Treatment abroad for policyholders resident in Switzerland
In certain cases, persons resident and insured in Switzerland can be treated abroad. The conditions for reimbursement of the costs vary, depending on the type of service and the country in which it is provided.
Temporary stay in an EU/EFTA country or UK
During a temporary stay in an EU/EFTA country or the United Kingdom (UK), policyholders can be treated if they present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which is to be found on the back of the Swiss health insurance card. In the event of illness, accident or maternity, policyholders are then entitled to receive all benefits in kind considered medically necessary given the type of treatment and expected length of their stay. The list of reimbursable items is subject to the law of the country in which the treatment is carried out. Co-payment is subject to the regulations of the country concerned and is generally payable directly. Co-payment in Switzerland is then not applicable. Nor is co-payment in an EU/EFTA country or UK taken into account for the Swiss deductible or retention fee.
If policyholders do not have their EHIC with them, their health insurer may issue a temporary certificate.
For more information, see “Temporary stay in EU/EFTA/UK” on the website of the Common Institution under the KVG (Swiss liaison body).
Temporary stay in a non-EU/EFTA country or UK
During a temporary stay in a country outside the EU/EFTA or the United Kingdom (UK), the costs of emergency treatment for illness or accident (in cases where a return to Switzerland is not possible for medical reasons) will be reimbursed up to a maximum of twice the amount that would be paid if the treatment were provided in Switzerland. In the case of inpatient treatment, this means that the insurer will reimburse no more than 90% of the costs that would have arisen for hospitalisation in Switzerland. This is because, in the case of hospital treatment in Switzerland, at least 55% of the costs are borne by the cantons, which is not the case for hospital stays abroad.
Other medical treatments abroad are not generally covered by compulsory health insurance.
Special Case for Persons Insured in the Canton of Zug
In 2026 and 2027, the Canton of Zug will cover 99% of the costs of inpatient hospital treatment in Switzerland, while health insurers will only be required to bear 1% of these costs. This also affects the cost-sharing arrangement for emergency treatment abroad outside the EU/EFTA/UK, as insurers cover no more than twice the amount corresponding to the Swiss compulsory health insurance share. This corresponds to only 2% of the total treatment costs. This may lead to substantial costs for affected individuals, particularly in countries where medical expenses are higher than in Switzerland (e.g. the United States, Canada, or Japan), as well as in countries where foreign nationals are transferred to expensive specialised clinics.
To avoid gaps in coverage, we recommend taking out travel insurance or supplementary health insurance for travel to countries outside the EU/EFTA/UK, unless you already have equivalent supplementary insurance coverage. This applies in particular to posted workers within the meaning of Article 4 of the Swiss Health Insurance Ordinance (Krankenversicherungsverordnung; KVV).
Link to the press release issued by the Canton of Zug regarding the decrees that entered into force on January 1, 2026: Erlasse, die am 1. Januar 2026 in Kraft treten
Planned treatment abroad
In certain cases where a treatment is not available in Switzerland or waiting periods are too long, the costs may be reimbursed for these particular treatments abroad. In such cases, the policyholder’s attending physician must submit an application (explaining the reasons) to the health insurer’s independent medical adviser. In consultation with the latter, the insurer will decide whether the costs of the treatment abroad can be reimbursed (see the conditions specified in the information letter dated 8 April 2008 on medical treatment abroad; available in French/German).
Medicines and medical aids purchased abroad
The costs of medicines and medical aids purchased abroad will only be reimbursed if they are required by the policyholder because of illness during a temporary stay abroad.
Further information
Further topics
Tourists abroad and globetrotters
Persons who travel but do not take up residence abroad remain subject to insurance obligations in Switzerland.
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Insurance Supervision Division
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern