Insurances in Switzerland - Exchange
In order to study and live in Switzerland, it is compulsory to be insured under the KVG law, which regulates coverage for illness and accident.
You must therefore take out the policy and/or apply for any exemptions within 3 months of your arrival in the country.
The start date of insurance cover must coincide with the date of entry into Switzerland (also indicated on the notification made to the Population Control Office).
The start date of insurance cover must coincide with the date of entry into Switzerland (also indicated on the notification made to the Population Control Office).
Those who live in the border area and return home daily (border crossers) are exempt from the health insurance obligation.
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EU/EFTA citizens with a residence permit for study or internship purposes can apply for exemption from the obligation to insure themselves if they demonstrate equivalent foreign insurance coverage to that of Switzerland by submitting an application to the Social Insurance Institute (IAS) after their arrival in Switzerland, specifically:
The exemption request forms can be downloaded from the "Useful Documents" section in the top right corner:
Istituto delle assicurazioni sociali
Settore obbligo assicurativo
Via Ghiringhelli 15a
CH-6500 Bellinzona
For further information, refer to the website www.iasticino.ch or contact them by phone at +41 91 821 91 11 or email at obbligo@ias.ti.ch.
Healthcare costs in Switzerland for EU/EFTA insured persons and advance payment of expenses
EU/EFTA insured persons requiring treatment during a temporary stay in Switzerland will be charged a flat rate of 92 Swiss francs for a period of 30 days.
In the case of hospitalization, the insured person's contribution is 15 Swiss francs per day.
In the case of exemption/non-subjection, the student must directly pay medical expenses (cash or credit cards).
The refund - with appropriate deductions - can subsequently be requested by sending the original invoice and a copy of the European Health Insurance Card to the following address:
Istituzione Comune LAMal (Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG)
Industriestrasse 78
CH-4600 Olten
With the indication of complete bank coordinates:
- Students holding the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC);
- Students privately insured in Germany who demonstrate that their private insurance coverage is equivalent to Swiss coverage, i.e., unlimited.
The exemption request forms can be downloaded from the "Useful Documents" section in the top right corner:
- TI 6.1 for EU citizens with state insurance
- TI 6.2 for EU citizens with private insurance
Istituto delle assicurazioni sociali
Settore obbligo assicurativo
Via Ghiringhelli 15a
CH-6500 Bellinzona
For further information, refer to the website www.iasticino.ch or contact them by phone at +41 91 821 91 11 or email at obbligo@ias.ti.ch.
Healthcare costs in Switzerland for EU/EFTA insured persons and advance payment of expenses
EU/EFTA insured persons requiring treatment during a temporary stay in Switzerland will be charged a flat rate of 92 Swiss francs for a period of 30 days.
In the case of hospitalization, the insured person's contribution is 15 Swiss francs per day.
In the case of exemption/non-subjection, the student must directly pay medical expenses (cash or credit cards).
The refund - with appropriate deductions - can subsequently be requested by sending the original invoice and a copy of the European Health Insurance Card to the following address:
Istituzione Comune LAMal (Gemeinsame Einrichtung KVG)
Industriestrasse 78
CH-4600 Olten
With the indication of complete bank coordinates:
- IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
- BIC (Bank Identifier Code)
- Name and address of the bank
- Account holder and address
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Non-EU/EFTA citizens able to demonstrate to the competent authorities that they possess health insurance coverage equivalent to that required in Switzerland, namely unlimited coverage, may be exempted from the obligation to insure themselves by submitting the duly completed and signed exemption request form TI 6.3 to the Social Insurance Institute (IAS) for approval by their insurance provider.
The exemption request form can be downloaded from the "Useful Documents" section in the top right corner:
- TI 6.3 for students/researchers from non-EU/EFTA countries
Otherwise, it is mandatory to take out an insurance policy with one of the health insurance companies in Switzerland.
In order to provide adequate insurance coverage at an affordable price, SUPSI has arranged an insurance policy with Swisscare. Swisscare provides basic coverage for illness, accident, and maternity equivalent to that guaranteed by mandatory health care insurance under the Federal Law on Health Insurance (LAMal), but at a much lower cost.
Swisscare
Special Terms and Conditions
This offer is exclusively valid for students from third countries in mobility or enrolled in Bachelor's, Master's, or doctoral programs at SUPSI, provided they have obtained a residence permit in Switzerland for study purposes. The monthly premium for insured persons is CHF 89.10. The annual deductible is CHF 300.00, and the percentage rate is 10% up to CHF 700.00. For more information, please consult the Swisscare website in the "Useful Links" section.
Enrollment It is mandatory to obtain insurance within three months of entering Switzerland, and the start date of the insurance contract must coincide with the date of entry into the country. The enrollment process with Swisscare involves several steps and takes time, so enrollment requests received close to the deadline are not guaranteed to be accepted.
Enrollment must be done online via the following link.
After enrollment, the insured person will receive an email from Swisscare to activate their personal customer account. Further communication will contain instructions on the next steps to complete the registration and exemption request procedures.
Insurance Coverage Period and Termination The start date of insurance coverage must coincide with the date of entry into Switzerland (also indicated on the notification to the Office of Population Control).
The insurance contract with Swisscare must be terminated at the end of the mobility or study period by notifying departure from Switzerland and providing any documents that may be required to close the policy: Swisscare (scroll to the bottom of the page to: Frequently Asked Questions > How do I cancel my SPSS Student plan?).
Insured Person's Obligations
Insured persons are required to notify the Migration Office, Swisscare, IAS, and SUPSI of:
- Changes of address or personal details
- Changes to the permit (residence, marital status, etc.)
- Completion of studies
- Permanent departure from Ticino or Switzerland
- Any other changes
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Professional Liability Insurance during Study/Internship Activities
SUPSI provides insurance covering professional liability of students in case of bodily or material damage to third parties occurring during the time of professional practice/study outside of SUPSI. However, students are directly responsible for any damages caused within SUPSI premises. Nevertheless, students are advised to verify with their respective Department/degree program regarding necessary insurance for planned activities.
Educational Activities Abroad during Studies
For activities abroad (study, professional practice, study trips, workshops), the student is responsible for additional insurance coverage required in the destination country. Therefore, they must inquire in advance about insurance, including the activities to be undertaken, and ensure adequate coverage by assessing supplementary insurance options. SUPSI provides insurance covering students' professional liability during mobility activities for study and internships abroad. Nevertheless, students are advised to verify with their respective Department/degree program regarding necessary insurance for educational activities abroad.
Private Liability Insurance
In principle, private liability insurance is optional in Switzerland. However, it is highly recommended for coverage of damages to third parties (for example, in some cases, it may be required by the landlord for renting accommodation). Private liability insurance generally covers:
- Damages to people and property,
- Costs of damage prevention (e.g., costs related to extinguishing a fire with water),
- Financial losses arising from damages to people or property (e.g., legal costs),
- Damages caused by your pets,
- Defense against unfounded claims (e.g., if you are not responsible for the damage).
Household Contents Insurance
Household contents insurance is not mandatory. Private liability and household contents coverages are sometimes confused as they are typically part of a combined association. Unlike liability insurance, household contents insurance does not compensate for damages caused to third parties. It covers damages to inventory, such as personal belongings in one's home like furniture, TVs, clothing, or sports equipment. It is possible to arrange separate liability and household contents insurances with different insurers. For more information, please refer to the website of the Swiss Confederation.
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