Do You Need Travel Insurance for Spain? Risks and Costs to Know
takayuki
Nomadrista
Should You Get Travel Insurance for Switzerland? What Tourists Must Know
takayuki
As of 2024, the average annual income in Switzerland is around $88,000 to $100,000.
This high cost of living is reflected in medical care as well. If you have an accident or injury that requires hospital treatment or surgery, medical expenses can become extremely expensive.
Outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking are especially popular, but accidents in rural or mountainous areas are common among tourists.
Example of a common accident
A traveler fell while trekking and was transported by helicopter. They were diagnosed with a fracture and required hospitalization and surgery.
Estimated cost: $40,000–$54,000
If you do not have travel insurance during your stay in Switzerland, all medical expenses must be paid out of pocket.
The following insurance services offer affordable premiums, wide coverage, and simple online enrollment.
No,1
SafetyWing
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$56.28 (not including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
・$104.44 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$250,000
Emergency Transportation
$20,000
Dental treatment
$1,000
Flight delays
$200
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
Without
Standby time
0 hours
No.2
World Nomads
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$220.43 (not including the US)
・$265.07 (including US)
・$265.07 (including US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$500
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$2,500
Standby time
72 hours
No.3
Heymondo
Insurance fee (4 weeks)
・$113.05 (not including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
・$130.16 (including the US)
Medical Compensation
$5,000,000
Emergency Transportation
$500,000
Dental treatment
$300
Flight delays
$450
Damaged/stolen/lost personal belongings
$1,700
Standby time
72 hours
You can apply for these insurance services online.
This guide explains why medical insurance is essential for a trip to Switzerland and introduces recommended travel insurance options you can easily purchase online.
Contents
Switzerland’s Medical Standards and Healthcare Costs
Switzerland is known for having some of the highest medical standards in the world.
Hospitals and clinics are equipped with advanced technology, and patients receive care from highly trained specialists.
The country is also home to many world-famous pharmaceutical companies, making it a major center for medical research and drug development.
Because of this high level of medical expertise and technology, treatment quality is excellent—but medical costs are also extremely expensive for travelers without insurance.
General Medical Costs in Switzerland
Below are estimated medical expenses that travelers may face at public healthcare facilities during a visit to Switzerland.
| Item | Medical Costs (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| General Consultation | $110-$220 |
| Prescription Cost | $22-$55 |
| Dental Treatment (Cavity) | $220-$440 |
| Ambulance Service | $550-$1,100 |
| Hospitalization | Private Room: $1,100-$2,200 ICU: $3,300-$5,500 |
As outlined above, medical costs in Switzerland can be extremely high, so purchasing overseas travel insurance is recommended.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Switzerland? Will It Be Checked at the Border?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Switzerland. In most cases, border control officers will not check whether you have medical insurance when you arrive.
However, Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area.
This means that if you are applying for a Schengen visa, you must have travel medical insurance that meets the visa requirements.
For example, in the Czech Republic, travel medical insurance is mandatory for both entry and the duration of your stay. If you cannot show proof of insurance, you may be denied entry or fined.
» Which Countries Require Travel Insurance to Enter?
In addition to the Czech Republic, the following countries require travelers to have valid travel insurance during their stay:
- Estonia🇪🇪
- Lithuania🇷🇴
- Latvia🇱🇻
- Bulgaria🇧🇬
- Hungary🇭🇺
- Poland🇵🇱
If you plan to travel from Switzerland to any of these countries, make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip.
Examples of High Medical Costs in Switzerland
If you become injured or sick during your stay in Switzerland and need medical treatment, the costs can be much higher than expected.
Below are examples of real medical expenses paid by travelers who received care at Swiss hospitals.
1. Hiking Accident: Ankle Fracture
A traveler slipped while hiking and suffered an ankle fracture. They received treatment at a hospital and stayed for 8 days.
Medical expenses: $29,500
2. Ski Lift Fall: Emergency Helicopter Transport
Another traveler fell from a ski lift and needed emergency helicopter transport. They were diagnosed with a femur fracture and required surgery, followed by a 10-day hospital stay.
Medical expenses: $50,000
3. Mountain Injury: Leg Fractures and Surgery
A traveler fell during a hike and was transported by helicopter with a nurse escort. They were diagnosed with tibia and fibula fractures, underwent surgery, and stayed in the hospital for 13 days.
