What does Swiss health insurance not pay abroad?
In short
Basic insurance does not pay everything abroad.
Outside the EU, EFTA and the United Kingdom it covers emergencies at most up to twice the Swiss cost. It does not normally pay repatriation, planned treatment or cancellation costs.
Want to know more?
What does health insurance not pay abroad?
Basic insurance is the compulsory health insurance that everyone in Switzerland has. Abroad it only pays emergencies. As a rule, these things are not covered.
- Repatriation to Switzerland. There is at most a limited contribution to necessary transport costs.
- Planned treatment, so a trip with the aim of being treated abroad.
- Cancellation costs if you have to call off the trip.
How the card works in Europe and what you do in an emergency is explained on the page Health insurance on holiday abroad, card and emergency.
Where is there a gap outside the EU, EFTA and the United Kingdom?
Here a cap applies. Basic insurance pays emergencies at most up to twice the cost that the same treatment would cost in Switzerland. For a hospital stay it pays at most 90 percent of the Swiss costs. In the canton of Zug, cover for hospital stays is even lower in 2026 and 2027 because of cantonal financing. In countries with high doctor costs such as the USA, a big gap can remain. You also pay your deductible and co-payment as usual.
| Region | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| EU, EFTA, United Kingdom | Show the card, necessary treatment at local tariffs |
| Rest of the world | Often pay yourself, send the invoice in afterwards |
How do you close the gap?
For repatriation, cancellation and high doctor costs, check travel insurance or supplementary insurance. What your credit card already covers is on the page Travel and cancellation. What supplementary insurance covers in general is explained in Basic and supplementary insurance.
What do many people get wrong?
- “Health insurance pays everything abroad.” Wrong. There are caps and exclusions.
- “Repatriation is included.” Wrong. Basic insurance does not normally cover it. You need your own cover for that.
This page does not replace advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does basic insurance pay in the USA, for example?
At most up to twice the cost in Switzerland. For a hospital stay at most 90 percent of the Swiss costs. In countries with high doctor costs a big gap can remain.
Does basic insurance pay for repatriation to Switzerland?
As a rule, no. There is at most a limited contribution to necessary transport costs.
Does basic insurance pay for planned treatment abroad?
As a rule, no. It pays for emergencies, when you suddenly need help during a temporary stay.
What comes next?
What comes next? More on Car and travelSources and date 2 November 2026
This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.