Switzerland offers many attractions, including beautiful mountains and charming villages. However, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. If your trip requires a Schengen visa, you must include proof of insurance coverage with your application. Even if you don’t need a visa, investing in travel insurance is highly advisable due to the high cost of medical treatment in Switzerland. While the country has good medical facilities, treatment costs can be significant.
For visits longer than 90 days, you will need a Swiss or international insurance plan from a private Swiss health insurance company that adequately covers medical expenses. This guide explains in detail all you need to know about travel insurance for Switzerland from Nigeria.
Switzerland Travel
As Switzerland is part of the Schengen Zone, specific travel insurance requirements must be met for both visa application and general travel:
- Medical Treatment and Evacuation Coverage: €30,000 (equivalent to 29,200 CHF in October 2022) medical coverage and evacuation cost are mandatory as a minimum.
- Full Schengen Coverage: The policy has to cover you over the whole Schengen area, not Switzerland only.
- Duration of Coverage: It remains for the whole period of your travel in Switzerland or the Schengen Area including your flight connections.
Where Can I Buy Travel Insurance for Switzerland?
Obtaining travel insurance for Switzerland is a straightforward process, with multiple avenues to explore:
Direct Purchase from Companies:
Travel Insurance companies all over the Internet have available plans so that you get your insurance certificate fast after selecting, paying, and obtaining the certificate from their website. The trustworthy companies of Europ Assistance are there for the clients. travel insurance underwriting by the Swiss Embassy accredited for use in the Schengen Area.
Tour Agencies:
If you are joining an organized tour, the Saga will offer you an insurance option. On the one hand, the plans can be too expensive and scarce; on the other hand, they can be within reach but not sufficiently detailed. If at all you are planning to enroll in this plan then please go through the plan details carefully.
Insurance Brokers:
With all these intermediaries you can make use of comparing the best plans of different companies so you can get the one that best suits your needs.
Coverage Details of Switzerland Travel Insurance
Swiss travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage, including:
Medical Emergencies:
This is facilitated to a large extent by medical exposure bills resulting from accidents or sudden illnesses. Some services might even include treatment options for dental emergencies.
Evacuation and Repatriation:
These costs may include expenses incurred in transporting you to the hospital for admission or repatriation of your remains.
Duration and Coverage Amount:
On the other hand, the devised plan covers all periods you stay in the Swiss with minimum coverage of at least €30, 000 after trying to avoid any withdrawals or the making of additional deposits. Be on the safe side and choose for the higher coverage.
Geographical Coverage:
Over the past few years, healthcare services and costs have been covered throughout Switzerland and the Schengen Area.
Additional Coverage Offered
Beyond medical and evacuation coverage, some plans include:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Contributes to prepaid fare if either the due trip is abolished or shortened.
- Flight Delay: Remedies for any food requirement and accommodation while the long flight is delayed.
- Adventurous Activities: Provides compensation for injuries acquired while mountain climbing or other active interests such as skiing are necessary for both mental and physical well-being.
- Personal Liability: It covers costs if you are at fault for either resulting in bodily or property harm to the third party.
- Belongings: Replaces money for stolen or damaged items.
Selecting the Best Switzerland Travel Insurance
Before purchasing a policy, consider the following factors:
- Schengen Compliance: Make certain that the plan complies with those required from a visa application as well as from the Schengen area.
- Coverage Suitability: Be sure to have coverage match your activities (for example, have a stair lift with you as much as you can, if you live in a house with many staircases). g. , skiing) and needs.
- Deductibles/Copay: You must be aware of your out-of-pocket expenses before your insurance coverage kicks in.
- Insurer Reputation: Research Company – Reviews and Rates, the average customer satisfaction.
- Claims Process: Observe whether or not the techniques are straightforward and have step-by-step instructions.
- Cost: Our advice regarding price in plans is to be careful about offers with very low prices, they could offer inadequate coverage.
- Assistance Phone Line: Verify if the insurance company can onboard in case of an emergency.
- Required Documents: Knowing all the documents you need to make a claim will be very helpful to your policy.
Cost of Travel Insurance for Switzerland
Travel insurance costs vary based on factors such as:
- Age: Age factors usually collide with the higher claimant risk hence the elders mostly likely pay more premium.
- Trip Duration: The total cost of patients increases as hospitalization for longer periods occurs.
- Policy Maximum: The maximum defines the premium with higher results in higher premiums.
Europ Assistance Travel Insurance Plans
For instance, they offers premiums like:
Europ Assistance Schengen
- Coverage: Up to €30,000 for medical expenses due to illness or injury.
- Deductible: No deductible applies.
