Switzerland is a popular country for tourists from abroad, known for its majestic Alpine scenery, beautiful lakes, and historic towns that combine natural beauty and culture.
However, as you may know, Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world.
As of 2024, the average national income is around $88,000 – $100,000. If a traveler were to have an accident or injury that required hospital treatment, admission, or even surgery, the medical expenses could be extraordinarily high.
Activities such as trekking and hiking are especially popular in Switzerland. As a result, it’s not uncommon for tourists to experience accidents in rural or mountainous areas.
Common accident examples
Falling while trekking and being transported by helicopter. Diagnosed with a fracture, requiring hospitalization and surgery.
→ Medical expenses: Approximately $40,000 – $54,000
The following insurance services offer affordable premiums and comprehensive coverage that can be applied for online with ease:
This page introduces the importance of medical insurance for traveling to Switzerland and recommends travel insurance services that are easy to apply for online.
Switzerland’s Medical Standards and Medical Costs
Switzerland’s medical standards are among the highest even within developed countries.
The medical technology and facilities are top-notch, including advanced medical equipment, specialized medical expertise, and fields like cancer treatment and cutting-edge medical care, where Switzerland is a global leader.
Switzerland is also home to world-renowned pharmaceutical companies and serves as a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, playing an internationally significant role in developing and producing medicines.
General Medical Costs in Switzerland
Many hospitals in major cities and tourist areas are equipped to assist foreign visitors with multilingual support, allowing travelers to receive medical care with peace of mind if they suffer from injuries or illness while in Switzerland.
However, medical expenses in Switzerland are exceptionally high. Here are some general examples of the medical costs travelers may incur when receiving treatment at public medical institutions during their visit to Switzerland.
| Item | Medical Costs (Estimate) |
| General Consultation | $110-$220 |
| Prescription Cost | $22-$55 |
| Dental Treatment (Cavity) | $220-$440 |
| Ambulance Service | $550-$1,100 |
| Hospitalization | Private Room: $1,100-$2,200 ICU: $3,300-$5,500 |
As outlined above, medical costs in Switzerland can be extremely high, so purchasing overseas travel insurance is recommended.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Switzerland? Will it be checked upon entry?
In Switzerland, purchasing medical insurance is not mandatory for travel. Additionally, there is generally no check for the presence of medical insurance upon entry.
However, when staying in Schengen Agreement member countries (including Switzerland) for a short duration, minimal medical insurance coverage may be required as a condition for applying for a Schengen visa.
If travelers are uninsured or unable to provide proof of insurance, they may face denial of entry or fines.
Reference: Which Countries Require Travel Insurance When Entering the Country?
While countries like the Czech Republic impose such fines, the following countries require travelers to have insurance during their stay.
Countries where travel insurance is required:
- Estonia
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Bulgaria
- Hungary
- Poland
If you plan to move from Switzerland to any of the above countries, be sure to purchase travel insurance.
Examples of High Medical Costs in Switzerland
If you suffer an injury or illness during your stay in Switzerland and require treatment at a medical facility, you may face medical expenses that exceed your expectations.
Here, we present several examples of high medical costs experienced by travelers who sought medical care in Switzerland.
| Details | Medical Expenses |
| Slipped and fell while hiking, resulting in an ankle fracture. Hospitalized for 8 days. | $29,500 |
| Fell from a ski lift and was transported by helicopter for emergency care. Diagnosed with a femur fracture, hospitalized and underwent surgery for 10 days. | $50,000 |
| Fell while hiking and was accompanied by a nurse during helicopter transport. Diagnosed with tibia and fibula fractures, hospitalized and underwent surgery for 13 days. | $49,000 |
| Fell in the bathroom, severely injured the lower back, and was accompanied by a nurse during ambulance transport. Diagnosed with a burst lumbar fracture, and hospitalized for 12 days. | $90,600 |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
As mentioned above, medical costs in Switzerland are extremely high, making them a significant financial burden if you have to pay out of pocket.
To avoid the risk of such high medical expenses, it is essential to enroll in medical insurance.
Must-Check Before Traveling to Switzerland! 3 Best Value Online Medical Insurance Options
Here, we have carefully selected three recommended medical insurance services that can be easily applied for online and offer excellent cost performance.
1. Safety Wing
Safety Wing is one of the ideal medical insurance options for enjoying your trip to Switzerland with peace of mind.
With affordable rates and up to $250,000 in medical coverage, it can adequately cover the high medical costs in Switzerland.
