Travel Insurance in Switzerland 2025: Complete Guide

Travel insurance provides crucial protection when things go wrong on vacation - from medical emergencies to trip cancellations. For Swiss travelers, understanding what's already covered by your health insurance and what additional protection you need can save both money and stress. This guide explains all travel insurance options available in Switzerland.

Data: December 2024

What Travel Insurance Covers

Medical Coverage Abroad

Emergency Medical Treatment:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Emergency procedures
• Ambulance services
• Prescription medications

Medical Evacuation:

• Emergency transport to suitable hospital
• Repatriation to Switzerland if medically necessary
• Cost: Can exceed CHF 50,000-100,000 without insurance

Important for Swiss Travelers:

• Swiss basic health insurance (Grundversicherung) covers emergencies in EU/EFTA
• NO coverage outside Europe (USA, Asia, Africa, etc.)
• Even in Europe: Only emergency treatment, not all costs

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Trip Cancellation (Before Departure):

• Reimburses prepaid, non-refundable costs if you cancel for covered reason
• Common reasons: Illness, injury, death of family member, job loss

Trip Interruption (During Trip):

• Reimburses unused portions if trip ends early
• Return flights if needed
• Additional accommodation costs

Baggage and Personal Belongings

Lost or Stolen Luggage:

• Reimbursement for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings
• Temporary replacement items if delayed
• Typical limits: CHF 1,000-3,000

Travel Delays:

• Accommodation if flight cancelled/delayed significantly
• Meals during extended delays
• Alternative transportation

Personal Liability

Coverage if you:

• Accidentally damage property
• Cause injury to others
• Face legal costs abroad

Typical coverage: CHF 500,000-2,000,000

Additional Optional Coverage

Adventure Sports:

• Skiing, diving, mountain climbing
• Often excluded from basic policies
• Requires add-on coverage

Rental Car Coverage:

• Collision damage waiver
• Theft protection
• Liability coverage

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR):

• Most flexible cancellation option
• Typically covers 50-75% of costs
• should generally purchase within 14-21 days of booking
• Usually 40-60% more expensive

Types of Travel Insurance

1. Single-Trip Insurance

Coverage:

• One specific trip
• Duration: Up to 365 days (varies by insurer)
• Purchase per trip

When to Choose:

• Travel infrequently (1-2 trips/year)
• Extended trip (multiple months)
• Expensive trip with high cancellation costs

Typical Costs:

Destination	Duration	Coverage Level	Cost
Europe	7 days	Basic	CHF 25-40
Europe	7 days	Comprehensive	CHF 50-80
Worldwide	7 days	Basic	CHF 60-90
Worldwide	7 days	Comprehensive	CHF 120-180
Europe	14 days	Comprehensive	CHF 80-120
Worldwide	14 days	Comprehensive	CHF 180-280

2. Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

Coverage:

• Unlimited trips within one year
• Each trip typically limited to 30-90 days
• Purchase once, valid for year

When to Choose:

• Travel 3+ times per year
• Mix of business and leisure travel
• Regular short trips

Typical Annual Costs:

Coverage Area	Individual	Family (2 adults + kids)
Europe only	CHF 150-250	CHF 250-400
Worldwide (excl. USA/Canada)	CHF 250-400	CHF 400-650
Worldwide (incl. USA/Canada)	CHF 350-550	CHF 550-850

Break-Even Analysis:

• Europe single-trip: CHF 50-80 per week
• Annual policy: CHF 150-250
• Break-even: 2-3 trips per year

3. Credit Card Travel Insurance

Included with Premium Cards:

Card	Coverage	Requirements
Visa Infinite	Comprehensive worldwide	Pay trip with card
Mastercard Platinum	Comprehensive worldwide	Pay trip with card
American Express Platinum	Extensive worldwide	Pay trip with card
Swisscard Cashback	Basic Europe	Pay trip with card

Typical Coverage:

