Student Health Insurance in Switzerland
Health Insurance Basics
If you are planning to study in Switzerland you are obliged to have health insurance. You have the freedom to choose authorized insurance company and students residing in Switzerland more than three months must be covered by health insurance. In case you miss three months deadline you will be assigned a health insurance plan by the authorities which can be rather expensive.
Health Insurance in Switzerland
Every person living in Switzerland is required to take out compulsory basic health insurance according to the law (LAMal/KVG). The mandatory basic health insurance policy covers accidents, maternity and illnesses. People are allowed to choose the insurance provider operating in their place of residence.
Exemption from Mandatory Health
Insurance
There
is an exception from mandatory health insurance in case you are a holder of the
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which allows you the access to state provided
healthcare during a temporary stay in Switzerland, but have in mind that your European
Health Insurance Card doesn’t cover any private healthcare costs.
EU/EFTA Citizens
If
you have equivalent insurance coverage according to KVG/LAMal and you are
coming from EU/EFTA country you may be exempted from the compulsory health
insurance. An exemption of three years can be granted, which can be extended
for a maximum of another three years.
Full
list of EU/EFTA see
here.
Where to Buy Your Student Health
Insurance?
You
are free to choose your own insurance company. You can buy your insurance
directly online, on the website of the insurance company, this way you can save
yourself some time and some money.
What Does Student Health Insurance
Usually Cover?
- Outpatient surgery
- Pregnancy
- Emergency dental treatment with hospitalisation
- Evacuation to the nearest hospital
- Medical assistance in the event of evacuation or repatriation
- Search and rescue
- Private hospital room or semi-private in a communal area in Switzerland
Why Health Insurance Is Important?
Health insurance is the most important part of
the bureaucracy that students should dedicate themselves to. Without a proper
health insurance, it is impossible to live in Switzerland. Besides that,
without health it is impossible to continue your studying as well. Swiss
healthcare is well-known for its efficiency, so you can rest assured that they
will take a good care of you, should you happen to necessitate their assistance
and support. Please have in mind that the rules and regulations may have changed in the meantime.