The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Switzerland in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Switzerland
- Is it currently safe to travel to Switzerland?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Switzerland?
- Why take out travel insurance for Switzerland?
- What travel insurance for Switzerland should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Switzerland
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Switzerland
- Your current insurance coverage in Switzerland
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Switzerland: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Switzerland covers medical costs, repatriation, and unexpected travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory for Australians, but it is essential due to high medical costs.
3. Healthcare cost: Swiss healthcare is excellent but very expensive, with hospital stays costing over AUD 1,500 per night.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Switzerland typically costs between AUD 50 and AUD 100.
5. Good to know: Australia does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Switzerland, so you pay all costs.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Australia our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Switzerland.
The best travel insurance plans for Switzerland
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | The most comprehensive option for Switzerland. - high reimbursement - repatriation - few exclusions |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | Excellent support for short and long trips. - 24/7 medical support - trip cancellation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Practical for tourism in Switzerland. - strong medical limits - assistance - good value |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.1M AUD | Good for frequent or adventurous travellers. - very good ceiling - repatriation - worldwide scope |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Ideal for longer stays or student trips. - reliable medical care - civil liability - simple claims |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Best choice for short and relaxed travel. - essential medical cover - fast reimbursements - support abroad |
- high reimbursement
- repatriation
- few exclusions
- 24/7 medical support
- trip cancellation
- no deductible
- strong medical limits
- assistance
- good value
- very good ceiling
- repatriation
- worldwide scope
- reliable medical care
- civil liability
- simple claims
- essential medical cover
- fast reimbursements
- support abroad
Is it currently safe to travel to Switzerland?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Switzerland, reflecting stable conditions and low rates of serious crime or unrest.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, has increased around large events and crowded transport hubs. For example, during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament, tourists in Geneva and Zurich should be extra vigilant in fan zones and train stations.
- Health risks: Switzerland has world-class private medical facilities, but there is no reciprocal health agreement with Australia and treatment is expensive. Tick-borne encephalitis has been reported in Alpine hiking areas during summer, so preventative measures are advised for walkers.
- Environmental conditions: sudden weather changes in alpine regions can cause avalanches and flash floods. In July 2024, local authorities issued emergency warnings after heavy rainfall caused landslides near Interlaken.
- Entry and legal requirements: Australians do not need a visa to visit Switzerland, but from October 2025, the ETIAS registration becomes compulsory. All visitors should have at least three months' passport validity after their planned departure date.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Switzerland.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Switzerland?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australian citizens to enter Switzerland.
Even though it is not legally required, having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended due to the very high cost of healthcare in Switzerland. There is no reciprocal agreement with Australia, and all medical services are private, often requiring upfront payment.
According to our data, 50% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Switzerland. This moderate percentage reflects both Switzerland's reputation as a safe country and its expensive health system.
Why take out travel insurance for Switzerland?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Switzerland.
Switzerland has a network of high-quality private medical facilities, such as Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna in Lucerne and Clinique Générale-Beaulieu in Geneva. Costs for emergency treatment, hospitalisation or repatriation can be considerable, and there is no reciprocal healthcare agreement for Australians. Foreigners must often pay upfront for all care, even in emergencies.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and repatriation to Australia if a serious incident occurs.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Switzerland.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalised 48 hours after contracting an infection | 6,000 CHF (approx. 10,200 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 2,000 CHF (approx. 3,400 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 45,000 CHF (approx. 76,500 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 12,000 CHF (approx. 20,500 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Switzerland should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Switzerland.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers consultations, hospitalisation, surgery, and emergency treatments. Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD. |
| 🏔️ Mountain rescue and evacuation | Required for alpine sports or hiking, covers emergency search and rescue in the Swiss Alps or medical evacuations. Recommended minimum: 120,000 AUD. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds for non-refundable expenses (hotels, flights) if you cannot travel due to illness, accident, or family emergency. Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD. |
| 💼 Lost or stolen baggage | Reimburses lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings during your trip. Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD. |
| 🏨 Travel delay | Compensation for extra accommodation or transport if your trip is delayed for reasons outside your control. Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD. |
| 🚑 Repatriation | Covers emergency medical repatriation to Australia if you are seriously injured or ill. Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Protection in case you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD. |
| 💊 Emergency dental | Pays for urgent dental care if you suffer pain or accident abroad. Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD. |
Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 120,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 10,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 5,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 350,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000,000 AUD.
