Insurance coverage in Switzerland

Member since 02 June 2014

KenjeeViP26 May 2016 12:23:46

19610

Hello everyone,

Moving abroad requires adequate insurance coverage.

What type of insurance expatriates need the most in Switzerland: health, house or liability insurance? All of them? Do they come as a package?

Are there other insurance options to consider like critical illness, damage or property insurance?

Is it better to purchase insurance from an expat insurance specialist or from a local insurance provider?

And what about insurance costs?

Tell us about your experience in Switzerland.

Thanks!

Kenjee

Twan Contributor

Member since 10 August 2011

TwanContributor30 May 2016 08:32:03

132

A basic health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland and the city council will check whether you hold such an insurance or not. There are many insurance companies to choose from, yet the coverage of the basic health insurance is identical for all companies and companies have to accept all applicants without any further conditions. There are differences in service and, most important, price. You can change company every year.
Upon the basic insurance, one is free to get additional insurance for parts that are not covered by the basic insurance (like a 2-person or 1-person room in the hospital, dentist costs and costs of some paramedical treatments). Here, the offers vary from company to company, and the companies do not have to accept all applicants. Changing company is possible, but as you grow older, it will get more and more difficult to find a company that will accept you. Dentist coverage is recommended for children, but expensive for adults. In my opinion, dentist coverage for adults is more expensive than the dentist.

Most other insurances are not mandatory. Nevertheless, it is advised to take coverage for at least third-party liability.