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Best expat health insurance for Switzerland
Planning to stay in Switzerland? Then you’ll need health insurance. We’ll help you choose the best one!
Switzerland isn’t only famous for breathtaking landscapes but also for a healthcare system known for excellence. It’s one of the best worldwide, making life or long stays more attractive for foreigners. However, it’s also one of the most expensive. Therefore, having a health expat insurance in Switzerland isn’t just important, it’s essential.
In Switzerland, everyone living in the country, both residents and foreigners, must hold mandatory health insurance called LAMal (L’Assurance Maladie). It covers most health issues, including medical consultations, hospital stays and prescribed medicines. It applies to anyone staying longer than three months, including remote workers, digital nomads, students or expatriates.
Planning a trip to Switzerland and unsure which health insurance to choose? In this article, we’ll review the best health insurance in Switzerland for foreigners, including types, costs and coverage, so you can decide confidently.
Do all foreigners need health insurance in Switzerland?
Swiss law requires all foreign residents planning to live in Switzerland to hold adequate health insurance. This ensures both citizens and residents can access medical care without severe financial burdens. In short, if you’re a foreigner, regardless of your profile, you’ll need health insurance in Switzerland. Here’s a bit more information:
- Temporary and permanent residents: All foreigners staying longer than three months must take out basic health insurance. This includes workers, international students and expatriates. They must register within three months of arrival. If not, Swiss authorities will assign insurance randomly, and you’ll cover the costs yourself.
- Short-term visitors and tourists: Those staying under three months, such as tourists, usually don’t need Swiss basic insurance. However, travel insurance with medical cover is highly recommended due to Switzerland’s high healthcare costs.
- International students: Switzerland attracts many exchange and international students, who must also be insured during their stay. Some EU/EEA bilateral agreements allow students or workers to use European Health Insurance Cards. Yet, these don’t always cover the same services as Swiss insurance.
- Digital nomads: Switzerland is a dream for digital nomads. If you plan remote work here, you’ll need insurance to guarantee access to healthcare. In fact, it’s one of the most recommended resources for digital nomads.
- Relatives of residents: Family members joining residents in Switzerland must take out health insurance if staying longer than three months.
- Diplomats and international staff: Diplomats and employees of international organisations in Switzerland are usually exempt, since their organisations often provide coverage.
What type of health insurance in Switzerland works for foreigners?
Foreign residents in Switzerland can choose from several health insurance options adapted to their needs and length of stay. When selecting one, you must consider different factors. First, check the coverage type and services included. This links directly to your health condition. For instance, if you’ve got a pre-existing condition, you’ll need insurance that guarantees access to the best treatment. Other important aspects include service language and extras like telemedicine, which can greatly improve your experience.
The main types of health insurance available for foreigners include:
- Mandatory health insurance (LAMal): This basic health insurance is required by law for every Swiss resident. Known as LAMal, it includes essential services such as consultations, hospitalisation, medication, maternity care and some specific treatments. It’s aimed at people planning long-term stays, whether for work, studies or family reunification.
- Supplementary health insurance: These are optional and can be added to basic insurance. They offer extra coverage, such as dental treatment, eye care and private hospital rooms. Supplementary insurance suits those wanting wider benefits and extended coverage.
- International health insurance: Ideal for expatriates or digital nomads seeking global coverage, not just in Switzerland. They provide care in multiple countries and sometimes cover services excluded from Swiss basic insurance. Always check if the plan meets Swiss requirements when planning long stays.
- Student health insurance: Many international students in Switzerland can choose student-specific insurance, often cheaper and tailored to their needs. These cover consultations, emergencies and some basic hospitalisation. They usually meet Swiss regulations for students.
- Short-stay health insurance: Designed for temporary visitors in Switzerland who don’t wish to subscribe to mandatory insurance. It offers basic cover for limited periods and often suits temporary workers or short-term visitors needing protection.
