Do I need travel insurance to go to Switzerland ?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/09/2024

Four official languages and over 7000 lakes. Car-free villages, pristine tap water, and the Swiss Alps (i.e., roughly 60% of the entire country). World-class banks, ski resorts, hotels, wining, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Cheese, chocolate, watches, breathtaking natural and manmade beauty, and one of the safest and happiest populations on the planet. These are probably just a few of the more popular reasons why Switzerland is becoming an increasingly top tourist destination the world over. So much so, in fact, that the Swiss hotel sector recorded 41.8 million overnight stays in 2023 alone (i.e., not only nearly five times its entire population — but also “a level never achieved before,” according to the European Commission).

And if you too are considering seeing what all the Swiss fuss is about firsthand — from Bern to Geneva to Zurich to Montreux and everywhere in between — then you might be wondering about travel insurance for Switzerland. In which case, wonder no more — AXA has all you need to know below.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for Switzerland?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Switzerland cover?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Switzerland
• A few more practical tips for prepping your trip to Switzerland

Is travel insurance mandatory for Switzerland?

That depends on where you’re coming from. Because even though Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, it is one of the countries in the Schengen Zone. Which means that —unless you’re a citizen of a Schengen country (or the EU) — you’ll likely need a Schengen visa to enter its borders.

And one of the mandatory requirements for being granted a Schengen visa is that you have Schengen travel insurance. Moreover, your Switzerland travel insurance, in turn, should also meet several requirements (but don’t worry — more on that below).

For now, here’s a general breakdown of who doesn’t and does need a Swiss Schengen visa.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Switzerland (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You’re good to go to Switzerland visa-free if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area or one (or more) of the European Union member countries.
• A citizen of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K.,* the U.S., or one (or more) of the roughly 60 non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU.

*NOTE: If you have a U.K. biometric residence permit (aka BRP) and/or an indefinite leave to remain (aka IRL), then your need for a Schengen visa depends on whether the country where you hold citizenship has signed a visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area. So AXA recommends you consult the UK Government’s Official Website’s Travel to the EU/Schengen section, the Official Website of the EU, and that of your home country to see if you’re in the clear.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Switzerland?

Meanwhile, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU — then you will likely need a Swiss Schengen visa indeed. This includes passport holders from China, India, Russia, all of Africa, most of the Middle East, and nearly a hundred other nations.

Thankfully, the European Commission provides full lists of all these countries (i.e., both those that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen).

But if you’re still a bit lost — fear not! AXA can easily help you:

• Figure out whether you need a Schengen visa or not.
• Guide you through the process of getting your visa for Switzerland (including a Switzerland visa specifically for Indians) in a few easy steps if you do.
• And learn about the types of Schengen visas available to you, Schengen visa validity, Schengen visa extension options, and even Schengen visa tracking online.

So click around! Meanwhile, if you’re interested in a bit more (somewhat complicated) geography, AXA can also tell you more about all the European non-Schengen countries.

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

If you know you don’t need a visa for Switzerland — congratulations! You’re one big step closer to seeing this magical place firsthand. And — legally speaking — no, travel insurance for your trip is not mandatory.

Still, when traveling abroad — even to a safe and tourist-friendly place like Switzerland — things can go wrong. And when they do, it’s best to be as prepared as possible. The surest way to be prepared, you ask? Well, by being properly insured.

First off, navigating a foreign medical system —even one as good as the Swiss one — can be daunting. Moreover, medical costs abroad can often be surprisingly high (and that’s especially true for things like prescription drugs). And, of course, If you are pregnant and/or have a preexisting medical condition, your general risk factors are that much higher.
So whether you are hiking or skiing the Alps, dipping in or lounging about on one of Switzerland’s 7000 lakes, experiencing the modern hustle and bustle of Zurich, or anything in between — having the proper travel insurance is the first (and often most crucial step) in ensuring the health and safety of both you and your family.

In short, not only will the right insurance plan give you peace of mind, but it can also save you time, hassle, and possibly quite a pretty penny. And, most importantly, it will guarantee that you are in good hands — 24/7, wherever you may be, throughout your entire Swiss adventure.

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Switzerland cover?

And what exactly do we mean when we say “in good hands,” you ask? Well, here are just a few ways that AXA got your back in Switzerland (and beyond).

First off, all three of our plans — i.e., Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements for being granted a Swiss Schengen Visa. That is, each AXA plan:

• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 (in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation);
• is accepted by all countries within the Schengen zone;
• is valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay.

Oh, and if your Schengen visa for Switzerland is denied, AXA’s plans are also refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused) from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

And Schengen visa or not, our plans also offer:

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
• Medical repatriation & transport; -24/7 medical assistance (with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature) in English, French, German, Spanish, ​Italian, and/or Portuguese;
• Up to 180 days of coverage;
• Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries (including the U.K. — depending on the chosen plan).

