurred due to unexpected events during a trip. It typically includes trip interruption insurance which covers losses resulting from delayed or cancelled travel during your trip, such as missed connecting flights due to flight delays. Search and rescue insurance; emergency medical evacuation and/or repatriation insurance also falls under the assistance category. Other travel insurances which fall under this category include: luggage insurance; coverage for extra expenses caused by trip delays and/or luggage losses or delays; travel medical insurance; rental car collision damage waivers; roadside assistance insurance. You can learn more about travel assistance insurance here.

Trip cancellations: Which trip cancellation causes are covered?

Coverage for possible hazards which can cause trip cancellations vary between Swiss travel insurance providers.

Hazards which may be covered, depending on the insurance, include:

• Accidents, illness and death
• Pregnancy complications
• Damage to your home (burglary or fire, for example)
• Loss of employment
• Failure or delay of transportation (to the airport, for example)
• The emergence of risks at your destination
• Failure of an expected replacement at your workplace
• Complications related to pets (illness or death, for example)

Important: Not all travel insurance offers cover all of these hazards. You can use the filters in the moneyland.ch comparison to limit results to offers which cover the trip cancellation causes which could apply to you. moneyland.ch also rates travel insurance offers based on the scope of the coverage which they provide and the covered hazards.

You can find more information about trip cancellation insurance here.

Trip cancellations: What does trip cancellation insurance cover?

Which travel bookings are covered varies between Swiss travel insurances offers. Forced cancellations of flights and other common carrier bookings due to covered causes are generally covered. Prepaid hotel bookings are also generally covered. Event and attraction bookings are only covered by some travel insurance policies. Some trip cancellation insurance policies also cover the cost of new bookings to replace a cancelled trip.

You can easily find the trip cancellation insurance which provides the coverage you need using the filters in the moneyland.ch travel insurance comparison. moneyland.ch also rates the trip cancellation insurance of each travel insurance based on the scope of its coverage.

You can find out more in the guide to trip cancellation insurance.

Trip interruptions (assistance): Which trip interruption causes are covered?

Coverage for possible hazards that can result in trip interruptions varies between insurers and travel insurance offers.

Depending on the travel insurance, interruptions caused by one of these hazards may be covered:

• Accidents, illness or death
• Unexpected damage to your home (a fire damages your house back home, for example)
• Unexpected failures or delays of transportation
• Natural hazards (excluding volcanic eruptions and earthquakes)
• Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
• Wars and civil unrest
• Failure of an expected replacement at your workplace back home
• Theft of travel documents

Important: Not all travel insurance offers cover all of these trip interruption causes. You can use the filters in the moneyland.ch travel insurance comparison to quickly find the trip interruption insurance offers which include the coverage you need.

Moneyland.ch also rates each travel insurance offer based on the scope of trip interruption insurance provided. You can find more information about trip interruption insurance here.

Trip interruptions (assistance): What does trip interruption insurance cover?

The trip interruption insurance which comes with Swiss assistance travel insurance varies in terms of covered costs. Search and rescue, emergency medical repatriation, emergency medical transportation and travel booking cancellation costs are generally covered.

Some travel insurance offers also cover the cost of tickets (for events or attractions) and replacement trips (a new flight booking to replace a missed flight, for example).

You can use the filters in the travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch to limit results to travel insurance offers which include the coverage you need.

Moneyland.ch also rates travel insurance offers based on the scope of their trip interruption coverage.

Are unexpected hotel and living expenses cause by cancellation or delays covered?

Some assistance insurance policies include luggage delay coverage (costs of buying necessary items due to luggage delays) and/or travel delay coverage (costs of necessary dining and hotel stays due to trip delays).

The limits applicable to these coverages varies between travel insurance offers. Some insurance offers cover up to 700 francs for hotel and dining costs required due to a trip delay, while others cover up to 1000, 2000 or 5000 francs per person.

You can find information about the trip delay coverage on the detailed information pages corresponding to each product in the travel insurance comparison.

What other travel insurance coverages can I get?

Travel insurance offers may include additional coverages. You can use the filters in the moneyland.ch travel insurance comparison to find offers which include the coverages you need.

Note that you may pay markups on the standard insurance premium when you add these additional coverages:

• Luggage insurance (damage, loss or theft while being transported by a common carrier)
• Travel legal insurance
• Car insurance (primarily roadside assistance and rental car collision damage waivers)
• Emergency medical insurance

Travel insurer offers often include value-add services in addition to insurance. These may include:

• 24/7 support hotlines
• Translation services
• Reimbursement of travel-related purchases
• Home care (for emergencies at your home while you are away)
• Card account freezing services
• Phone SIM freezing services
• Emergency cash advances (these must be repaid)
• Medical consultation services (via phone or online)

You can find more information about coverages and services offered by travel insurance providers here.

