International Health Insurance When Relocating To, and Out of Switzerland

Every relocation entails risks and uncertainties for you and your family. But with professional assistance and planning, these issues can be reduced to a minimum. On the day of your relocation, either as an expat, an entrepreneur, business owner, athlete you should have peace of mind that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the next chapter in your life. The same holds true for expat health insurance – a small, but essential aspect of everyone’s life that is often forgotten by clients and advisors alike.

Relocation is often driven by exciting professional or personal opportunities, yet healthcare planning is rarely prioritised early enough. Many individuals and families only begin thinking about medical insurance and healthcare related aspects once a health-related issue arises, at which point the available options may already be limited. Health insurance should therefore not be viewed merely as an administrative requirement, but as a central pillar of international relocation planning.

A well-structured health insurance solution ensures continuity of care, predictable medical costs, and access to high-quality healthcare systems regardless of geographic location. This is why internationally mobile individuals increasingly seek guidance from a medical family office when planning cross-border relocations and long-term health strategies.

Why Health Insurance Planning Matters During Relocation

Health insurance decisions made during relocation often have long-term consequences. A short gap in coverage or a poorly chosen policy can result in permanent exclusions or limited access to care later in life.

Key risks include:

• Uninsured periods during international moves
• Limited access to private hospitals without adequate cover
• Permanent exclusions of pre-existing medical conditions due to late insurance decisions
• Unexpected medical expenses in high-cost healthcare systems
• Reduced flexibility for future relocations

These risks increase significantly for individuals who relocate more than once or who move later in life.

Relocation to Switzerland – What Inbound Expats Need to Consider

For individuals and families wishing to relocate, Switzerland is a highly popular destination. There are a wealth of reasons for the country’s popularity, including its political stability, strong economy and high-quality healthcare system, among many others.

Despite these advantages, Switzerland operates one of the most regulated and cost-intensive healthcare systems in the world. Inbound expatriates must therefore familiarise themselves with the system early on to avoid coverage gaps, unexpected costs, or restricted access to preferred medical services.

The Swiss Health Insurance System

Once you have established your residence in Switzerland, you will be required to sign up for mandatory Swiss health insurance.

The so-called KVG (Krankenversicherungsgesetz) – or LAMal (L’Assurance Maladie) in the French-speaking areas of Switzerland – is the mandatory basic health insurance framework that every resident in Switzerland must have. KVG and LAMal refer to the same legal system, simply named differently depending on the language region.

The deadline for acquiring Swiss basic health insurance is three months after moving into your new residence.

The KVG is offered by more than 50 Swiss health insurance companies. Some of the best-known providers include CSS, Visana, Swica, Helsana and KPT. These Swiss health insurance companies are obliged to accept and insure all residents for basic insurance without a medical examination and exclusions.

Another aspect often underestimated by newcomers is the cost structure of Swiss healthcare. Monthly premiums vary by canton, age, and insurance model, while deductibles and co-payments can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses despite being insured. While medical quality is exceptionally high, Switzerland consistently ranks among the most expensive healthcare systems worldwide — both in terms of overall spending and private healthcare costs. According to the SIP Health Cost Index 2025, which benchmarks private and international healthcare costs across 50 key countries, Switzerland is positioned around the middle of the global ranking, reflecting relatively high private healthcare costs compared with many other healthcare hubs. This underscores that, even with mandatory basic cover, overall healthcare and insurance expenses in Switzerland are substantial and should be factored into relocation planning.

Swiss Health Insurance Models and Access to Care

There are several insurance models that determine how healthcare can be accessed and how much the monthly premium will be.

• Telemedicine model: Lower premiums, mandatory first contact via insurer hotline
• HMO model: Treatment coordinated through a designated medical centre
• Hausarzt (GP) model: Care managed by a registered general practitioner
• Standard model: Free choice of doctors and hospitals with higher premiums

While these models can reduce costs, they also limit flexibility and freedom of choice, which is an important consideration for internationally mobile individuals.

