Emigrating and living abroad
Whether you’re travelling abroad, studying, on a work assignment or emigrating, health insurance is subject to specific rules. Here is an overview of the key points.
If you have any questions, our customer advisers are here to help and will assist you with any queries regarding your stay abroad.
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Resident in Switzerland
If you remain resident in Switzerland and are only going abroad temporarily to travel or study, you will still be subject to compulsory insurance here. This applies even if you deregister with your local authority.
➔ You can find more information on the FOPH website.
From abroad to Switzerland
Your obligation to take out insurance depends on your country of origin. If you come from an EU/EFTA country or the United Kingdom, you will usually remain insured in your home country (treatment via the EKVK); if you come from other countries, you may be granted a temporary exemption provided you have equivalent private insurance.
➔ Further information is available on the FOPH website.
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You will remain insured in Switzerland
If your Swiss employer sends you abroad for a certain period, you will remain covered by Swiss health insurance during that time. This also applies to family members who are accompanying you and are not in employment themselves.
➔ You can find more information on the FOPH website.
How long will you remain insured?
This depends on the country: for a posting to an EU or EFTA country or to the United Kingdom, the maximum period is 24 months, extendable up to 6 years. For countries that have a social security agreement with Switzerland, as well as for India and Japan, the entire posting period applies. In all other countries, the period is two years, extendable to six years.
➔ Further information can be found on the FOPH website.
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You deregister and re-register
If you are emigrating, deregister with your local authority. This means you will no longer be subject to compulsory insurance in Switzerland and will need to take out health insurance in your new country of residence.
Returning to Switzerland? Here’s how to get covered again
If you move back to Switzerland at a later date, you can re-register for basic insurance at any time.
A new health check is normally required for supplementary insurance. However, if you suspended your cover for up to three years before leaving the country, it will continue without the need for a new check.
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How to ensure you’re covered whilst abroad
If you receive your pension exclusively from Switzerland, you will remain covered by the Swiss basic insurance scheme. If you receive your pension from your new country of residence, you must take out insurance there.
If you move outside the EU or EFTA, you are no longer subject to compulsory insurance in Switzerland and must choose an insurance scheme in your new country.
➔ Further information is available on the FOPH website.
The choice is yours: the right of option
If you move to Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal or Spain and receive your pension from Switzerland, you can decide for yourself where you wish to be insured. If you do not wish to be insured in Switzerland, apply for an exemption from compulsory insurance.
➔ Further information is available on the FOPH website.
Premium Reduction and treatment abroad
If you are on a low income and remain insured in Switzerland, you can apply to the Joint KVG Scheme for a Premium Reduction.
Where you are entitled to receive treatment depends on the country in which you are insured:
- If you have taken out insurance in your new country of residence, treatment is also covered there.
- If you remain insured in Switzerland, you can choose whether to receive treatment at your new place of residence or in Switzerland.
➔ You can find more information on the FOPH website.