Each insurance type has specific requirements and varies in cost and coverage. You should analyse carefully which option best fits your health condition and length of stay in Switzerland.
How much do medical services cost in Switzerland?
As mentioned earlier, Swiss healthcare is famous for excellence… and also for high costs. Before sharing more details, here are some facts you didn’t know about healthcare in Switzerland.
- All medical care is paid, whether private clinics or cantonal hospitals. Free healthcare like in other countries doesn’t exist here.
- The Swiss system uses deductibles. When you choose insurance, you must select an annual deductible that affects the price. Higher deductible means lower monthly payments, and vice versa.
- How does the deductible work? Similar to car insurance. For example, if you choose $4,025 yearly (about €3,590), that’s the maximum you’ll pay for medical care or medication in a year. If costs exceed it, the insurer covers 90% while you pay 10%.
- How much does Swiss health insurance cost? Swiss health insurance is expensive compared with other countries due to quality and coverage. The average monthly price of basic mandatory insurance (LAMal) depends on canton, age and deductible. Adult insurance costs between $345-690 per month (€308-616). In cantons like Geneva and Vaud, premiums are higher than elsewhere.
- Health insurance in Switzerland doesn’t only provide mandatory basic cover, it also includes many supplementary services. These range from dental treatments and nutrition to maternity cover, private hospital rooms and much more.
Now let’s check the actual healthcare costs in Switzerland (note that prices are approximate and may vary by hospital and canton).
| Service | Approximate cost (in US dollars) |
| General medical consultation | $150-300 (€134-268) |
| Consultation with a specialist | $250-500 (€223-446) |
| Hospitalisation (per day) | $800-1,500 (€714-1,339) |
| Basic diagnostic tests | $100-300 (€89-268) |
| Advanced diagnostic tests (CT scan or MRI, for example) | $500-2,000 (€446-1,786) |
| Emergency care | $500-1,000 (€446-893) |
| Minor surgery (appendix, for example) | $2,000-5,000 (€1,786-4,464) |
| Major surgery (transplants, heart surgery, etc.) | $10,000-50,000 (€8,929-44,643) |
| Physiotherapy consultation (per session) | $70-120 (€62-107) |
| Lab test | $50-200 (€45-179) |
| Basic dental care. | $200-400 (€179-357) |
| Maternity care (natural birth) | $5,000-10,000 (€4,464-8,929) |
| Psychological therapy (per session) | $120-200 (€107-179) |
Approximate cost of services in Switzerland
Now you see why having health insurance in Switzerland matters. Insurance usually covers most of these services, especially in emergencies or basic needs. Still, always check each policy’s coverage to avoid unexpected expenses.
The 5 best health insurance options in Switzerland for foreigners
You already know how important health insurance is in Switzerland. Now comes the hard part: which one should you choose? which one to choose? To help you, we reviewed five recommended health insurance options for foreigners in Switzerland, considering coverage, prices and extra services.
1. Swisscare
Swisscare offers plans designed for foreigners living in Switzerland. Coverage includes general consultations, hospitalisation and emergency care. Their plans mainly target international students, interns, digital nomads, expatriates and temporary workers.
For students, plans cover outpatient and hospital care, emergencies and sometimes pre-existing conditions after a waiting period. Expatriates and temporary workers can access plans covering consultations, hospitalisation and emergencies, plus options for maternity, mental health and medical repatriation. These plans comply with Swiss regulations and can replace mandatory insurance.
