Anyone arriving in Switzerland with the intention of staying must take out Swiss health insurance within three months, which should cover them from the arrival date. Health insurance is mandatory for all Swiss residents. Exemptions might be applicable in certain cases, however they usually do not apply to individuals with a Swiss local contract, working in Switzerland. The Swiss government will ask for documentation to prove that all members of an individual’s family have appropriate health insurance. The insured may choose any health insurer, and the insurer must accept the insured irrespective of age and state of health, and without any reservations or qualifying period.
Social health insurance gives everyone living in Switzerland access to adequate health care in the event of sickness and accident if they are not covered by accident insurance. Health insurance in Switzerland generally covers the cost of outpatient treatment, doctors (general practitioners), hospitals, pharmacy, etc. Â Broadly speaking, everyone is responsible for 100% of their health care expenses up to a certain amount (which can be chosen individually between CHF 300 and CHF 2,500 and which impacts the level of health insurance premiums payable), plus 10% (in general) of any costs above this amount up to an annual cap.
International health plans (e.g. CIGNA) are typically not recognised and are therefore not sufficient to fulfil the legal obligations of having a Swiss health insurance. However, each situation needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis upon arrival in Switzerland.