• Medical: CHF 100,000-500,000
• Cancellation: Up to CHF 10,000-20,000
• Baggage: CHF 1,000-3,000
• should generally pay entire trip with card

Pros:

• Free (included with card)
• Automatic coverage
• Often comprehensive

Cons:

• should generally pay trip with that specific card
• Family coverage varies
• May have gaps vs. standalone policy
• Read terms carefully

4. Package Tour Insurance

Included by Tour Operator:

• Basic coverage often included
• Usually minimal (CHF 500-1,000)
• Can purchase upgrades

Sold by Tour Operator:

• More comprehensive coverage available
• Often more expensive than standalone
• Convenience of one-stop booking

Recommendation: Compare with standalone policies - often cheaper and better coverage elsewhere

Leading Travel Insurance Providers in Switzerland

Comparison of Major Insurers (Annual Multi-Trip)

Provider	Europe Only	Worldwide	Medical Coverage	Cancellation
Allianz	CHF 199	CHF 399	CHF 500,000	CHF 10,000
AXA	CHF 179	CHF 369	CHF 500,000	CHF 15,000
Zurich	CHF 189	CHF 389	CHF 1,000,000	CHF 10,000
Helsana	CHF 195	CHF 395	CHF 500,000	CHF 10,000
CSS	CHF 185	CHF 375	CHF 500,000	CHF 12,000
Generali	CHF 175	CHF 355	CHF 500,000	CHF 10,000
ERV	CHF 165	CHF 345	CHF 500,000	CHF 10,000

Specialized Travel Insurers

World Nomads:

• Popular with backpackers
• Covers adventure activities
• Can buy/extend while traveling
• CHF 400-800/year depending on coverage

SafetyWing:

• Digital nomad focused
• Monthly subscription ($45-65/month)
• Can purchase while abroad
• Minimal coverage in home country

TCS (Touring Club Switzerland):

• Bundled with roadside assistance
• Good for road trips
• Annual: CHF 250-400
• Strong European coverage

What's Already Covered: Swiss Health Insurance

Coverage Within EU/EFTA

Your Swiss Basic Health Insurance Covers:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Emergency hospital stays
• Medically necessary care

Important Limitations:

• Only up to what would be paid in Switzerland
• May need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement
• Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Get from your health insurer (free)

Example:

• Emergency appendectomy in France: CHF 5,000
• Swiss insurance covers: CHF 5,000 (emergency = covered)
• You pay deductible: CHF 300-2,500 (your Swiss franchise)

NO Coverage Outside Europe

If traveling to USA, Asia, Africa, etc.:

• Swiss basic insurance doesn't cover anything
• Even emergencies
• Medical costs can be astronomical
• Travel insurance essential

Example USA Medical Costs:

• Emergency room visit: $1,500-5,000 (CHF 1,300-4,300)
• Broken bone treatment: $7,500+ (CHF 6,500+)
• Hospital stay: $10,000-20,000/day (CHF 8,600-17,200)
• Medical evacuation: $50,000+ (CHF 43,000+)

Supplemental Insurance (Zusatzversicherung)

Some Swiss supplemental policies include:

• Extended worldwide coverage
• Higher coverage limits
• Coverage for non-emergencies

Check Your Policy:

• Read what's included
• Understand limits
• May still need travel insurance for gaps

How Much Travel Insurance Do You Really Need?

Medical Coverage Amounts

Europe Travel:

• Minimum: CHF 100,000
• Recommended: CHF 500,000
• Your Swiss health insurance covers basics

Worldwide (esp. USA/Canada):

• Minimum: CHF 500,000
• Recommended: CHF 1,000,000-2,000,000
• Medical costs can be extreme

Medical Evacuation:

• Ensure at least CHF 100,000
• Repatriation to Switzerland can cost CHF 50,000-100,000

Trip Cancellation Coverage

Amount should equal:

• Total prepaid, non-refundable costs
• Flights + hotel + tours + other bookings

Example:

