Traveling to Switzerland can be the trip of a lifetime, but it can also be a big investment. To protect your finances from unexpected medical issues or travel mishaps, get travel medical insurance.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Switzerland – FAQs
Switzerland is a prosperous nation with excellent public healthcare. However, it is not advisable to depend on public healthcare alone. In order to receive timely treatment, you may need to utilize the services of a private medical facility, which can be expensive. It's important to make sure you have coverage that can protect you from large out-of-pocket medical bills with travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance before traveling to Switzerland?
Depending on where you're from, there may be Switzerland travel insurance requirements. Switzerland belongs to the Schengen Area. Visitors from certain countries will need to apply for a Schengen visa in order to travel to Switzerland. One of the requirements of this visa is to have compliant health insurance.
If you're from the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, or many other countries, you can visit Switzerland for up to 90 days without a visa, thus exempting you from the insurance requirement. However, when you consider the high cost of private healthcare, all visitors to Switzerland should carry proper travel medical insurance.
What should I look for in my Switzerland travel medical insurance?
If required, you need to first make sure your insurance is Schengen visa-compliant. This means it must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage, as well as coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
You also need to consider what you plan to do during your trip. The Swiss Alps are a playground for skiing, mountain climbing and mountain biking. If you're traveling to Switzerland, there's a good chance you may want to take part in activities like these. Be sure to get travel medical insurance that will provide sufficient coverage for whatever activities you intend to take part in during your vacation.
Switzerland's Most Popular Places for Travel
The sheer beauty of the famed Swiss Alps is more than enough reason to visit Switzerland. From skiing to mountaineering, there are myriad activities for travelers of all ages here.
Switzerland is also known for their chocolates and being a leader in the watchmaking industry. The latter is what symbolizes Switzerland as a nation that loves precision in all aspects of life. It is a diverse country with four official languages: German, Romansh, French, and Italian. For your Swiss vacation, don't miss out on the following destinations:
Zurich
The tranquility of Lake Zurich is astounding. Surrounding it are dozens of cafes and bars, all of which offer splendid views of the water. The Old Town, or Altstadt as it is known locally, has long, narrow winding streets that are lined by houses dating back several centuries. This was one of the regions of Europe absolutely untouched by World War II, and you can witness rich architectural heritage in all its glory. Try out traditional dishes such as fondue at the fantastic restaurants dotted around Zurich. After a leisurely lunch, set out for Bahnhofstrasse, a mile-long shopping boulevard with the best fashion names in the world vying for your attention.
Geneva
Like Zurich, Geneva is on the shores of a large lake sharing its name. For the best view, head south to Salève, a low hill overlooking the city. You could either hike to the top or take a chairlift. Geneva is the headquarters of several large international organizations including the Red Cross, International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, and more. It is a busy city that is a melting pot of several cultures. For those scientifically inclined, take a trip to CERN with its Large Hadron Collider. Trips to CERN and its museum are so much in demand that you must book well in advance.
Lucerne
A small distance away from Geneva is Lucerne, which offers an almost fairytale environment with all of the city's medieval architecture. The music festival in summer held at Lucerne is world-famous. If you like the outdoors, you can hike the lower reaches of Mt. Pilatus a few kilometers from the town. Parts of this mountainous city date back over a thousand years. The old walls and nine watchtowers are well preserved and can be seen at Museggmauer. The most iconic site is Kapellbrücke, a small covered bridge with superb paintings on the inside.
Zermatt
Located in the Valais Province, Zermatt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland. Situated at 5,200 feet, it is a town that is best known for long skiing slopes. The Matterhorn, a huge rugged peak, towers over the city. At almost 15,000 feet, it is one of the highest in Europe. There is a local museum that traces the roots of Zermatt and the various mountaineering expeditions into the Alps from here. Make sure you visit Gorner Gorge, a sheer drop along River Gornervispe. Its ethereal beauty is enchanting. However, don't bring your car to Zermatt. To prevent air pollution, internal combustion vehicles are not allowed.
St. Moritz
A renowned resort town, St. Moritz is where the rich and famous come to rest and recuperate after jet-setting around the world. The city has hosted the Winter Olympics twice in the past century and is famed as a ski town. Drop in at Hanselmann, a cozy café with a wide range of chocolate beverages. The 100-foot leaning tower of St. Moritz is a must-see. It is all that is left of an old church that stood at the spot. For an all-around view, hike up Piz Corvatsch, a nearby peak.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Switzerland
Don't hike too far
The decreased oxygen associated with the high elevation of the Swiss Alps can make even easy hikes feel strenuous. Be cautions, and go with a guide for longer treks.
Use the correct currency
Despite being in the heart of Europe, the preferred currency in Switzerland is the Swiss franc, or CHF. Though you can pay in euros, you'll most likely get your change back in Swiss francs.
Watch the weather
The mountainous terrain can bring quick changes in weather. It can be warm and sunny one minute, only to be cold and storming the next. Bring a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella when you head out.
Before You Travel to Switzerland - Do This
- Familiarize yourself with the currency. Remember that you'll be paying in Swiss francs, so it's important to get a general idea of the cost of common items.
- Be aware of the weather. Dress in layers, and bring something water-resistant in case of an unexpected storm.
- Secure your travel documents. Keep them in a safe place that's separate from your other luggage. Digital backups are a good idea as well.
- Purchase travel medical insurance.