And AXA’s travel insurance certificate — which can be instantly downloaded (and/or printed) online — is accepted by all Schengen consulates and embassies (including the Swiss ones) worldwide.

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans before you book that ticket (and/or visa appointment). Ultimately, AXA will ensure that you can concentrate on having nothing but fun in the Playground of Europe (i.e., Switzerland). ​​

What to do if injured or ill while in Switzerland

In case of a medical emergency during your stay in Switzerland, AXA's Schengen insurance provides comprehensive support to ensure your well-being.

All you need to do is contact an AXA call center via the number provided with your insurance policy. Our medical professionals are available 24/7 to answer your questions, provide guidance, and help you find the nearest medical facility.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

• Your policy number (which begins with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).

List of Emergency Numbers in Switzerland

Here are the essential emergency numbers to keep on hand when in Switzerland:

• General emergency: 112
• Police emergency: 117
• Ambulance and rescue services: 144
• Fire Department: 118
• Medical advice over the phone: 0900 57 67 47

And the official Swiss government website has a few more that you might want to jot down.

PRO-TIPS: Always keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records. Remember to keep your phone charged. And stay calm — AXA is here to support you throughout your journey.

A few more practical tips for prepping your trip to Switzerland

And, finally, here are a few more basic things to know to help ensure your trip to the Playground of Europe is safe, fun, and informed.

Security

Switzerland boasts a low crime rate overall (in fact, one of the lowest in Europe). Still, it's always advisable to take a few precautions. Petty crimes such as mugging, bag-snatching, and pickpocketing may occur — especially in tourist areas, airports, railway stations, and crowded places. So avoid leaving valuables unattended, keep your phone close, and stay alert.

Opening hours

Shops in Switzerland typically operate from 9 am to 6.30 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with most establishments closed on Sundays. This includes retail shops, supermarkets, and malls. Some convenience stores at train stations and tourist areas might have extended hours — but it's best to plan your souvenir (and other) shopping accordingly.

Restaurants

Bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, however, are often open on Sundays (especially in tourist spots, resorts, and so on). Lunch in Switzerland is typically served from noon to 2 pm, with some restaurants starting service a bit earlier. And dinner hours are generally from 6 pm to 9.30 pm (although, again, this can vary by region and establishment).

Reservations are advisable — especially at popular spots and/or during peak tourist seasons.

Public transport

Switzerland boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network that includes trains, buses, boats, lake steamers, funiculars, cable cars, and more. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates the train network, offering convenient and scenic routes across the country.

Meanwhile, the Swiss Travel System provides comprehensive information on routes, schedules, and ticketing options — including the infamous-among-tourists Swiss Travel Pass (which gives you unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus, and/or boat for 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days).

Driving license

Driving through Switzerland’s (mostly) neatly paved streets and/or mountain roads is a fairly common option as well. And if you are a resident of Switzerland, you can use a foreign driving license for the first 12 months. After this period, you are required to obtain a Swiss driving license.

The Swiss Federal Roads Office (ASTRA, or “FEDRO” in English) provides detailed info on driving regulations — as well as on the process for obtaining a Swiss license.

Weather

Despite somewhat popular associations, Switzerland is not always that wintery and actually experiences quite varied weather depending on the region and elevation. Summers (June to August), for example, are generally mild to warm — with temperatures averaging between 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F). The winters (December to February), meanwhile, do get chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing — especially in the mountainous regions where snowfall is common).

Currency

And despite another (somewhat) popular belief, the official currency in Switzerland is not the Euro but, rather, the Swiss Franc (CHF) — as the country is not a member of the EEA (the European Economic Area). However, Euros are accepted at the more touristy spots.

As of mid-2024, 1 Swiss Franc (CHF) was a few cents less than 1 Euro (EUR) and a cent or two more than 1 US Dollar (USD). But be sure to check the latest rates before your journey — as they obviously fluctuate.

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• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How safe is it to travel to Europe?
• Safest European destinations
• Most dangerous European cities
• Understanding Europe from A to Z
• Easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa from

FAQ

Is Switzerland in the EU?

No, Switzerland is neither a member of the European Union (EU) nor the EEA (the European Economic Area). It does, however, have a series of Bilateral Agreements with the EU — which allow it to participate in the EU's single market, for example.
Europe, EU, Schengen zone, Euro Zone, EEA: what’s the difference? Let’s find out!

Does a European health insurance card cover Switzerland?

Yes. Visitors from EU/EEA countries may still have some form of health coverage in Switzerland with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — due to the aforementioned bilateral agreements (but the European Commission can tell you more about that).

How much is health insurance in Switzerland?

Swiss residents are required to have basic health insurance — which can range in cost based on factors like age, health status, and chosen deductible. Monthly premiums typically vary from a few hundred to several hundred Swiss Francs (with 1 Swiss Franc being roughly equal to 1 U.S. Dollars/ 1 Euro as of mid-2024).