• Flights: CHF 1,200
• Hotel (2 weeks): CHF 2,800
• Tours/activities: CHF 500
• Total cancellation coverage needed: CHF 4,500

Typical policies offer: CHF 5,000-20,000

Baggage Coverage

Consider:

• Value of items you're bringing
• Electronics, jewelry, camera equipment
• Most policies: CHF 1,000-3,000 total
• Per-item limits: CHF 300-500

Important:

• Expensive items may need separate coverage
• Homeowners insurance might cover some items abroad
• Take photos of valuables for claims

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

You Definitely Need It If:

Traveling Outside Europe:

• No health coverage from Swiss insurance
• Medical costs extremely high (especially USA)
• Even short trips need coverage

Expensive Non-Refundable Trip:

• Flights, hotels, tours booked months ahead
• Total costs exceeding CHF 2,000
• Risk of needing to cancel

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions:

• May require emergency treatment abroad
• Standard exclusions, but can buy coverage
• Declare all conditions when purchasing

Adventure Activities:

• Skiing, diving, mountain climbing
• Standard policies often exclude
• Need specific adventure coverage

Elderly Travelers (65+):

• Higher medical risk
• More expensive but necessary
• Some insurers have age limits (70-75)

You Might Skip It If:

Weekend Trip to Nearby EU Country:

• Swiss health insurance covers emergencies
• Low cancellation costs
• Short duration, low risk

Credit Card Already Provides Coverage:

• Check card benefits carefully
• Ensure adequate limits
• Verify family coverage

Very Short Domestic Trip:

• Within Switzerland
• Regular insurance applies

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Standard Exclusions

Pre-Existing Conditions:

• Most policies exclude known medical issues
• Can buy coverage (higher premium)
• should generally declare all conditions

High-Risk Activities:

• Extreme sports
• Professional sports
• Illegal activities
• Intoxication-related incidents

Acts of War/Terrorism:

• Some policies exclude
• Others cover with limitations
• Check policy details

Pandemics:

• COVID-19 coverage varies
• Many now include
• Read current policy terms

Pregnancy (Usually After 28 Weeks):

• Late-term pregnancy excluded
• Emergency complications may be covered
• Check specific policy

Coverage Limits

Per-Item Baggage Limits:

• Typically CHF 300-500 per item
• Expensive cameras, laptops may exceed
• Separate coverage needed

Geographic Exclusions:

• Some policies exclude certain countries
• War zones, high-risk areas
• Check before booking

Age Limits:

• Many insurers cap at age 70-75
• Older travelers: Specialized policies available
• Higher premiums

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

Required Documentation

Medical Claims:

• Medical reports and receipts
• Prescriptions
• Hospital invoices
• Doctor's notes
• Proof of payment

Cancellation Claims:

• Original booking confirmations
• Cancellation fees charged
• Reason for cancellation (medical certificate, death certificate, etc.)

Baggage Claims:

• Police report (for theft)
• Airline baggage report (for lost luggage)
• Receipts for items
• Photos of damaged items

Filing Process

Steps:

1. Contact insurer immediately (many have 24/7 hotlines)
2. Keep all receipts and documentation
3. Take photos of damage/incident
4. Get police report if theft/criminal activity
5. Submit claim within specified timeframe (usually 30 days)
6. Provide all requested documentation

Timeline:

• Simple claims: 1-2 weeks
• Complex claims: 4-8 weeks
• Medical evacuations: Often pre-approved

Common Rejection Reasons:

• Claimed too late
• Inadequate documentation
• Excluded activity/condition
• Didn't follow policy procedures

Tips to Save Money on Travel Insurance

1. Choose Annual vs. Multiple Single-Trip

If you travel 3+ times per year:

• Annual policy almost always cheaper
• Break-even usually 2-3 trips

Example:

• 3 European trips: 3 x CHF 60 = CHF 180
• Annual Europe policy: CHF 150-200
• Save: CHF 0-30 plus convenience

2. Exclude USA/Canada Coverage

If not traveling there:

• Worldwide excl. USA/Canada: CHF 250-400
• Worldwide incl. USA/Canada: CHF 350-550
• Save: CHF 100-150

Only include USA when actually going

3. Use Credit Card Coverage When Possible

If you have premium card:

• Visa Infinite, Mastercard Platinum, Amex Platinum often include excellent coverage
• Pay trip with card to activate
• Save: CHF 150-400/year

Check limits and exclusions carefully

4. Increase Deductible

Standard deductible: CHF 100-200 Higher deductible: CHF 500-1,000

• Premium savings: 15-25%
• Only if you can afford deductible

5. Bundle with Other Insurance

Some insurers offer discounts:

• Travel + home insurance: approximately 10% discount
• Travel + health supplemental: 5-approximately 10% discount
• Check with existing insurers

6. Book Early for Trip Cancellation

CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason):

• should generally buy within 14-21 days of first trip payment
• Booking early = eligible
• More flexibility

7. Compare Multiple Providers

Use Comparison Sites:

• Comparis.ch
• Moneyland.ch
• Bonus.ch

Price variance: 20-40% between cheapest and most expensive

Special Situations

Traveling with Family

Family Policies:

• Usually 2 adults + dependent children (under 18-25)
• More economical than individual policies
• Typical cost: CHF 250-400 (Europe annual)

Example:

• 2 adults individual: CHF 150 x 2 = CHF 300
• Family policy: CHF 250-300
• Save: CHF 0-50 plus children covered

Winter Sports Coverage

Standard Policies:

• Often exclude off-piste skiing
• May exclude certain activities

Winter Sports Add-On:

• Additional CHF 50-100 annually
• Covers:
  • Off-piste skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Helicopter rescue
  • Equipment damage

Essential for Swiss ski enthusiasts

Long-Term Travel (Gap Year, Sabbatical)

Special Long-Term Policies:

• Coverage for 6-12 months
• World Nomads: CHF 1,500-2,500/year
• SafetyWing: $500-800/year
• More expensive but necessary

Consider:

• Higher medical limits
• Flexibility to extend
• Coverage for changing plans

Business Travel

Corporate Policies:

• Employers often provide
• Check what's covered
• May need supplemental for leisure portion

Self-Employed:

• Deduct travel insurance as business expense
• Keep receipts for taxes

Red Flags When Buying Travel Insurance

Avoid Policies That:

• Have extremely low premiums (too good to be true)
• Don't clearly state exclusions
• Have very low medical coverage (<CHF 50,000 outside Europe)
• Lack 24/7 emergency assistance
• Have many negative reviews
• Aren't from established insurers

Warning Signs:

• High-pressure sales tactics
• should generally decide immediately
• Can't read full terms before purchasing
• Hidden fees and conditions

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential protection for trips abroad, especially outside Europe and for expensive trips. The right policy depends on your travel frequency, destinations, and activities.

Quick Decision Guide:

Annual Multi-Trip if:

• Travel 3+ times/year
• Mix of destinations
• Want simplicity and value

Single-Trip if:

• Travel 1-2 times/year
• One expensive trip
• Extended duration (>30 days)

Credit Card Coverage if:

• Have premium card
• Comfortable with coverage limits
• Willing to pay trip with card

Coverage Level:

• Europe: CHF 500,000 medical minimum
• Worldwide: CHF 1,000,000+ medical
• Always include medical evacuation
• Cancel for any reason if expensive trip

Don't Travel Without Insurance To:

• USA/Canada (astronomical medical costs)
• Asia/Africa (no Swiss health coverage)
• Anywhere with expensive non-refundable bookings

The peace of mind from proper travel insurance far outweighs the cost. A single medical emergency abroad without coverage can cost more than a lifetime of premiums.

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In the future, checkeverything.ch will feature an interactive travel insurance calculator to help you determine exactly what coverage you need based on your destination, trip cost, and activities. Stay tuned!