Is my luggage insured?

Many basic travel insurance policies do not include luggage insurance against theft, damage or loss. But many insurance providers will add luggage insurance as a rider on your travel insurance policy at an extra cost.

If your luggage is relatively valuable, make sure to check what luggage insurance is included or can be added and which terms and conditions apply before you take out travel insurance.

Note: Some Swiss household insurance policies include luggage insurance or let you add it as an optional rider. If your household insurance includes

Is adding a travel legal insurance rider worth it?

Some travel insurance offers include travel legal insurance coverage. With others you have the option of adding travel legal insurance as an optional rider.

If you already have personal legal insurance, you generally do not need additional travel legal insurance.

If you need travel legal insurance, just select the travel legal protection option under additional insurance in the travel insurance comparison to limit results to offers which include legal insurance.

Is adding vehicle coverage worth it for drivers?

Some travel insurance offers include roadside assistance at no extra cost. Other give you the option of adding an optional roadside assistance rider.

But the car insurance you get with travel insurance is limited. With many offers car insurance only covers travel in Switzerland and most European countries. Car insurance coverages are typically limited to coverage for roadside assistance, towing, vehicle recovery and similar services.

You can find Swiss travel insurance offers which include this coverage by selecting the Vehicle (breakdown) insurance in the travel insurance comparison. If you select this option, results are offers which include this coverage at no extra premiums.

Some travel insurance policies include rental car collision damage waivers, or let you add this coverage as an optional rider.

Important: Car insurance from Swiss insurance providers typically includes coverage for roadside assistance, towing, vehicle recovery and similar services, when these are organized through the car insurance provider. If you travel using your own car, check whether you already have this coverage through your car insurance. Some car insurances also include underinsured driver insurance and/or rental car coverage. If you are already adequately insured by your car insurance, there is no need to get travel insurance with vehicle coverage.

Is getting travel medical insurance worth it?

A few Swiss travel insurance offers include travel medical insurance which covers the cost of treatment in the case of medical emergencies while traveling. Other travel insurance offers give you the option of adding travel medical insurance as an optional rider.

It is important to note that this insurance only covers costs in excess of those covered by your basic Swiss mandatory health insurance. The coverage you get from mandatory health insurance is sufficient for travel to many countries, but having additional travel medical insurance is recommended if you travel to the US or other countries with expensive healthcare.

Travel medical insurance is included in almost all Swiss supplemental health insurance offers, so if you have additional voluntary health insurance you most likely do not need additional travel medical insurance. If you do not have supplemental health insurance, then getting travel insurance with coverage for medical costs abroad is recommended for travel to some countries.

You can easily find all travel insurance offers which include travel medical insurance coverage by selecting the medical costs abroad option in the travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch. If you select this option, only travel insurance offers which include medical insurance at no extra cost are shown on the results page.

What notice periods apply to terminating travel insurance?

Notice periods vary between insurance providers. Most insurers require you to give 3 months’ notice ahead of the new insurance year, but some have shorter notice periods of 2 months or even 1 month. If you do not give notice on time, your insurance policy will automatically be extended for another year and you will be billed accordingly.

Important: Some insurance websites, agents and brokers will try to sell you travel insurance with long contract terms of several years. Because your situation may change or cheaper options may become available, getting long-term insurance contacts is not recommended.  

How do I change to a different travel insurance?

Migrating to a different annual travel insurance is easy.

First, check into whether there is a different travel insurance offer which better suits your current travel needs and budget. The unbiased travel insurance comparison on moneyland.ch makes it easy to compare offers based on coverage and costs. If there is a cheaper or more suitable offer available, consider getting the better match and giving notice on your old travel insurance.

Make sure to give notice in keeping with the required notice period. With many travel insurance offers, you have to give notice at least 3 months before the end of the insurance anniversary year.

Which travel insurance offers are included in the comparison?

Travel insurance offers from these insurance providers are included in the moneyland.ch travel insurance comparison: ACS ,  Allianz ,  AXA ,  Basler ,  CSS ,  Die Mobiliar ,  ERV ,  Generali ,  Globetrotter , HanseMerkur ,  Helvetia ,  smile.direct ,  TCS ,  VCS ,  Zurich .