Features of Safety Wing
- Monthly premium: $56.28
- Insurance can be purchased for a minimum period of 5 days
- No waiting period for enrollment from abroad
- 24-hour live chat support
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- Easy quotes and application process, making enrollment straightforward
The specific insurance details are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Applicable Examples |
| Medical Insurance | $250,000 | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, complications of pregnancy. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $1,000 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve the onset of acute pain (sudden and unforeseen). |
| Emergency Transportation | $100,000 | Costs for emergency transport to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Medical Return | $5,000 | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Emergency Return | $5,000 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to the death of a family member. |
| Lost Checked Baggage | $3,000 | Compensation if baggage is not found after 10 days of being reported lost (maximum $500 per item). |
| Flight Delay | $200 | Meals and accommodation expenses for delays exceeding 12 hours (up to $100 per day for a maximum of 2 days). |
| Passport Theft | $100 | Costs for reissuing a passport or visa in case of theft. |
| Auto Accident | $250,000 | Accidental automobile accidents occurring while possessing a valid license and wearing safety equipment. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $250,000 | Circumstances necessitating return due to family death or similar reasons. |
| In the Case of Death | $20,000 | Costs for transporting remains back to Japan (up to $10,000 if buried locally). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
Since the application is done online, even those using travel insurance for the first time can easily enroll using just their smartphones.
Check the quote on the official Safety Wing website now and start preparing to enjoy your trip to Switzerland with peace of mind!
Nomad Insurance for $56.28/month
* Easy estimate of insurance premiums according to your travel plan!
2. World Nomads
World Nomads is a travel insurance that offers comprehensive coverage for high medical costs at an affordable premium.
It covers popular mountain trekking and adventure activities in Switzerland, providing peace of mind in case of emergencies.
Features of World Nomads
- Insurance rates vary depending on the destination
(Example: For a 4-week insurance period including the United States, the monthly premium is $265.07) - Medical coverage limit is $5,000,000 (or unlimited)
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support (phone/email)
The specific insurance details are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Applicable Examples |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, emergency ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnostics, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Medical Transportation | $500,000 | Costs for emergency transportation to an equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Return | $500,000 | Costs associated with emergency return due to sudden illness or injury. |
| Baggage Coverage | $2,500 | Coverage for theft, damage, or loss of baggage that occurs during travel. |
| Flight Delay | $500 | Compensation for additional accommodation and transportation costs incurred due to flight cancellation or delays over 12 hours. |
| Trip Interruption (Return Home) | $3,500 | Costs for returning due to family illness or death. |
| In the case of Death | $15,000 | Transportation costs for repatriation of remains to Japan, or costs for local burial. |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
In addition to medical insurance, World Nomads also covers issues such as lost luggage and flight delays, featuring a wide range of coverage options.
Since the premium varies depending on the destination, let’s check the quote on the World Nomads website.
3. Heymondo
Heymondo is particularly suitable for those planning to stay abroad for an extended period. It is recommended for individuals planning to stay long-term in Europe, including Switzerland.
Especially with the 3-month plan, you can keep the monthly premium low while receiving reliable support for high medical costs in Switzerland.
Features of Heymondo
- Cost-effective 3-month plan for long-term travelers
- Premiums vary depending on the country of travel
- Medical coverage limit is $5 million (or $10 million)
- Coverage for flight delays and lost baggage
- 24/7 support (phone/email)
The specific insurance details are as follows.
| Coverage Type | Coverage Limit | Examples of Coverage |
| Medical Insurance | $5 million | Hospitalization, nursing care, ambulance for hospitalization, MRI diagnosis, long-term care after discharge, prescriptions, etc. |
| Emergency Dental Treatment | $300 | Emergency dental treatment to resolve acute pain (sudden and unexpected onset). |
| Extended Stay Costs | $1,800 | Emergency transportation costs to a well-equipped hospital. |
| Emergency Medical Transport | $5 million | Emergency return costs for medical reasons. |
| Baggage Coverage | $1,700 | Transportation costs for emergency return due to family bereavement. |
| Flight Delay | $450 | Meal and accommodation expenses for delays over 12 hours (maximum $100 per day for 2 days). |
| Trip Interruption (Return) | $3,500 | Circumstances requiring return due to family death, etc. |
| In the Case of Death | $100,000 | Transportation costs to return the body to Japan (up to $10,000 for local burial). |
* If you are viewing on a smartphone, you can scroll left and right.
Heymondo offers multiple plans tailored to different needs, and among them, the ‘Travel Insurance Top’ plan stands out for its comprehensive coverage, making it a reliable option.
First, please get a quote for the premium on the Heymondo website.
Thank you for reading until the end!
For those looking for the best travel insurance, be sure to check the details through the link below: The Best Nomad Insurance; We highly recommend Safety Wing [$56/month].
This page carefully selects popular travel insurance services and provides detailed introductions to their features and benefits.
You’re sure to find a plan that suits you, so please take a look!