| Plans and prices | Basic Care Plan: Designed for students or those needing only essential coverage for emergencies and basic medical care. Approximate price: $92 (€82) per month. Essential Plan: Expands basic cover to include specialist visits and diagnostic tests, offering more complete coverage. It’s suitable for people needing continuous medical follow-up during their stay. The price ranges between $140-230 (€125-206) per month. Premium Care Plan: Covers a wide range of services including specialists, private hospital rooms, mental health and physiotherapy. Ideal for expats wanting full cover regardless of cost. Price: $290-460 (€259-411) per month. |
| Pros | Plans specifically designed for expatriates and international students. Unlike other insurers, Swisscare offers competitive pricing, especially for its basic plans. Advanced plans include international coverage, perfect for frequent travellers. Flexibility to extend or adjust cover depending on stay length or medical needs. |
| Cons | Doesn’t cover some conditions like psychological illnesses. Not available for people over 65. Focuses more on students and short-term expats, so it’s not always ideal for long-term residents. |
| Recommended for | Foreign students, expats or temporary workers. |
Swisscare: Pros and cons
2. Allianz Care
Allianz Care is an excellent health insurance choice for expatriates and international professionals. It stands out for complete and flexible coverage, adapting to various needs and profiles. It suits students, temporary workers, expatriates and their families. Plans include general consultations, hospitalisation, maternity and strong focus on chronic illnesses.
| Plans and prices | Essential: A basic plan covering outpatient and emergency hospital care, focusing on essential consultations and treatments. Approximate price: $50-100 (€45-89) per month. Classic: Offers wider coverage including hospitalisation, specialised treatments and visits to specialists. Approximate price: $150-250 (€134-223) per month. Premier: The most complete plan, covering hospital and outpatient care plus extras like maternity, mental health and chronic illnesses. Approximate price: $300-400 (€268-357) per month. Executive: Ideal for those seeking additional cover, including regular check-ups, dental coverage and fertility treatments. Price: $450-600 (€402-536) per month. |
| Pros | Broad coverage, reimbursement options and multilingual assistance. Optional add-ons: – Dental: Allianz offers optional dental insurance covering cleanings, routine check-ups and orthodontic treatments in higher-level plans. – Mental health: In its most complete plans, Allianz covers psychiatric treatments and therapy, useful for expatriates under stress. – Maternity and fertility: Available in Premier and Executive plans, including prenatal checks, childbirth and fertility treatment support. |
| Cons | Prices are higher compared with other insurers, especially for people over 50. Some treatments, like experimental ones, pre-existing conditions (unless specified) and cosmetic procedures, might not be included or need pre-approval. Certain plans also limit dental or mental health coverage, so always check conditions carefully. |
| Recommended for | Students, temporary workers and expatriates. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Allianz Care
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3. Cigna Global Health
Cigna is one of the top international health insurance options and is very popular among expatriates and travellers in Switzerland. It offers broad coverage and customisable plans. Users can choose from three main plans adapted to different budgets and needs, adjusting services according to priorities and personal situations.
| Plans and prices | Silver Plan: The basic option covering essential services such as hospitalisation, specialist visits and some diagnostic tests. Ideal for people needing solid emergency cover without extras like dental or mental health. Prices start from $100-150 (€89-134) per month, though they may vary depending on age and profile. Gold Plan: A mid-level plan including hospital, outpatient, mental health and even some maternity services. Suitable for those needing broader cover with regular treatments. The cost ranges between $200-300 (€178-268) per month. Platinum Plan: The most complete, covering nearly every health aspect, including advanced treatments, maternity, dental, routine check-ups and more. Ideal for long stays or frequent care. Price: Around $400 (€357) per month, possibly higher with extras or age adjustments. |
| Pros | Allows policyholders to personalise coverage and add optional modules. Access to an international medical network with recognised hospitals and doctors. 24/7 multilingual support. Covers chronic or pre-existing conditions. |
| Cons | Higher cost compared with other insurers. Some specialised treatments, like alternative therapies, may be excluded or limited. Basic plans don’t include dental or vision care unless added separately. |
| Recommended for | Expatriates and travellers planning to stay more than three months in Switzerland. |
Cigna Global Health:
4. AXA Switzerland
AXA Switzerland is ideal for permanent residents, families and expatriates seeking strong and adaptable local coverage. The company offers flexible health insurance options tailored to specific user needs, whether local or international. Plans vary in medical coverage and pricing, depending on the level of service required.