Recommended minimum: 2,000 AUD.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has low limits and many exclusions, especially for medical costs, sports, or disruptions. For your peace of mind, always choose a comprehensive policy from a trusted insurer. Compare the best online options on HelloSafe and get instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Switzerland
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 45 AUD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 82 AUD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 134 AUD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 235 AUD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for Switzerland is influenced by several key factors. These include your age, the length of your stay, the level of cover you choose, any pre-existing medical conditions, and planned activities like skiing. Keeping these in mind is crucial for finding the right policy to protect you from high medical costs.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Switzerland
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Switzerland while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The longer your trip, the higher the premium. Switzerland is known for extended tours and mountain stays. | Adjust your coverage period to exactly match your actual stay rather than taking rounded-up durations. |
| 👫 Number of travellers | Adding family or friends to the same policy can sometimes reduce the cost per person. | Choose group or family policies to benefit from possible discounts when travelling together. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Switzerland has high medical costs, so suitable limits are important but excess benefits may not be needed. | Select coverage matching your actual needs and avoid unnecessary extras for extreme sports if not relevant. |
| 🚫 Exclusions | Some policies exclude certain activities commonly practiced in Switzerland, like skiing or hiking. | Opt for tailored plans to avoid paying extra for coverage you do not need, and check exclusions for your trip. |
| 🌍 Geographical area | Coverage may differ if you add multiple countries to your policy. | Choose single-country coverage focused only on Switzerland if you are not visiting other nations. |
| 💳 Deductible/excess | Higher excess can reduce your premium, but you risk paying more if something happens. | Set a higher excess if you are confident about your health and want to save on the upfront premium. |
| 🎂 Traveller's age | Premiums generally rise for older travellers, but some insurers treat ages differently. | Compare by age and note the insurer Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
Your current insurance coverage in Switzerland
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current cover, like public or private health insurance or your credit card insurance, can protect you while travelling in Switzerland. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient due to lack of agreements and restrictive conditions.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Switzerland? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Health care only in Australia, with no cover for medical expenses, repatriation, or emergencies overseas. Not valid for treatment in Switzerland. | Travel insurance covers up to 10,000,000 AUD for hospitalisation, emergency care, and medical evacuation, all generally excluded by Medicare. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Possibly some emergency overseas medical expenses, often capped (typ. 50,000–100,000 AUD), excludes repatriation and pre-existing conditions. No cover for theft or trip issues. | Travel insurance reimburses up to 10,000,000 AUD for overseas medical expenses and includes theft, trip cancelation, and lost baggage. |
| Classic credit card (CommBank Low Rate, Westpac Low Rate, ANZ First) | Limited coverage | May cover emergencies, trip delay, and luggage loss, limited to short trips and usually capped (typ. 2,500–20,000 AUD). Rarely covers adventure activities or repatriation. | Travel insurance can offer higher limits (medical: up to 10,000,000 AUD), adventure sports, 24/7 assistance, and personal liability. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, NAB Signature, Westpac Altitude Black) | Limited coverage | More perks than classic cards: may include medical, luggage, trip interruption, but strict conditions and price caps (usually up to 100,000 AUD). Excludes many common incidents. | Travel insurance provides broader cover (medical, liability, evacuation up to 10,000,000 AUD) and fewer exclusions for travel problems. |
Example
While skiing in Zermatt, Chloe broke her leg. The helicopter rescue and surgery cost over $60,000 AUD. Her Platinum credit card's complimentary insurance only covered $2,000, and her Australian health fund offered no overseas cover. Without dedicated travel insurance, she faced a massive, unexpected bill from her alpine holiday.
Expert advice
Don't rely on your bank card or health insurance; they often exclude trip interruptions for a relative's illness or death. Scrutinise your policy's fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa for any duration or purpose of stay in Switzerland. You can enter Switzerland using your valid Australian passport. Your passport should have at least three months’ validity beyond your intended departure from Switzerland. Make sure to check for ETIAS requirements starting from October 2025.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Switzerland?
Start by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find suitable cover for Switzerland. Carefully check policy details and exclusions to confirm protection against Switzerland-specific risks such as adventure activities or high medical costs. Buy your chosen plan online. You will then receive a certificate of insurance via email.
What are the main health risks to consider when travelling in Switzerland?
Medical services in Switzerland are of high quality, but all facilities are private and costs can be very high. There is also a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in some regions. There are no reciprocal health care agreements, so medical or hospital bills must be paid by the traveller or through insurance.
Does travel insurance cover mountain sports and activities in Switzerland?
Many Australian travellers visit Switzerland for its outdoor activities, but not all insurance policies automatically cover mountain sports such as skiing, hiking, or mountaineering. Before you buy, confirm whether your chosen policy includes cover for these activities and if there are exclusions or extra premiums.
Are there risks of theft or crime for travellers in Switzerland, and does insurance cover this?
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in tourist areas or crowded events like the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Most travel insurance will cover theft of personal belongings, but always check the claim limits and reporting requirements. Report incidents to local police to obtain the necessary documentation for your claim.
What documents do I need if I need to make a travel insurance claim in Switzerland?
You should keep all receipts for medical expenses, a doctor’s report for health claims, and a police report for theft or loss. Your travel insurer may also require proof of travel, such as flight and accommodation bookings. Promptly contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team for guidance on submitting your claim.
Do I need a visa to travel to Switzerland?
No, Australian citizens do not need a visa for any duration or purpose of stay in Switzerland. You can enter Switzerland using your valid Australian passport. Your passport should have at least three months’ validity beyond your intended departure from Switzerland. Make sure to check for ETIAS requirements starting from October 2025.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Switzerland?
Start by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find suitable cover for Switzerland. Carefully check policy details and exclusions to confirm protection against Switzerland-specific risks such as adventure activities or high medical costs. Buy your chosen plan online. You will then receive a certificate of insurance via email.
What are the main health risks to consider when travelling in Switzerland?
Medical services in Switzerland are of high quality, but all facilities are private and costs can be very high. There is also a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in some regions. There are no reciprocal health care agreements, so medical or hospital bills must be paid by the traveller or through insurance.
Does travel insurance cover mountain sports and activities in Switzerland?
Many Australian travellers visit Switzerland for its outdoor activities, but not all insurance policies automatically cover mountain sports such as skiing, hiking, or mountaineering. Before you buy, confirm whether your chosen policy includes cover for these activities and if there are exclusions or extra premiums.
Are there risks of theft or crime for travellers in Switzerland, and does insurance cover this?
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in tourist areas or crowded events like the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Most travel insurance will cover theft of personal belongings, but always check the claim limits and reporting requirements. Report incidents to local police to obtain the necessary documentation for your claim.
What documents do I need if I need to make a travel insurance claim in Switzerland?
You should keep all receipts for medical expenses, a doctor’s report for health claims, and a police report for theft or loss. Your travel insurer may also require proof of travel, such as flight and accommodation bookings. Promptly contact your insurer’s emergency assistance team for guidance on submitting your claim.
