Travel insurance: Do I really need it?
With spring being in full bloom comes the holiday planning for summer. Whether you need travel insurance or not depends entirely on the risk you are willing to take but also on your destination.
Some risks may already be covered through your other insurance policies:
- health insurance: medical emergency abroad, search & rescue, repatriation are risks covered by supplementary health insurance (LCA/VVG). It is worth checking your current policy to see whether you have coverage and whether it is sufficient depending on your destination, especially if you are travelling to the US or to Japan.
- liability insurance and household contents insurance: for damage caused to a third party, your liability policy covers you worldwide. If your main concern is about having your belongings and credit cards stolen, the household contents insurance policies usually include cover for theft away from home and in some cases credit card protection.
For other risks a dedicated travel insurance may be required. Such risks include:
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trip cancellation due to work commitment, death of a close relative, illness or accident;
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loss of luggage by transport company;
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car rental deductible;
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reimbursement of show/concert tickets in case of cancellation by organiser.
If you have any doubts, wish to double-check you are sufficiently covered or to subscribe a policy, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd be happy to help!
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Not just for the holidays: Am I covered for a temporary stay abroad?
Studies or a family member needing help – some life situations require a longer stay abroad. It is best to double-check your policies before leaving. The two major risks are that something may happen to you or that you accidentally cause damage to a third party while away.
Temporary stay abroad & illness/accident
The Confederation website states the following: "In the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein you are entitled to the same benefits as local residents. It is important to remember that your health insurance card also serves as a European health insurance card. Your health insurer can issue you with a temporary replacement certificate if you do not have your health insurance card with you." It is important to take your card with you. Please note that the above applies to medical emergencies and not to elective treatments.
If your destination is outside of EU, it is important you contact your health insurer to see if you are sufficiently covered. For accidents, if you are employed, check the status of your coverage with your employer. If you don't have an employer, your annual deductible will apply, just like in Switzerland. For repatriation, just like mentioned above, a supplementary policy is needed.
More information on treatments abroad for Swiss insurance policyholders →
Temporary stay abroad & damage to a third party
Nothing changes for your liability policy – it covers you worldwide for accidental damage caused to a third party. Check your household contents insurance policy and it is best to include cover for theft away from home to protect your belongings, if you don't have it already.
Please note that the above is only valid for as long as you keep your domicile in Switzerland and fall under the obligation to contract Swiss health insurance.
In case of doubt, question, or need for additional insurance, you know where to find us!
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