Health insurance abroad: what is covered on holiday

In Europe: medically necessary care is covered — with the EHIC as proof

In EU and EFTA countries and in the United Kingdom, basic insurance (OKP) covers the treatment that becomes medically necessary during your stay, depending on the type of benefit and the expected length of stay — billed at the rates of the local social insurance system, not at Swiss rates. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) serves as proof: it is on the back of your Swiss health insurance card. So take the card with you on every trip.

Outside Europe: at most twice the Swiss tariff

Outside Europe, basic insurance pays at most twice the tariff that would apply to the same treatment in Switzerland. In countries with high healthcare costs — especially the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia — that is often not enough.

For trips to such countries, supplementary insurance with cover abroad or travel insurance is therefore advisable. Many outpatient supplementary insurance plans already include this protection — it is worth checking your existing policy before taking out anything separately.

Rescue, transport and repatriation

Basic insurance is generally limited when it comes to rescue and transport costs: it covers 50% of rescue costs in Switzerland up to a maximum of CHF 5'000 per year, and 50% of transport costs up to CHF 500. Helicopter rescues and repatriation from abroad, on the other hand, can be very expensive.

This is exactly where many outpatient supplementary insurance plans come in: they often cover rescue and repatriation from abroad without limit. A Rega patronage is a possible addition, but no substitute for insurance — Rega waives charging the costs as far as it is able to.

Taking out cover abroad: the rules of the VVG

Cover abroad is one of the typical benefits of outpatient supplementary insurance (under the VVG) — often in the same package as contributions towards glasses or gym memberships. Exactly what is covered is governed by the AVB of the product concerned; easy, our AI guide, can look up such details directly in the insurance conditions.

Supplementary insurance is voluntary and subject to private law: the insurer may ask health questions, impose reservations or reject applications. So plan new cover well ahead of your trip — after the health check, the decision takes anything from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the insurer. Answer the health questions truthfully: false information can put the contract at risk.

Doctor's bill from abroad: how to claim

Keep all original receipts after treatment. Submit doctor's bills to your insurer via the app (photo), customer portal or by post; reimbursement is usually made within two to four weeks — minus cost sharing.

Cost sharing consists of the deductible (adults CHF 300 to 2'500, children CHF 0 to 600) and then a 10% co-payment, at most CHF 700 per year for adults or CHF 350 for children.

Longer trips — and the checklist before you leave

In principle, basic insurance cannot be paused; the exception is military or civilian service of more than 60 consecutive days. For supplementary insurance, some insurers offer a suspension for longer stays abroad — ask your insurer directly; the AVB are decisive.

If you are reviewing your supplementary insurance before your trip anyway, you can compare it in the easyall calculator based on its benefits.

• Pack your health insurance card: with the EHIC on the back, basic insurance covers the treatment that becomes medically necessary during your trip in EU/EFTA countries and in the United Kingdom.
• Consider your destination: outside Europe, basic insurance pays at most twice the Swiss tariff — for the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia, check additional cover.
• Check your existing policy: does your outpatient supplement already include cover abroad, including rescue and repatriation?
• Plan new cover ahead: after the health check, the insurer's decision takes anything from a few days to a few weeks.
• If you need treatment: keep the original receipts and submit them to your insurer.