I. International health insurance Switzerland
I. International health insurance Switzerland
Do you need an international health insurance in Switzerland?
All residents in Switzerland must register with a local health insurance fund within three months of arrival. However, this system, called LAMal, has limitations :
- it offers basic coverage only
- premiums are high and deductibles apply
- benefits do not always extend outside Switzerland
Switzerland is renowned for its quality of life, economic strength, and world-class healthcare. It’s also one of the most expensive countries in the world, especially when it comes to medical expenses.
For expatriates relocating to Switzerland, international health insurance provides a flexible, premium alternative to the mandatory local coverage.
International insurance allows:
Exemption from LAMal in certain cases (e.g. international postings)
Full coverage abroad
Access to private rooms and elite clinics
Freedom to select English-speaking providers
Our Switzerland-based advantages
What our expat clients in Switzerland value most ?
No waiting period for advanced care
No exclusions for chronic or pre-existing conditions
Direct access to top specialists without referral
Lifetime renewable coverage with international reach
Cross-border protection for frequent travelers
Destinations covered for Switzerland residents
Our clients in Switzerland often move between:
What is the average cost of medical care in Switzerland?
Swiss medical services are among the most expensive in the world:
Routine medical care
Routine care in Switzerland is high-quality but expensive for those without public insurance. International health plans provide essential access and predictability.
CHF 120 to CHF 250
CHF 400 to CHF 800
CHF 100 to CHF 200
Dental care
Dental care is excluded from public plans in Switzerland. Most procedures are out-of-pocket unless covered by international insurance.
CHF 130 to CHF 200
CHF 150 to CHF 300
CHF 900 to CHF 1,800
CHF 2,500 to CHF 5,000
Optical care
Switzerland offers excellent optical services, but coverage is not automatic. Vision care can become costly without private support.
CHF 300 to CHF 700
CHF 60 to CHF 120
CHF 100 to CHF 200
Medical imaging
Imaging services in Switzerland are accurate and fast. International insurance ensures access without long delays.
CHF 600 to CHF 1,200
CHF 200 to CHF 400
CHF 200 to CHF 400
CHF 500 to CHF 900
Specialist consultations
Swiss specialists are among the best in Europe. Costs are high and not always reimbursed by local basic plans.
CHF 200 to CHF 350
CHF 150 to CHF 300
CHF 180 to CHF 350
CHF 250 to CHF 400
CHF 150 to CHF 250
Hospitalization in Switzerland
Hospital care is excellent in Switzerland. International plans help secure access to top facilities and avoid high co-payments.
CHF 800 to CHF 1,200
CHF 1,200 to CHF 2,000
CHF 10,000 to CHF 40,000
CHF 6,000 to CHF 12,000
Intensive care:
CHF 3,000 to CHF 6,000
Per day
II. What every expat should know before moving to Switzerland
II. What every expat should know before moving to Switzerland
Switzerland offers stability, quality of life, and a world-class healthcare system, but settling there means understanding local rules, Lamal obligations, and the high cost of private care.
Visa and residence permit
EU nationals can settle with ease; non-EU citizens need work contracts and residence permits. Permits vary by canton and are subject to quotas. Proof of financial resources and health insurance is required.
Accommodation and housing
Rental costs are high. Zurich, Geneva, and Zug top the charts. Lease terms are strict, and competition for quality housing is intense. Proof of income and deposit (often 3 months) are mandatory.
| Education and schools
The public system is multilingual (French, German, Italian) but regionally defined. Many expat families choose international schools in Geneva, Lausanne, or Zurich, offering IB, American, or British curricula.
| Transport and mobility
Public transport is exceptional: punctual, clean, and well-integrated. Annual rail and tram passes are popular. Cars are less common in urban centers.
| Employment and business
Switzerland’s economy is robust, with leading sectors in banking, pharma, and engineering. Work permits are tightly regulated. Entrepreneurs face more bureaucracy but benefit from strong institutional frameworks.
| Language and integration
Depending on the canton, you’ll encounter French, German, or Italian. English is common in business but not in public services. Integration courses may be required for certain permits.
| Healthcare and insurance
LAMal covers basics, but private services (e.g. private maternity rooms, dental, vision, or worldwide coverage) require international health insurance — especially for short-term or non-resident expats.
| Cost of living and housing
Switzerland is expensive. A family of four may need CHF 10,000 per month to live comfortably in a major city. Private schooling, healthcare, and housing represent the highest expenses.
II. Living in Switzerland with peace of mind
II. Living in Switzerland with peace of mind
Switzerland offers security, infrastructure, and stability, but also some of Europe’s highest healthcare costs.
OnlyHealth ensures you and your family are protected with comprehensive, international insurance adapted to your lifestyle and location. Peace of mind begins with full medical freedom.