Expatriate insurance in Switzerland
If you're planning to move to Switzerland as an expatriate, you'll need to take out expatriate health insurance.
Switzerland, known for its mountainous landscapes, picturesque lakes and cosmopolitan cities like Zurich and Geneva, attracts many expatriates. Despite its high cost of living, Switzerland offers a remarkable quality of life, with one of the best healthcare systems in the world. However, due to the complete privatization of the healthcare system, costs can vary significantly from canton to canton, making it essential to understand the insurance options available.
For those requiring a visa, health insurance for Switzerland may be necessary, depending on the type of visa. Contact us to choose the insurance best suited to your situation and needs!
Expatriate insurance China Gold Nomad Expat
Our policy with good levels of cover, suitable for your expatriation to Switzerland.
From
74€
- Worldwide coverage
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Repatriation assistance
- Civil liability
- Individual protection
Expatriate Insurance Switzerland Gold Expat Access
Economical international health insurance tailored to your expatriation plans.
From
93€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 80% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €750,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Free choice of practitioners and hospitals abroad
- Optional dental and optical care
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance
Switzerland Gold Expat
Safe
Health insurance that provides effective coverage in the event of accident or illness.
From
107€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers 90% of common medicine
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,000,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €4,500
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,000
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Expatriate insurance Switzerland Gold Expat Premium
Our most comprehensive expatriate health insurance, tailored to your expatriation in Switzerland.
From
138€
- Worldwide coverage
- Minimum age: 14
- Maximum age: 65
- Covers up to 100% of routine medical care
- 100% hospitalization coverage
- Up to €1,500,000 per year
- Maternity coverage up to €6,000
- Coverage of assisted reproduction up to €1,500
- Covers pre-existing conditions
- Coverage of pharmaceutical costs
- Optional dental and optical care
- Maternity plus option
- Prevention and well-being as an option
- Optional repatriation assistance
- Optional third-party liability
Any questions? Need advice?
Choosing health insurance in China
In Switzerland, health insurance is compulsory for all residents, including expatriates. This obligation is regulated by the Swiss Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal). The main aim of this law is to ensure that all persons residing in Switzerland have access to necessary medical care, regardless of their economic situation or state of health.
Expatriates must therefore register with a health insurance fund within three months of their arrival. This basic coverage includes standard and limited benefits, hospitalization, basic medical treatment and certain emergency dental services. It generally does not cover regular treatment, optical care, repatriation and more. Expatriates are free to choose their insurer from among the various Swiss health insurers. Each caisse must accept all applicants regardless of their state of health.
However, the basic coverage offered by the KVG/LAMal, although essential, may prove insufficient, given the high cost of healthcare in Switzerland. For this reason, the majority of expatriates choose to take out supplementary KVG/LAMal expatriate insurance. It offers additional benefits not covered by basic insurance.
Complementary coverage to LAMal GoldExpat includes benefits such as regular dental care, better hospital care, repatriation assistance and even cover for treatment abroad. These guarantees can be particularly useful for expatriates who travel frequently.
How can I find a job in Switzerland as an expatriate?
If you’re thinking of moving abroad and working in Switzerland, you should be aware that the country has strict regulations governing the employment of foreigners. EU/EFTA nationals benefit from the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, which facilitates their access to the Swiss labor market. Third-country nationals, on the other hand, must be highly qualified to obtain a work permit. Switzerland limits the number of such permits to protect its labor market and ensures that jobs cannot be filled by locals.
To find a job in Switzerland, start by searching for vacancies on specialized job boards such as JobScout24and Indeed Switzerland, adapting your CV to Swiss standards and including a photo. Make sure you have the necessary work permits, and master at least one of Switzerland’s official languages.
In Switzerland, your work permit is generally linked to your residence permit. For example, an L permit is short-term and limited to the duration of your employment contract, while a B permit is renewable annually. After an extended period (five or ten years, depending on your origin), you may be eligible for a C permit, which is a settlement permit allowing greater employment flexibility.
What's the cost of living in Switzerland?
Life in Switzerland is reputed to be among the most expensive in the world. In 2024, the costs of many basic products and services will remain high.
How much does accommodation cost in Switzerland?
Rents vary considerably depending on the region and the size of the property. For example, in Zurich, a one-bedroom apartment can cost between CHF 1,500 and 2,500 per month, while in Geneva, prices can be even higher, ranging from CHF 1,800 to 3,000. In more rural areas, prices can be a little more affordable, with rents ranging from CHF 1,000 to 1,800 for a similar apartment.
How much does food cost in Switzerland?
Eating out can cost around CHF 27 for a basic menu and around CHF 16 for a quick meal such as a McDonald’s menu. The average price of a liter of milk is around CHF 1.81, and a kilogram of apples costs around CHF 4.18. The overall cost of a shopping basket in Switzerland is significantly higher than in France, for example, reflecting the country’s higher standard of living and higher wages.
How much does healthcare cost in Switzerland?
A short visit to a private doctor can cost CHF 211, and basic medicines such as antibiotics can cost around CHF 26 for a box. Basic health insurance premiums have also risen. This is why we advise you to take out international health insurance, in addition to your KVG/LAMal health insurance. This less costly option offers more extensive coverage, in terms of care, benefits and geographical coverage. Given the high cost of living in Switzerland, this is still the most sensible approach.
In general, although Switzerland offers a high quality of life with excellent services. The high cost of living calls for careful financial planning and prudent budget management.