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In this article

Switzerland Travel Insurance for Short-Term Visitors and Tourists

The last thing you want to think about during your trip to Switzerland is what could go wrong – but it is always best to be prepared. This is where travel insurance comes in.

Trying to choose a good travel insurance plan without knowing exactly what to look for can be frustrating. This article will break down Switzerland’s travel insurance for you.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Switzerland?

If you have to apply for a Schengen visa to enter Switzerland, then you need travel insurance as part of the visa application process. However, if you can travel to Switzerland visa-free, then travel insurance is optional. Still, regardless of visa requirements, it is highly advisable to purchase a travel insurance policy when travelling to Switzerland, considering its high costs for medical treatment.

If you intend to stay in Switzerland for longer than 90 days, you need private health insurance from a Swiss company or international health insurance company, but not travel insurance.

Travel Insurance Requirements for Swiss Visa

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone. As such, your travel insurance for Switzerland has to comply with Schengen Visa insurance requirements , meaning:

• It must cover medical treatment and evacuation for at least €30,000 (equivalent to 29,200 CHF as of October 2022).
• It must be valid through the entire Schengen Zone.
• It must be valid through the entire duration of your trip to Switzerland or the Schengen Zone.

Compare and Find the Best Travel Insurance Plans for a Swiss Schengen visa

Where can i buy travel insurance for switzerland.

You can buy travel insurance for Switzerland in one of these ways:

• Directly from a travel insurance company. These companies usually operate online, and you can choose a plan, pay, and get an insurance certificate within minutes.
• From your tour agency. If you are travelling to Switzerland via an organized tour, the tour agency may offer a “built-in” insurance plan. Normally, it should meet Schengen requirements but may not have adequate coverage, and they are usually overpriced. If you are tempted to accept the tour agency’s insurance plan, at least make sure to read it carefully.
• From insurance brokers. These are companies that work as a “middleman” between the travel insurance company and the client. You can find and compare plans from more than one company.

Remember: Regardless of which way you choose to buy your travel insurance, you must read the plans being offered well so you know whether they are a good fit for you. Any good company will offer you the option to read the details of the plan you are about to purchase. This means you get to see exactly what activities you have coverage for, how much, etc.

How to Prove I Have Travel Insurance When Applying for a Visa to Switerzland?

After you purchase travel insurance for Switzerland, you will receive an “Insurance Certificate”. If buying from one of these Schengen-approved insurance companies , you can simply download the Certificate, print it out and attach it to the documents you submit for the Switzerland visa application at the Swiss Embassy or Consulate.

What Does Switzerland Travel Insurance Cover?

Swiss travel insurance coverage includes:

• Medical emergencies. Travel insurance will cover any medical bills due to emergency medical treatment in Switzerland, such as a sudden illness or an accident. May cover dental emergencies as well.
• Evacuation and repatriation. If you get sick while in Switzerland and need to be transported abroad or to your home country for treatment, evacuation insurance will cover the resulting costs, such as air ambulance. It also covers repatriation of remains if the traveller passes away while in Switzerland.

Duration of Coverage

Your Swiss travel insurance plan is valid for the duration of your trip to Switzerland, starting from when you depart and ending when you return home. When you purchase a plan, you select the dates you will travel, and that’s how long the plan will be valid.

If you decide to extend your trip past the original dates, you should get another insurance plan to cover you during that time.

Amount of Coverage

If you apply for a Switzerland visa, you must have at least €30,000 worth of health insurance coverage, but you can choose to get more.

If you do not need a visa to visit Switzerland, you could get less, but it is not advisable, and you are unlikely to find a reputable company that sells plans with less than €30,000 in coverage.

Geographical Location

Swiss travel insurance covers healthcare costs throughout all of Switzerland and the Schengen Zone, regardless of where you visit.

So, if you are originally visiting Bern but then go to Zurich, you don’t need to get a specific Zurich travel insurance plan. You also do not need to get a separate plan if you leave Switzerland and travel to Germany or elsewhere in the Schengen Zone.

Additional Coverage

In addition to medical insurance and evacuation, some travel insurance companies will also offer coverage for some of the following situations:

• Trip cancellation or interruption. If (for reasons outside your control), your trip to Switzerland is cut short or cancelled, the travel insurance company will reimburse part of your prepaid expenses.
• Flight delay. If your flight to and from Switzerland is delayed, travel insurance covers your food and accommodation while you wait for the next flight. This is only for longer delays, usually those exceeding 3 or 6 hours, depending on the plan.
• Adventurous activities. It covers medical treatment due to injuries resulting from “adventurous” activities, such as skiing, etc.
• Personal liability. If you happen to cause bodily or property damage to someone else in Switzerland, travel insurance covers the resulting costs.
• Loss, theft, or damage to belongings. If your baggage or passport is damaged, lost or stolen during your trip to Switzerland, then the insurance company reimburses part of the cost of replacing it.