| Plans and prices | Standard Plan: Designed for those wanting essential cover for emergencies or basic consultations. Includes hospitalisation and outpatient care but excludes dental or mental health. The cost goes from $170-280 (€152-249) per month. Comfort Plan: Mid-level plan offering wider cover for general and specialist care, with optional dental and vision. A good choice for more comprehensive protection without going premium. The price ranges from $345-460 (€308-411) per month. Premium Plan: AXA’s most complete plan, covering private hospital rooms, mental health, physiotherapy and dental care. Perfect for those seeking unlimited healthcare services. Price: From $575 (€514) per month, higher with extra personalisation. |
| Pros | Extensive hospital and specialist network across Switzerland. Optional cover for pre-existing conditions in certain plans. 24/7 multilingual support. Flexible personalisation of coverage. |
| Cons | Premium plan is expensive. Basic plans mainly cover within Switzerland, while international cover may need upgrades. Some treatments, like mental health or alternative therapies, are excluded from basic plans and require advanced plans or add-ons. |
| Recommended for | Residents, families and expatriates. |
AXA Switzerland:
5. CSS Insurance
CSS Insurance is one of Switzerland’s largest and oldest insurers, known for its wide range of health insurance options for both residents and foreigners. Their offer is extensive, including affordable and customisable plans with specific options for students and young people.
| Plans and prices | CSS Basic: Mandatory plan meeting Swiss insurance requirements. Covers essential needs such as consultations, hospitalisation and some emergency treatments. Prices for this plan may vary but usually start at around $280 (€250) per month. CSS Plus: Includes basic plan benefits and adds coverage for complementary therapies, cantonal hospitalisation and refunds for non-covered medicines. This plan costs around $300-450 (€268-402) per month. CSS Premium: The most complete option, covering private hospital rooms, dental treatments and several additional therapies. Best for those seeking extensive cover. Price: Over $550 (€491) per month. |
| Pros | Wide network of doctors and hospitals across Switzerland. Adjustable deductibles help control costs. Higher plans cover alternative therapies beyond basic care. Multilingual support eases access for foreigners. |
| Cons | Premium plans are costly. Most CSS plans don’t cover treatment outside Switzerland, which may be a drawback for frequent travellers. |
| Recommended for | Residents, workers and foreigners staying temporarily in Switzerland. |
CSS Insurance: Pros and cons
Which is the best health insurance for foreigners in Switzerland?
After reviewing all health insurance options in Switzerland, we conclude the best choice depends on your needs, age, length of stay and the budget you want to allocate to healthcare.
For instance, if you want complete and adaptable cover in Switzerland, Allianz Care stands out as a versatile option for expatriates and international workers. Its comprehensive plans include hospitalisation, chronic care and maternity. It also provides multilingual support and a broad network across Switzerland. However, for students or temporary residents with specific needs, Swisscare is a more affordable and effective choice.
Health insurance in Switzerland: Frequently Asked Questions
No, LAMal, the mandatory basic Swiss health insurance, doesn’t cover tourists in Switzerland. It’s designed for Swiss residents and foreigners staying longer than three months. Tourists and short-term visitors aren’t covered, so they should buy travel or temporary health insurance before arrival to cover any medical emergencies.
If you don’t take out health insurance within three months of arrival, local authorities will assign one automatically and charge the premium. This could mean higher premiums and no chance to choose your preferred insurer.
Generally, basic Swiss insurance doesn’t cover treatment abroad, except emergencies during short trips. For wider international coverage, you’ll need supplementary insurance or extra travel insurance.
Basic health insurance covers essential services like medical consultations, hospitalisation in shared rooms and prescribed medicines. However, dental treatment, physiotherapy and some alternative therapies aren’t included unless you add extra cover.
Yes, in Switzerland, all residents, including foreigners staying more than three months, must hold basic health insurance. The only exception applies to foreigners who can prove equivalent cover from another country.