Medical expenses: $49,000
4. Indoor Fall: Severe Lumbar Injury
A traveler slipped in a bathroom and seriously injured their lower back. They were transported by ambulance with a nurse escort and diagnosed with a burst lumbar fracture. Hospitalization lasted 12 days.
Medical expenses: $90,600
Best Medical Insurance for Your Trip to Switzerland
To avoid high medical costs in Switzerland, it is important to choose reliable travel insurance before your trip.
Below are three recommended insurance services that offer great value and can be applied for online with ease.
- Safety Wing
: A budget-friendly insurance plan that you can purchase online the same day. You can also enroll from abroad with no waiting period. - World Nomads
: Provides very comprehensive coverage, including medical insurance and protection against theft. Ideal for active travelers. - Heymondo
: Offers plans designed for long-term stays, with options that include up to 10 million dollars in medical coverage.
Choose one of these insurance options to enjoy your trip to Switzerland with total peace of mind!
SafetyWing
SafetyWing is an excellent medical insurance option for travelers who want to explore Switzerland with peace of mind.
It offers affordable pricing and provides up to $250,000 in medical coverage, making it a reliable choice for managing Switzerland’s high medical costs.
Features of SafetyWing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Coverage available from as short as 5 days
- No waiting period when enrolling from abroad
- 24-hour live chat support
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- Simple quote and application process for easy enrollment
The detailed insurance coverage is shown below.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $1,000 |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Lost Baggage | $3,000 |
| Flight delays | $200 |
| Theft of passports | $100 |
| Car Accident | $250,000 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $250,000 |
| At the time of death | $20,000 |
The premium for SafetyWing is $56.28 for a four-week period, and you can easily adjust the coverage length to match your travel schedule.
Since everything is handled online, even first-time users can sign up smoothly using just a smartphone.
Check your quote on the official SafetyWing website and get ready to enjoy your trip to Switzerland with confidence!
World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance plan that provides strong, comprehensive coverage for high medical costs at a reasonable price.
It also covers popular outdoor activities in Switzerland, such as mountain trekking and adventure sports, giving you peace of mind during your trip.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance rates vary depending on your destination
(4-week plan that includes the U.S. is $265.07 ) - Medical coverage limit: $5,000,000 or unlimited
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support available by phone or email
The specific insurance details are as follows.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Medical Transportation and Repatriation | $5,000,000 |
| Medical repatriation | $5,000 |
| Emergency return to your country | $5,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $2,500 |
| Flight delays | $500 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $15,000 |
World Nomads is a great choice for travelers concerned about Switzerland’s high medical costs, offering generous medical coverage of up to $5,000,000 or even unlimited plans.
It also includes protection for lost luggage, flight delays, and other travel troubles, making it a well-rounded insurance option.
Because premiums vary depending on your destination, check the World Nomads website for a personalized quote.
Heymondo
Heymondo is a strong choice for travelers planning an extended stay abroad, especially for long-term visits to Europe and Switzerland.
By choosing the 3-month plan, you can keep monthly premiums low while still receiving reliable coverage for Switzerland’s high medical costs.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective 3-month plan designed for long-term travelers
- Premiums vary depending on your destination country
- Medical coverage limits of $5,000,000 or $10,000,000
- Includes coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support via phone and email
The specific insurance coverage details are as follows.
| Insurance Details | Insurance Limit |
|---|---|
| Medical Insurance | $5,000,000 |
| Emergency Dental Care | $300 |
| Extended Overnight Expenses | $1,800 |
| Emergency Transportation | $5,000,000 |
| Baggage coverage | $1,700 |
| Flight delays | $450 |
| Interruption of travel (return to your country) | $3,500 |
| At the time of death | $100,000 |
Heymondo offers several plans designed to match different travel needs, and the Travel Insurance Top plan is especially valued for its comprehensive coverage.
Premiums vary by plan, but options with up to $10,000,000 in medical coverage are available, providing strong protection even in Switzerland, where medical costs are particularly high.
Start by getting a personalized quote on the Heymondo website to find the plan that best fits your trip.
ABOUT ME
I've been a nomad abroad for five years, traveling through 10+ cities across Europe. Right now I’m spending time in places like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona. I’ll be sharing simple, useful tips for living abroad.