What Is the Best Switzerland Travel Insurance Plan?

Before you buy a travel insurance policy, make sure you learn the following factors:

• Does it comply with Schengen requirements? If applying for a Swiss visa, and the insurance plan is not specifically aimed at Schengen travel, the Swiss Embassy/Consulate may not accept it.
• Does it cover everything you need? For example, if you intend to travel to Switzerland for skiing, then you should see whether your insurance plan covers injuries related to skiing and winter sports.
• Is there a high deductible or copay? This is the amount of money you pay yourself before the insurance company covers the rest. A very high copay/deductible may not be worth much.
• Is the insurance company good? Read reviews, ratings and research customer satisfaction.
• Can you make a claim easily? If you need to use your travel insurance while in Switzerland, does the company explain how you can make a claim? Is the process streamlined for you? Can they do direct billing?
• How much does it cost? If the price is too low, then you will likely have too little coverage.
• Does the insurance company have an assistance phone line? If you are in Switzerland and you have sought medical attention, is there a phone line available in case you are not sure how to proceed?
• What documents does the insurance company need from you when making a claim. If they need receipts, doctor bills, etc. make sure you get them before leaving Switzerland.

Compare and Find the Best Travel Insurance Plans for a Switzerland

How much does travel insurance for switzerland cost.

Travel insurance only makes up a small portion of the overall costs of your trip, so it is well worth it considering you get peace of mind in return. For example, for a short one-week trip to Switzerland, you would pay between €20 to €50, depending on the plan you choose. The price of your travel insurance for Switzerland depends on:

• Your age. Older individuals, especially retirees, usually have to pay more for a plan, simply because the possibility of making a claim is higher than it is for a younger individual.
• How long you will stay in Switzerland. Travel insurance plans are usually priced per day, so the longer you stay, the more it will cost.
• The policy maximum. The policy maximum is the maximum amount of money the insurance company will pay for your medical costs while in Switzerland or Schengen. The higher the policy maximum, the higher the cost.

Travel Insurance for Seniors (Over 75) Travelling to Switzerland

If you are looking to buy travel insurance for seniors travelling to Switzerland, read our article “ Schengen Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens & Pensioners “.

What If I Have to Make a Travel Insurance Claim?

If you need to seek medical attention while in Switzerland, you have the following options when making a claim with the insurance company:

• Direct billing. This means that your hospital and your insurance company handle the payment of your bills directly. You do not need to pay anything upfront, or you only pay a small percentage.
• In this case, you pay the medical bills yourself, and then you make a “claim” with the insurance company to reimburse you.

Can I Use My EHIC/GHIC in Switzerland?

Yes, you can use your EHIC or GHIC card to get access to the Swiss healthcare system in the same manner as Swiss citizens. The EHIC is not a complete substitute for travel insurance, however. It does not offer coverage for treatment in private hospitals (which can be very expensive), nor does evacuation coverage (even more expensive).

With an EHIC, you are held to the same standard as Swiss citizens – so, if they pay for a medical procedure, you will too.

The good thing about an EHIC is that it will cover costs related to a pre-existing condition, which travel insurance does not.

Do I Need Separate Travel Insurance for Zurich and Other Cantons?

No, you do not. Zurich travel insurance is included on your regular Swiss insurance, seeing as it is part of Switzerland. Regardless of which canton or city in Switzerland you will travel to, you have to get a travel insurance plan which covers Switzerland and the entire Schengen Zone.

Healthcare Costs in Switzerland for Tourists

Medical treatment costs in Switzerland are higher than in neighbouring European countries. So, for tourists in Switzerland who do not have travel insurance nor an EHIC, medical costs can easily pile up. For minor medical treatment (such as an upset stomach), you will likely not need to pay a lot (between CHF30 to CHF100). However, anything more extensive (such as surgery) can become too much to pay out-of-pocket and it may end up costing more than your entire trip.

Emergency Contact Numbers in Switzerland

If you are in an emergency situation while in Switzerland, these are the numbers you should call:

• 117 – Police station
• 144 – Ambulance and emergency services
• 118 – Fire department
• 112 – The general emergency number used across the EU and EEA. The operators speak a number of languages and will redirect you to the relevant emergency service, depending on your situation and location.

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