Limitations of Swiss Basic Health Insurance (KVG)

The basic KVG health insurance includes essential medical treatment, but no more. Several benefits commonly expected by international individuals are excluded.

The KVG does not cover:

• Dental and orthodontic treatment
• Private or semi-private hospital accommodation
• Eyecare and vision correction
• Alternative and complementary medicine
• Treatment outside the canton of residence
• Access to private hospitals

For internationally mobile individuals, these limitations can quickly become restrictive, particularly for those accustomed to private healthcare systems or frequent international travel.

Supplementary Health Insurance in Switzerland (VVG / LCA)

There are various options to extend health cover with supplementary insurance, known as VVG (or LCA). These policies provide access to private hospitals, improved inpatient comfort, and free choice of doctors and hospitals within Switzerland.

However, supplementary insurance is always subject to a medical review. This means:

• Medical questionnaires are mandatory
• Pre-existing conditions may lead to rejection
• Coverage exclusions are often permanent
• Applying after the age of 50 can be difficult
• Switching providers later can be difficult

This creates challenges for individuals relocating later in life or those with existing medical conditions.

Recommendation for International Individuals and Families

Especially for inbound expatriates who travel regularly or are unsure whether Switzerland will be their permanent place of residence, international private health insurance can offer a valuable alternative.

International health insurance typically provides:

• Worldwide coverage, including Switzerland
• Free choice of doctors and hospitals globally
• Access to private healthcare facilities
• Preventative care and wellness benefits
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Long-term renewability without new medical underwriting

Beyond coverage, service quality is often the decisive factor. International insurers offer multilingual support teams, case management, second medical opinions, and direct billing arrangements, significantly reducing stress during medical emergencies.

Relocation Out of Switzerland – What Outbound Expats Need to Consider

If you decide to move out of Switzerland later in life, you will also be leaving one of the world’s leading healthcare systems. Upon deregistration, Swiss residents are legally required to cancel their health insurance and arrange new coverage in their future country of residence.

Insurance planning should ideally take place before leaving Switzerland. Cancelling coverage without securing a replacement may create gaps during which can permanently affect future insurability.

International Health Insurance for Expatriates

Upon leaving Switzerland, you are considered an expatriate in insurance terms. This allows access to international health insurance plans designed specifically for globally mobile individuals. These plans enable treatment worldwide, including Switzerland, and offer access to private hospitals and internationally recognised specialists.

Such policies are particularly relevant for business professionals who relocate multiple times. Once secured, international health insurance can usually be renewed for life, ensuring continuity of coverage without repeated medical underwriting.

Why International Insurers Are Better Suited Outside Switzerland

Some Swiss insurers offer international coverage, but they are primarily designed to serve residents within Switzerland. International insurers operate global medical networks, understand local healthcare systems, provide multilingual support, and offer direct billing arrangements.

Well-recognised international brands give hospitals confidence of payment, often resulting in faster access to treatment. Such insurance companies, for example, include Bupa Global, AXA Global, April International, Now Health, or Cigna Global. For global healthcare insights and standards, reference can also be made to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Final Thoughts

Health insurance decisions made during relocation can shape long-term healthcare access and financial security. A policy chosen today may determine the quality of care available decades later. In an increasingly mobile world, flexibility, portability, and service quality should always outweigh short-term cost savings.

Seeking professional advice ensures that health insurance solutions align with personal circumstances, relocation plans, and long-term wellbeing objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Swiss health insurance mandatory for all residents?

Yes. All residents must obtain basic KVG/LAMal insurance within three months of arrival.

Can Swiss health insurance be kept after leaving Switzerland?

In most cases, no. Coverage must be cancelled upon deregistration, with limited exceptions.

Is international health insurance accepted in Switzerland?

Yes. Many international plans allow treatment in Switzerland, including private hospitals.

When should international health insurance be arranged?

Ideally before leaving Switzerland to avoid coverage gaps and future insurability issues.

Is international health insurance more expensive?

Premiums may be higher initially, but long-term flexibility, broader coverage, and superior service often justify the cost.