- Coverage Area: Valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.
- Cost: Starting from €3 per day.
Europ Assistance Schengen Plus
- Coverage: Up to €60,000 for medical expenses due to illness or injury.
- Deductible: No deductible applies.
- Coverage Area: Covers the Schengen Area plus Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, and Romania.
- Cost: Starting from €5 per day.
Additional Benefits
Both policies typically include:
- Coverage for dental emergencies (up to €100).
- Medical repatriation in case of serious illness or injury.
- Extension of hotel stay due to sudden illness (specific to the Schengen Plus plan).
- Transport and lodging expenses for a companion in case of hospitalization.
Considerations
- The policies are designed to comply with Schengen visa requirements, ensuring travelers have adequate coverage during their stay in Switzerland and other Schengen countries.
- It is advisable to purchase travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your trip.
- These plans provide essential coverage for medical emergencies and other travel-related incidents, making them suitable options for travelers heading to Switzerland.
Making Travel Insurance Claims
When seeking medical attention, you can:
- Opt for Direct Billing: Your insurance provider then contacts the hospital, thereby saving you all that stress.
- Claim Reimbursement: Make an independent payment for bills and claim to get back.
Using EHIC/GHIC in Switzerland
Although your EHIC/GHIC card would allow you to see medical facilities in Switzerland, it is not insurance; travel insurance still plays an important role. This is not the case with this kind of plan as this does not include expenses for private hospitals or evacuation.
Coverage Across Cantons
A plan for anyone and everyone is inclusive, no matter where that travel is within Switzerland. These regions, including Zurich, among others, are similarly treated and are encompassed by the Swiss nations’ general coverage.
Healthcare Costs for Tourists
The costs of medication in Switzerland can be high. Minor treatments can cost CHF30 – CHF100, at the same time major methods could exhaust all your vacation budget.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Remember these emergency numbers:
- Police: 117
- Ambulance: 144
- Fire: 118
- EU Emergency: 112
Discovering Switzerland’s Beauty
Explore Switzerland’s stunning attractions:
The Matterhorn
- Overview: One of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, the Matterhorn is a must-visit for its striking shape and breathtaking views.
- Activities: Skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The nearby village of Zermatt offers a picturesque base for exploration.
Lake Geneva
- Overview: This stunning lake is surrounded by charming towns like Montreux and Lausanne.
- Activities: Enjoy paddleboarding, boat tours, and visit the famous Chillon Castle located on its shores.
Interlaken
- Overview: Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is an adventure hub.
- Activities: Skydiving, skiing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Jungfrau region, known as the “Top of Europe.”
Zurich
- Overview: Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich combines urban life with natural beauty.
- Activities: Explore the historic old town, visit museums like the Swiss National Museum, and enjoy lakeside parks.
Bern
- Overview: The capital city features a well-preserved medieval city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Activities: Visit the Bear Park, Einstein Museum, and stroll along the River Aare.
Lucerne
- Overview: A picturesque city on Lake Lucerne, surrounded by mountains.
- Activities: Cross the Chapel Bridge, visit the Lion Monument, and take a boat trip on the lake.
Swiss National Park
- Overview: Located in the eastern part of Switzerland, this park is perfect for nature lovers.
- Activities: Hiking through stunning landscapes with diverse flora and fauna.
How to Get Around, Safety, Medical Issues, Tipping, and Dress Culture
- Multilingual Nation: Switzerland has got four official languages: German French, Italian, and Romansh. English is widely understood.
- Budget Considerations: Ahead of your mind regarding the exorbitant costs; Switzerland is a place that is well-known for good quality but at the same time, the price is quite high.
- Public Transport: Modern and appealing, Swiss public transportation is certainly a veritable experience to try out. You will be captivated by unique views and landscapes.
- Swiss Rail Pass: For unlimited mobility, consider getting a Swiss Rail Pass, which includes museums and other transport providers in the package.
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
- Cash is Handy: Be prepared with cash that you can use for parking, restrooms, and superettes.
- Adapter for Electronics: To adjust to the difference in electricity voltage Ukrainian travelers will need a voltage adapter.
- Location-Specific Adapters: Zürich travel insurance extends to all regions of the ones covered.
Choosing Switzerland means creating unforgettable memories. To avoid issues during your trip, it’s wise to purchase travel insurance. Whether you’re amazed by the Alps, experiencing the culture, or enjoying Swiss chocolate, the right insurance ensures you can fully enjoy your visit. Remember, while search engine algorithms are important, quality content remains a priority.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to Switzerland straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Short-Stay Visa or National Visa Type D, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Switzerland. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
